New Technology TV

What is a cable descrambler and what does it do? A descrambler is an electronic device that allows you to watch premium movie channels and pay-per-view events and is capable of restoring audio and video signaling to a scrambled channel. A descrambler box must be used in conjunction with a converter box, with some units containing both. These components are legal and may be purchased the same as converters or any other cable equipment. Laws are specific on descramblers, and the purchaser is responsible for informing the company of intent to own and operate and of the programming the descrambler can receive in order that the owner can pay for the programming. Unauthorized reception is against the law and violators can be fined. If it is your desire to own a descrambler, don’t let the cable company tell you that it is illegal. US Federal Statutes state that a cable company cannot prevent a customer from owning and using their own equipment if the equipment is technically compatible with the cable system. As long as programming is paid for, the owner is entitled to operate their own equipment.

Cable descramblers sell for between $55.00 and $450.00 with a wide variety being available. Features and service capacities vary, and you may wish to buy a lower cost descrambler from your cable provider when they upgrade their equipment. All units are not compatible with all cable systems. It is, therefore, advisable to buy a new unit from your cable company. This will enable you to receive the latest in technology at a reasonable price as some cable companies’ offer varying prices to fit customers’ budgets. If you prefer to buy a unit off the market, be extremely careful as to what you are purchasing, and don’t confuse a descrambler for a converter. A converter is an electronic device that changes channels broadcast by the cable company and converts them into an RF signal on the television set and allows you to receive the channel whether or not the television is cable ready. A converter cannot descrambler premium or pay-per-view channels that are pre-encoded. In order to watch this programming, a cable descrambler is required whether or not you have a cable-ready set. Also available for purchase on the market is a combination descrambler/converter that descrambles pay-per-view and premium channels. The component transfers the signal directly to your TV set, and these, too, can be purchased from your provider cable company.

Installation is relatively easy with a User’s Guide that may be referenced for any problems. Most distributors of descrambler units are familiar with equipment compatibility and will be able to answer any questions. Cable system operators are also familiar with compatibility issues and will assist in installation and programming setup.
Excellence in home entertainment and superiority in programming reception can be enjoyed by one and all with the use of descrambler.