No subject

digital cable channels.  I don't subscribe to any premium channels.
In this regard, I am very lucky.

On the HDHomeRun box, my channel list is much shorter.  I receive all
of the basic HD channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, ESPN, etc.), but many
basic package (analog) and all digital channels are encrypted.

YMMV, but first find out what is available from your cable provider.
I think the only way to do this is to go rent a box and hook it up.

With that said, I fear the day that my cable company shuts down or
severely limits firewire output.  It requires only a forced download
to the set top box.  Hopefully, before that happens, someone in the
world will have introduced a box that accepts component video (or
better yet, HDMI) and streams MPEG at a reasonable price.  These exist
today, but the price is out of reach.

Good luck.

Tom