What's the point of a cable box?

[kleptophobiac]

sorry if this is a noobish question, but I don't see the point of a cable box... Could somebody help me out as to why I would need such a gizmo?

The cable company gave me one when I signed up, but I can't figure out why the hell I should plug it in when all the channels I get work just fine when plugged straight into my TV.

At the same time, what would you do with one and an HTPC?

 

[Pwnisher]

I can't get my some of my digital or HD channels without the box, all the chanels that are in the 100+ range and so forth and the pay channels need a cable box around here. People have them connected to inputs in there HTPC so they can record the programs on those channels. Use the S-Video output to an input on TV/Video card and a IR extender to control the box. TIVO's and Replay TV's have the same functions.

 

[kleptophobiac]

Hmm... interesting. I have no digital channels, and no HD channels. I take it the unit is worthless to me?

 

[Retro Rex]

Yes it is useless with regular cable if your tv has a over 100 channel tuner built in