4. Which cable converter is best for me? You have two choices when purchasing your cable equipment, a single-unit (one-piece) system or a system containing two units (two-piece). Combination box advantages: The one-piece system is based on a combination of cable converter and a descrambler, installed in a single box. This unit is referred to as a combination unit. The pluses: Easy to hook up, Available in both generic or name brand , similar to systems used by cable companies. Separate component advantages: The two-piece systems is based on two separate units, A cable converter and a descrambler, that are connected together and function as one-piece system. The pluses: lower cost, components can be individually upgraded, and interchangeable components.

9. Cable terms: Basic cable, Premium cable, Pay-Per-View services? Basic cable service: the least expensive cable service provided by cable companies to their customers. This service usually includes local TV channels which can be received directly from the broadcast signal of the TV stations. Premium cable service: additional programming service provided by the cable company to subscribing customers. The extra fee for such additional service may be based on per channel, per group of channels , or any other combination of channels. Pay per view: selected channels that offer movies and special events such as sports or adult entertainment, for an additional fee, on a per movie or per program basis. A special "addressable " cable converter is furnished by the cable company to subscribers of this service.

When you add a descrambler to your converter, it allows you to view all premium channels. 6. What is a cable descrambler? A cable descrambler is a device that restores the picture and sound of a scrambled channel. A descrambler must be used with a converter (in a two piece configuration) to be able to descramble all the premium channels of a cable system. 7. What is a cable converter-descrambler? A single (one piece) unit capable of descrambling premium channels. This unit contains a converter and a descrambler, enclosed in a common box. This is also the most common type of equipment supplied by the cable company to subscribing customers. Customers usually pay a specified monthly rental fee for such equipment.

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