Hi,

This is a very basic question. I have never ordered cable before so I don't know the answer to this question. But I have a sharp aquos LC46d64u HDTV and I was wondering if I need a set-top cable box in order to decode the channels properly. I want to know b/c for an extra set-top it's going to be $11/month more! I will already need one for the bedroom, I think, which is the Syntax 30" LT30HV, which I don't think can decode any signals properly. But my Sharp lc46d64u supposedly has QAM/NTSC/ATSC decoding.

Also, I have an HTPC with Hauppauge HVR-1800. Is that good enough to decode the signal as well without needing a set-top box?

And what is the story with this "Cable card" thing?

Thanks for everyones help!

Generally, cable companies offer a variety of tiers of service. To ensure that customers only tune in the channels they've paid for, channels beyond the most basic level of service are often encrypted. Decryption is only possible either with a cable-company provided set-top box or with CableCards (which are only supported by a small number of televisions). So while you can probably tune in your local broadcast channels via cable with your new television and no other apparatus, that is probably the extent of what it can do alone.