Explain cable cards

[BOSS]

I am completely in the dark about cable cards and am trying to figure out how they work.

If I am looking to be able to watch HD TV, will a cable card allow me to do that? If I get a cable card through comcast, what is my total monthly charge and what channels do I get? How does it work?

I'd call Comcast, but for those of you who have experienced their customer service, I'd rather hear from you guys

 

[CMA 5.110]

how I understand it, a cable card replaces your cable box, Provided you have a tv with a cable card slot or DVR with one. However you sacrifice the ability to get on demand and ppv. So you can get the same channels as a box but none of those extra features. I think the price is the same. Any one else want to chime in?

 

[AUinAustin]

When I last looked at them in 2005 you didn't get the interactive guide.

 

[Vince4Heisman]

I have a cable card for my tv in my bedroom, 42" plasma and hd dvr box in my living room..the cable card is free if you have one box already. Basically yes I get all of the channels I get on my box but do not get on demand service or PPV..perfect for my setup in the bedroom....it was however a pain in the balls to get setup correctly as I dont think comcast deals with them a whole lot....

basically from what i gathered the cable companies were forced to support them to give people an option other than renting their cable boxes....so the cable companies dont like them or go out of their way to support them