[keithah]

Not exactly, 'protected' channels are only supported by Windows Media Center, TiVo and SiliconDust's DVR right now. But majority of the channels on cable networks aren't protected, as long as you're not with TWC or Cox anyways..

[wang_li]

Comcast in Seattle encrypts all channels on the wire. If you have a cable box then you can get a digital stream via ieee1394/firewire of all non-premium channels. Premium channels you cannot get a digital stream at all.