Can someone tell me why I have to buy my HDTV box from my cable carrier. My cable carrier, Rogers, is selling the Scientific Atlanta 3250 for $299 whereas on Ebay I can get the exact same model for $199. I called Rogers and they said I have to get it from them and the one from Ebay won't work on their network. Is this true? Any way around it?
There is no way around this with Rogers. They will only activate SA STBs that have been purchased from them or from authorized distributors. They have this right due to concerns about interfaces with their head end. Also, many of the SA STBs for sale on e-Bay are stolen, therefore this prevents additional theft.
Most Cable companies in the US only allow rental of the STBs directly from them. You don't even get the option to buy from the cable company or authorized distributors, like you do with Rogers. I don't believe you will find much sympathy here.
