Reddit reviews Samsung GX-SM530CF Cable Box and Streaming Media Player with Built-In Wi-Fi (2013 Model)
We found 12 Reddit comments about Samsung GX-SM530CF Cable Box and Streaming Media Player with Built-In Wi-Fi (2013 Model). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Features cable feed-in and a Cable CARD slotWi-Fi Built-InFeatures Samsung Smart Hub with access to streaming services including Amazon Instant Video, and Netflix
A Tivo subscription is $15 a month, plus you have to buy a box that costs several hundred dollars.....not exactly a good alternative. Now this product a few years back was a good deal, https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-GX-SM530CF-Streaming-Player-Built-In/dp/B00EYO241Q, but of course it quietly disappeared from the market and there really isn't anything like it.
Samsung makes what you are looking for, full disclosure they is a fairly old box at this point.
Samsung GX-SM530CF Cable Box and Streaming Media Player with Built-In Wi-Fi (2013 Model) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EYO241Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_95t3Ab57QG4J1
I won't help you with illegal options, but if you want a legal way, the best way is a HDHR, or a TiVo. The TiVo Romaio, (not OTA), will allow you to insert a CableCard, (the "brains" of the unit that decodes QAM64 signals so you can watch them), as well as ClearQAM signals). Well, technically, you don't even need a CableCard capable device to descramble them, (it's unencrypted cable). Just any TV other than an Emerson. ClearQAM is the new "analog cable".
If you're looking for a compliant CableCard ready device, I reccomend the Samsung GX-SM530CF. It will get you the full rental cable box experience, (but you own the damned thing), but no PPV. Also, this model does not have DVR capabilities). (if you want that, go with a TiVo Bolt. While not cord cutting related, this is "cord shaving", so I petition the mods to let this post stand.
I searched for "cable card tuner" on Amazon and this was the second result:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EYO241Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6jt3Ab0JX8628
I'm sure many of the search results would do the trick.
I've run across this Samsung box a few times in my searching. I don't know much about it, but would love to hear if it's worthwhile. It features a cablecard slot, plus the usual streaming apps.
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-GX-SM530CF-Streaming-Player-Built-In/dp/B00EYO241Q
Samsung GX-SM530CF Cable Box and Streaming Media Player with Built-In Wi-Fi. [$75]
Works on any cable provider and costs less than renting a cablebox. If you use it as your "first" cable box with Comcast, they'll actually pay you $2.50/month.
Would consider trading it for a 2TB+ hard drive, decent road bicycle, or an Xbox 360 Slim.
Consumers do have options. They're all just kind of expensive.
The cheapest solution is to buy a TV or a set-top box with a CableCard slot: When you use a CableCard, you get almost all of the channels in your package plus the HD variants without having to pay the HD tech fee. Comcast usually gives you the first two CableCards for free, and then each additional CableCard for around $2 a month. Also, Comcast will credit your account around $3 a month for using your own equipment (sometimes you have to ask for them to do it, but they will do it).
Some newer HDTVs have CableCard slots built in. Most don't, though. If yours doesn't, you have three options:
There are other cable boxes you can buy — eBay is littered with used Motorola and Arris boxes — but be careful which ones you buy. Some of them are stolen, and if Comcast thinks you're trying to activate a box that has been stolen or was "lost" by a customer, they won't activate it.
Because when you use a CableCARD you have to give your MSO (i.e. cable company - Charter, Cox, etc.) three pieces of information in order to activate/authorize the device/CC to receive & decrypt signals:
More often than not any Scientific Atlanta, Motorola, Pace, etc. set top box that you see for sale online is stolen/non-returned equipment. Generally MSOs will only allow STBs they own on their network. IIRC they keep a database of stolen/non-returned equipment and those devices will be blacklisted from receiving service (I also think the various MSOs share lists of these devices so that if you try to take a box from Cox and try to activate it on Comcast it will also be blacklisted). These STBs remain the property of the MSO, so even if someone paid the non-returned equipment fee the STB would still have to be returned once discovered.
In order to guarantee that you're being 100% legal you would need to use a TiVo, Samsung GX-SM530CF (mentioned by u/MeowMixSong), or a HDHomeRun Prime (you'll also need a device to display content on a TV. Check out the section for HDHomeRun App requirements for Live TV at the bottom of the link).
Just curious, but does Optimum not offer a TV app for devices like a Roku like the other MSOs do?
Edit: Accidentally a word.
Any device that supports a CableCARD can be activated on Comcast and used as your own. CableCARDs start at $2.99/mo. and can be provided free in some instances.
This media player supports CableCARD as a cable box.
Note: Not every device that uses a CableCARD can access guide data and On Demand content.
You could buy something like this but you would still have to rent a cable card (usually $2-3/month)
I would second the antenna suggestion
Exchanges are free. An HD upgrade from an SD box is going to cost you ~$10/month. Alternatively, you could get a cablecard from comcast possibly rent free depending on where you live and buy yourself a set top box that supports them. This set top box, apart from showing your channels (both SD and HD), comes with netflix, other apps, and media center functions.
I recommend this Samsung cable box.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EYO241Q/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_uIoitb1VG4NBP
It supports over the air and cable cards. If you ever get cable such as comcast(no cost for cable card)or verizon ($5 month card rental) it can also be used it place of the cable providers box.
I can't tell you if the xbox one has the remote commands for it, but I can vouch for the device.
Warning: cable box picks up guide info from cable provider. Verizon FIOS guide is not compatible. (Xbox one has its own guide.)