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. 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.
Addressable Cable Box Equipment allow the cable company to access your cable box to change the descrambling configuration or program. This function provides the cable company the ability to add or delete descrambling on the channels that come in through your cable line. The program remains stationary and is unchangable. Both cable box designs have the potential of receiving all channels, none or somewhere inbetween, dependent on the box program. This service usually includes Local TV channels which can be received directly from the broadcast signal of the TV stations.