Instruct: Classify the given review as either positive or negative.
Query: Cable Guy

Working for the cable company I can assure you these boxes are indeed not sold to the public. And as far as the company I work for if you were to purchase this box you wouldn't be able to use it. Ever. I would assume all other providers would be the same. As far as avoiding the eqp monthly charge. Your best bet is buying a TIVO. But at that time you would need to rent 1-2 (depending on the tivo) cable cards.. Which run about $2 ea per month. Is it worth the $3 savings? Maybe?