OT: open source/ hardware video recorder in NY Times

[chip33az at netscape.net]

I have to pay extra for the basic cable.
 
When I signed up at the house many years ago, the basic cable was free 
if you ordered their Internet service.
 
When I moved into the apartment a few months back, I inquired about that 
and they stated they no longer provided that service.  I did order the 
Internet, but not the cable service.  Once I had the Internet up and 
going I tried to plug my TV into the coax and received no channels.  I 
tried an antenna, but didn't receive anything so I ordered their basic 
line-up.
 
Fry's has a basic HDTV USB device for $80 with a $20 rebate that I might 
try to see how/if it works.

Erich Newell wrote:
> Do you pay the extra dollar or whatever it is to get the basic cable
> included with your cablemodem, or are you simply attaching your
> existing connection to a receiver? If you don't have a subscription to
> the basic cable service you should only be able to see up to channel
> 22 in the East Valley or 23 if you're lucky and live in the central or
> west valley. (23 is Discovery channel...which I don't receive) These
> channels cannot be blocked without affecting the function of the data
> service.
>
> As for me, I've never subscribed to the basic service (even though it
> only works out to a dollar more) because my work has paid for my cable
> modem...but if a portion of the bill shows up as "TV service" they
> won't pay that bit...and since I only watch the OTA HD PBS broadcasts
> anyhow, I choose to keep the ~$12 difference each month in my wallet.
> :)
>
> I'm almost 100% certain that no HD channels are broadcast in the range
> available to me...Anyone have different experience? (i.e. no basic
> subscription, but HD channels still visible)
>
>