Cable TV Descramblers & Converters

What Is A "Cable Descrambler"

A cable descrambler is a device which decodes a cable television signal, so that it will display on your television. Cable subscribers ordinarily get a cable box directly from the cable company when they sign up for regular or digital cable. Based upon the subscription they select, certain channels are descrambled while others remain scrambled. There may be additional features to permit cable customers to watch "pay per view" or "on demand" shows and movies. 

It is also possible to purchase cable descramblers. If the use of the cable box is authorized by the cable company, and appropriate subscriptions are paid, there is no problem. However, if the device is a "pirate box descrambler", which decodes cable television without authorization or payment, that use is illegal. If somebody offers to sell you a descrambler with the promise of "free cable", it is almost certain that they are selling you an illegal device. 

Cable Television News
The official Digital Television/DTV Converter Box Coupon Program is now online. Congress created it for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets and use over-the-air antennae to get TV feeds. After February 17, 2009. The Program allows American households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes. A TV connected to cable, satellite, or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box from this program.

Cable converters may be owned and operated legally, but they can also be operated illegally. Under US Federal Law, cable have the right to own and operate their own cable equipment, providing that equipment is compatible with the cable system. The cable converter box must only be capable of descrambling those cable channels and programs that have been paid for and are authorized for reception by the cable system's operators. The unauthorized reception of cable programming is against the law and can carry stiff penalties and fines for anyone found to be violating the law. As the purchaser of a converter, you are responsible for informing you cable system's operators of your intention to own and operate your own equipment and you must inform the operators concerning all the programming that your converter is capable of receiving so you may then pay for that programming.