i was told by a friend he can filter my Comcast digital box and i can get free cable., will i still have to be connected to the cable connection outside? I am wondering how is digital cable transmitted, does it need a connection?
Digital Boxes Use Something Called a Digital Access Controller (DAC) or depending on your area a Digital Network Control System (DNCS) Both of these devices are simply computers that turn channels ON or OFF for your digital box. In the days of analog cable you had what was called a Trap or a filter on your cable connection going into your house which 'Filtered' out channels you were not paying for. In these days you would be able to remove the trap or filter and viola! free cable channels. Now in the Digital age, traps and filters are no longer being used. The DAC or DNCS controls all aspects of your Digital cable. The only way your friend would happen to be able to do this is if he was either an amazing hacker and can undermine the security systems put in place on the network, without getting caught (fat chance) or, if he worked as a Network Engineer for Comcast and was able to modify your channels in the DAC or DNCS without getting caught (even a fatter chance) Make a long story short, no this is not possible, and Yes it needs a direct connection to the cable network which comes either up from the ground or down from a pole to your house. Hope this helps. Matt
Yes, it needs a connection and what you'll be doing is called cable theft.
