It allows you to receive all basic channels if your TV is not the cable ready type. When you add a descrambler to your converter, it allows you to view all premium channels. A descrambler is a device that restores the picture and sound of a scrambled channel. This unit contains a converter and a descrambler, enclosed in a common box and outputs the ignal directly to your TV, VCR or video projector. This is also the most common type of equipment supplied by the cable company to subscribing customers.
Customers usually pay a specified monthly rental fee for such equipment.
You have two choices when purchasing your equipment, a single unit or a system containing two units. This unit is referred to as a combination unit. Similar to the systems used by cable companies. Addressable cable box equipment allow the cable company to access your cable box to change the descrambling configuration or programing. This function provides the cable company the ability to add or delete descrambling on the channels that come in through your cable line.