Most cable companies are going this way to stop piracy. When you use their set top box they control the programming you can or can't receive. Each set top box is given an identification number. The cable company needs to activate that number in order for the box to operate. In the old days all you would need to do to pirate or steal programming was climb the utility pole and connect the line and connect the other side to your cable ready TV. Having the new system also reduces cable company labor costs, by eliminating the need to send out a technician to activate cable service. It can be done from the company central location by computer. By requiring a set top box the cable company has eliminated the theft of services and therefore increased the revenue. I know this information doesn't help you with your issue, but now you know why it is done this way.