| A QAM tuner enables the television set, to tune in to | | | | digital channels are scrambled by the cable provider, |
| the QAM (digital cable) signals being sent by the cable | | | | then a cable box is still necessary. An alternative |
| providers. This allows free reception, of the | | | | would be to buy a television that is labeled "digital |
| unscrambled digital cable channels. A QAM tuner will | | | | cable ready". This type of television will have a |
| eliminate the necessity for a cable set-top box, for | | | | CableCARD module with a slot. Cable providers will |
| most basic cable services. Digital channels that are | | | | have a special card they insert and install into this slot |
| not part of the basic cable package, are usually | | | | located on the tv. This card, will unscramble the |
| scrambled. But this is not always the case. Which | | | | protected channels, and allow subscribers to tune in |
| channels are scrambled varies greatly from location | | | | all authorized digital channels, without the need for a |
| to location, and will probably change over time. If the | | | | traditional, cable, set-top box. |