Need a digital adapter (?!) for Time Warner Cable

[chumba-wumba]

Hi everyone. Newbie here.

TWC is now requiring that every TV in my home has a digital adapter or a set-top box, if I want to watch certain channels like CNBC. Their pitch is that they're converting certain channels from analog to digital. The research I've done on this (on this site and elsewhere) seems to indicate that in fact it's to prevent people stealing cable and/or to drive additional revenue through the sales of adapters/boxes.

I called TWC and they say that I can use a 3rd-party digital adapter, however they refuse to give me any information on brands/models/functions of such an adapter. From searching around on the internet I haven't been able to figure out what exactly I need to buy. Can anyone suggest a digital adapter that would work in this scenario?

Also, I've never streamed video from my cable box before (I do rent one). This may be another option instead of getting an adapter. Just wondering if anyone has thoughts on video streaming? Is the video quality up to snuff and do you get buffering/lag time issues? I basically have CNBC running all the time, so I need a robust solution.

fyi... I truly despise Time Warner (yet another money-sucking vampire squid) which is why I'm going out of my way to figure out my other options....

Many thanks for your help!

 

[Wolfshadw]

Check with your cable company to see if your basic cable subscription includes HD channels.
Does your cable company require the use of a set top box to decrypt the HD channels?
Do you have an HDTV in both locations?

There's no way we can answer that without knowing the specifics of your cable subscription and what equipment (TVs) you own.

-Wolf sends

 

[Idontknown]

I got my adapter and the basic cable channels are in HD except for nbcsn. So if you only have a cable box to get HD you can turn that back in and save yourself some money.

 

[TWChater]

I spoke to TW regarding digital adapters for our tv's (we have a total of three which needs it). The technician I spoke to (Eddie) was super awesome. This call made me change my mind (a little bit) about TIme Warner (I have a long standing dislike for this company and am stuck because it's my only option where I live). He said the first year is FREE for the digital adapter, regardless of how many you request. After the first year, it's $1.50 per month, per digital adapter and does not include tax. He double checked with his supervisor that there is no option but to get the digital adapter from TW. Hope this information helps. Any ideas on how we can lower our monthly cable bill - is Direct TV a good option?

 

[TWChater]

My HOA pays thousands a year for cable service from TWC. Now, TWC is billing homeowners individually for the boxes, even though the HOA has a 5 year contract with this rip off company. We have no option for other service unless we wish to pay for additional service from another provider, since the TWC cable service is a part of what the HOA provides and included in our dues. I despise this company and would never engage them for any service if I had a choice in the matter.