I want to purchase a flat screen HD LCD TV (32") and mount it on a wall. I do not want a cable box, or any type of receiver sitting on the TV. I have not been able to find a digital cable ready LCD TV which will take a CableCard. Some Plasmas are available, but too expensive and large.
Do I have any other options. I am not married to cable. Would switch to direct TV, Verizon FIOS (if it were available in my area). I understand that TiVO is cable card ready, but I con't really understand it. I understand that new TVs can be plugged diretcly into the cable, bypassing the cable box. I do that with my bedroom TV, but I can not get all the cable channels.
Can anyone offer any suggestions?
Thank you!
2PupsMom
CableCard may not give you what you want.
If you use a CableCard on your TV, you won't be able to record, pause, time shift any HD programing since there is no storage device. I assume the Tivo will do this, but it seems to me you would be paying twice for what is essentially the same service.
CableCard technology cannot support two-way interactivity so you will not have access to the Interactive TV Guide or pay per view.
Just something to think about.
Due to many of the reasons that Alex W has mentioned, most TV manufacturers have abandoned the original CableCard capability. I’m sorry I don’t have better news for you there.
TiVo really isn’t a good solution as it will be it’s own box, (Just like a Cable Box) that will have to be connected in-line between your cable feed an television. If you don’t want to see a cable box, I can only assume you don’t want to see a TiVo box either.
However, the good news is: there is a second generation CableCard technology currently in development. It is being tested in a few markets right now and, if successful, we may begin to see some new television models supporting CableCard 2.0, later this year or early next.
I hope that helps.
www.crutchfield.com/Ryan