By separating encryption functions from basic decoding capabilities, CableCARDs allow customers to plug their cable line directly into a TV set, no receiver or set-top box necessary. About the size of a small stack of credit cards, the card slides into a built-in slot on digital TVs and other consumer electronic devices, such as digital video recorders (DVR's ) and HDTV sets.
CableCARD Pros
CableCARDs eliminate the need for boxes that take up space on your home entertainment center or living room. The cards are easy to install and do not require an appointment with a technician. They generally cost less to lease from your cable provider than a set-top box, but this varies widely across providers. CableCARDs can bring you more choice, freeing you from whatever options your provider decides to give you through their cable boxes. For example, some TiVo models include slots for two cards, allowing you to record from one channel while watching another.
According to Audioholics.com, the biggest advantage from CableCARDS comes in the picture quality. Set-top boxes provided by cable companies are generally more focused on features than signal quality. CableCARDs allow you to decrypt digital cable and use higher quality components to handle the scaling and display of your cable channels.
CableCARD Cons
If your current home entertainment devices are not marked with the Digital Cable Ready icon, you can't take advantage of the technology until you purchase new ones. In addition, most CableCARD producst are a one-way system. This means you can't access an interactive program guide. You'll be limited to non-interactive onscreen listings. The one-way system also means you can't order pay-per-view or on-demand programming from your TV screen.
You can access these functions with your set-top box by inserting the CableCARD into it, as most new boxes have the built-in slot. However, that would require paying to lease both a card and a box from your provider. Make sure you read up on your devices or any devices your are interested in purchasing carefully before deciding to go the CableCARD route.
Bottom Line
Set-top boxes aren't going away any time soon. If you are comfortable with your currently entertainment set-up, you should stick with it. Cable operators say they have developed new downloadable technology that will be less expensive for both the cable companies and consumers, and they continue to lobby against CableCARD technology. If they have their way, you may never need to decide between the two devices. However, if given the choice, it's important to research how well your current television works with the technology and do a cost comparison of the CableCARD versus the fee you pay for your current set-top box. If interactive features are important, it may not be worth the trouble for you.
