Should I tip the cable guy?

[Metal_Rat]

[ QUOTE ]
Do I tip him for setting up my service? my roomate says its -EV

[/ QUOTE ]

Only if he'll set you up with the premium channels...

BUT many years ago, I had my girlfriend stay at my place for the day so the cable guy could come in and set up my cable box.

I signed up for basic cable but ended up having access to EVERY premium channel available. She claims she didn't provide any 'extras' to get these channels, but to this day I still wonder (she was a hottie though).

The premium channels were sweet. Having a hot girl let the cable guy in is definitely +EV

[bluef0x]

I always wondered... is it just a switch or something? If so, why can't we just go outside and flip it. Wouldn't the actual cable company operators or whoever is billing know that we aren't being charged the correct price?

I can see this kind of stuff happening when cable was new... but now with technology and every company striving to be efficient, I just don't see how stuff like this is still possible.

[Metal_Rat]

[ QUOTE ]
I always wondered... is it just a switch or something? If so, why can't we just go outside and flip it. Wouldn't the actual cable company operators or whoever is billing know that we aren't being charged the correct price?

I can see this kind of stuff happening when cable was new... but now with technology and every company striving to be efficient, I just don't see how stuff like this is still possible.

[/ QUOTE ]

Apparently, there used to be these 'bridging cables' that was used to hook you up to all the extra channels. Cable guys used to periodically check to see that the 'box' was set up properly.

Now I have digital cable w/HD and it seems like everything can be monitored from the main office.

[bluef0x]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I always wondered... is it just a switch or something? If so, why can't we just go outside and flip it. Wouldn't the actual cable company operators or whoever is billing know that we aren't being charged the correct price?

I can see this kind of stuff happening when cable was new... but now with technology and every company striving to be efficient, I just don't see how stuff like this is still possible.

[/ QUOTE ]

Apparently, there used to be these 'bridging cables' that was used to hook you up to all the extra channels. Cable guys used to periodically check to see that the 'box' was set up properly.

Now I have digital cable w/HD and it seems like everything can be monitored from the main office.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well obviously back in the day it was possible because there were "blackboxes" and such. I guess it was in the cable box or something that could unlock the channels?

But is anyone actually getting the goods without paying for it today?