🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <9636@fs3.cam.nist.gov> crosson@cam.nist.gov (Robert Crosson) writes:
>In article <mhart.699710517@blackjack>, mhart@blackjack.dt.navy.mil (Michael Hart) writes:
>I was under the impression that the remote control system in
>the cable converter could be enabled/disabled remotely by the
>cable company just like they enable/disable pay-per-view reception.
>Thus, if you don't pay them to have remote control, you don't get
>remote control.

You are correct.

This presents an opportunity for someone to make a channel changer
that sits on top of your remote and mechanically changes your channels,
and, of course, is IR-ready.  (Presumably there is no need to sell yet
another remote.)

At $6 a month (or whatever the charge is), it wouldn't take long for a
$50 box (my estimate to build and sell) like this to be a good buy.
Even at $100 would be worth it.  You'd need a small number of
different ones to cover the national market.

Alternatively, you can buy a third-party descrambler (avoiding
watching any channels you aren't paying for, of course) The
descrambler will let you use your own converter which of course means
you can use your own remote.  This is perfectly legal, but the cable
company will probably get upset with you anyway.

Don Libes          libes@cme.nist.gov      ...!uunet!cme-durer!libes