What is a CableCARD for a TV?

CableCard is an interface for digital TV that lets you plug your cable line directly into your TV set without the need for a set-top box.

Does my TV support CableCARD?

Check the back of your TV set for a CableCard connection. The incoming signal cable plugs straight into the CableCard, which plugs directly into your television set. You can find out if your TV set has a CableCard by checking the back or side panel of the set.

How do I use a CableCARD on my TV?

Install the CableCARD by following the instructions in your device’s user manual. Installation usually involves inserting the CableCARD into a slot in the rear or bottom of your device. After installing your CableCARD, you’ll experience a short delay while a prompt is displayed on your TV.

What devices use CableCARDs?

Device manufacturers, such as TiVo and Ceton, manufacture devices for retail that can use a CableCARD to access Xfinity TV service. If you purchased a CableCARD-compatible cable TV Box from a reseller, it can also be used to access Xfinity TV services (see customer-owned TV Boxes for further information).

Do CableCARDs still exist?

In September 2020, the FCC eliminated CableCARD support and reporting requirements by cable operators, recognizing that cable industry deployment and use of CableCARDs have been “disappointing”, and noting that competition has provided other options for consumer flexibility via streaming media over the Internet.

What is a CableCARD spectrum?

A CableCARD is a one-way PC card device that allows access to Spectrum TV services. This means that you don’t need to lease a Spectrum Receiver (cable box).

Are CableCARDs still available?

However, the FCC eliminated the last vestige of regulation on CableCards, so there is nothing to stop a cable company from cutting off CableCard devices, other than perhaps a desire to not push more households to cut the cord.

How much is a CableCARD?

We lease CableCARDs for $2 per month per CableCARD for use in customer-owned retail CableCARD-ready devices.

Are CableCARDs going away?

Last Friday, the Federal Communications Commission finally gave up on trying to mandate more alternatives to clunky and expensive cable boxes. In a unanimous decision, the agency eliminated rules requiring cable providers to support CableCARD devices, which are used today in third-party DVRs such as TiVo.

Why do I need a CableCARD?

A CableCARD is installed into a compatible device that allows access to Spectrum TV services. This means you don’t need to lease a Spectrum Receiver (cable box). If you’re having issues with your CableCARD, you can troubleshoot it.

Where is the CableCARD?

The physical CableCARD is inserted into a slot in the host (typically a digital television set or a set-top box) in order to identify and authorize the customer, and to provide proprietary decoding of the encrypted digital cable signal without the need for a proprietary set-top box.

Can I purchase a CableCARD?

CableCARDs can be ordered for delivery, or picked up at your local Spectrum store. CableCARD-compatible/ready devices can also be purchased at retail stores. Learn how to self-install a CableCARD into a CableCARD-compatible retail device.