Ways to record shows on cable?

[jacatone]

Is there a way to record digital shows on Time Warner Cable without having to rent one of their DVRs or buying a TIVO and renting their cable card. I can buy a DVR for regular broadcast but not cable it seems. Why is that?

[Krispy Kritter]

They have all switched over to all digital systems and most of the channels are encrypted. So you need a cable box or cable card to decrypt the channels.

The only channels that should be clear CAM (ie: unencrypted), would be the local channels.

[jagabo]

Why is that?

So the cable company can charge you an extra $20 every month for their PVR and "service".

[usually_quiet]

They have all switched over to all digital systems and most of the channels are encrypted. So you need a cable box or cable card to decrypt the channels.

The only channels that should be clear CAM (ie: unencrypted), would be the local channels.

Cable companies have been allowed to encrypt all channels (including locals) since late 2012, and most now do.

[usually_quiet]

Is there a way to record digital shows on Time Warner Cable without having to rent one of their DVRs or buying a TIVO and renting their cable card.

You started another related thread last year. The same option exist now as then for TWC customer. If you are not proficient with computers, the computer-based DVR options will be too challenging. TiVo is a bit easier, but you may not get a working CableCARD or tuning adapter the first time. A DVD recorder with an HDD about as easy as using a VCR, and has some of the same drawbacks. Easiest is the TWC DVR.

The final option is not to record, but use TWC On Demand or TWC TV. They won't let you watch everything but will allow you to time-shift some programming if you don't wait too long to watch it. You may need to upgrade your Internet service to use TWC TV.