HD lover, HD service providers loather

[batman]

The local cable service provider has a monopoly. The "dish" providers obtain a similar leverage with thier service contracts. In both cases you are subject to their infrastructures.

HOW DO I GAIN MY HD INDEPENDENCE?

Is there an online source for this media, and what hardware/software is available and necessary to use my VAIO essentially in the same capacity as a cable or dish providers HD DVR? (with picture and sound quality being considered paramount)

Any direction is greatly appreciated!

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

Just to clarify: You plan on using a subscription service for your HD, either Cable or Dish, but want to use your PC as a digital video recorder instead of renting the DVR from the Cable or Satellite company correct?

 

[stratman]

Basically you're asking how to get HD without using a provider (sat dish, cable etc?) There are ways, but as far as I know they're illegal, you buy an "open" receiver on the net, then you have to find a site (usually offshore, Grand Cayman, Bahamas) that will sell you the "keys" to allow your receiver to descramble the incoming signal. You'll be involved in a cat and mouse chase with the satellite providers as they try and foil "keys", if that's done you have to buy a set of new "keys" again, they might last anywhere from a couple of weeks to months, but you will always be beholden to someone, either the providers or the professional hackers that break and provide the keys. Trust me you'll never win. And if somehow you get caught (it has happened), that's another can of worms.

 

[annunaki]

Getting busted with a hacked unit is open to penalty from the FCC as well. They are fairly stiff too. Besides the hassle, it is not worth it (hacked or keyed units)

I am not happy with the price they charge for a person to get HD. They should offer HD for free as they are "supposedly" cutting edge program providers. Nearly all of their programming should already be in HD and you should have to pay for SD. It would easily fund a complete switch to HD. At least on the sattelite and cable side.

 

[majorloser]

You can always receive "off-air" HD/digital programming if it's available in your area.

Here's a site to check your area:
http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Address.aspx

Just enter your info and it will tell you what's available. You only need to enter the Zip Code. It will give you a list of what digital station are available, how far they are, what type of antenna you'll need and which way to point it.

(Of course you'll need a HD/digital receiver if your set doesn't have one "built-in")