What is cable decoder / converters / descrambler?

[Wooster]

Just move to new area. The local cable TV company, which is Media One, want me to rent their decoder. My previous cable company never ask me to. Do I have to or I can simply buy it from other place?

I check the web and saw whole bunch name for it, decoder, descrambler and converter. Can anybody tell me where to buy them cheap? Most of them cost around $250. Ouch!!

Do they have univeral decoder that work with all system? I am moving within two years (contracting job), I don't want to pay for another again.

I would appreciate for any suggestion and info.

 

[Simulacrum]

If you have a cable ready TV, you most likely don't need a descrambler, unless you want premium channels (HBO, TMC, etc), or PPV. You cable company can tell you exactly what you need one for. What state are you in?

If you do need a descrambler because of premium channels or PPV, the box is usually only a couple bucks a month, which would take a while to exceed $250 to buy one. I seriously doubt there is a "universal" descrambler, considering many companies are going digital right around now.

 

[Wooster]

I just moved to Boston area. Back in Illinois, my cable company don't need decoder to watch premium channels but have to call in to watch PPV.