And since more and more campuses offer free cable hookups, students have got hundreds of channels to choose from.
This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is from David, who wants to know if you'd prefer a free cable or a cheaper device when you buy pro audio gear.
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Would free basic cable (with HD of course) make it ok?
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Although anyone with an antenna can pick up a station's signals for free, cable and satellite companies typically pay stations and networks for the right to distribute their programming to subscribers.
Tiki's cable-free design allows for direct connection to a USB port, while the included docking cable provides extended connection where necessary.
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With Bluetooth enabling cable-free wireless chat, the Ear Force XP510 and PX51 headsets allow gamers to take phone calls and stream music easily.
Now since the 360 already ships with wireless technology on board, it would seem relatively simple to implement a cable-free controller for this particular deployment.
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Especially ideal as a connectivity solution in conference rooms and classrooms, the Dell Wireless Dock supports cable-free, seamless transitions between multiple presenters and hassle-free collaboration.
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Similar in size to a standard USB flash drive, Tiki's cable-free design allows it to plug directly into your laptop's USB port for instantaneous setup.
ENGADGET: Blue Microphones Tiki USB mic now available at Best Buy, coming to Apple stores July 15th
The new 50-inch Plasma Display Panel supports an unspecified high-def resolution and touts the inclusion of a wireless AV center to float the TV upon your wall (nearly) cable-free.
While it delivers rich three-channel sound when connected to a TV, it also lets you create a true five-channel surround setup pretty much cable-free using a pair of Sonos Play:3 wireless speakers.
This includes distribution of current and library film and television product, formats and non-scripted programming in the pay, free, and basic cable television markets, as well as the domestic syndication of first-run syndicated TV programs, theatrical and TV movie packages.
With the increasing popularity of cable-free charging pads that allow devices to soak up juice from a mat (or even a pillow), the Wireless Power Consortium is lobbying to standardize such systems so that any phone can access any charger.
Beginning in the 1920s, broadcast television was delivered free over local airwaves, and even when the industry started charging for service via cable networks, the free broadcasts kept coming.
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Single-entity status would also allow teams in the same city to set ticket prices jointly, and permit the league to move its games from free broadcast television to paid cable.
Though Hulu has had little trouble serving up broadcast programming from 30 Rock to Desperate Housewives, securing cable series on the free (advertiser-supported) service has proved trickier.
As Republican Joe Barton, chair of the Commerce Committee, sees it, online companies have been getting a free ride on networks built by the cable and phone companies.
Worse, Food had signed deals allowing cable providers to carry the network for free for ten years.
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Cable, wireless and satellite providers are free to provide voice service (or not) over the network of their choosing, and they are free to pick and choose which homes to serve.
"Many consumers don't realize they can get these channels over the air in HD for free, or for a small fee from your cable provider, " said Avner Ronen, chief executive of Boxee.
The hottest market is India, where the combination of a staid state broadcaster with a free-to-air monopoly and fierce competition among cable and satellite companies has boosted pay-TV.
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They also come with a new specially designed carrying case that features cable management, as well as OFC (oxygen free copper) cables for enhanced sonic performance.
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Add free Netflix streaming to the list of reasons why people are choosing cable as their broadband provider, particularly if they live in an area that is covered by the new network of free wireless hotspots.
Speaking of " authenticated" cable and satellite subscribers, the broadcaster also updated the free Fox Now second screen apps on iOS and Android, adding access to stream full episodes of its TV shows wherever you are -- as long as you have a membership with a participating provider.
She immediately darted for the shore and wrapped herself around a cable near the dock, but Mike somehow worked the line free.
Still, we bet people still fall for the hype -- oh hey, if you're looking for the ultimate in sound, we've got half a meter of oxygen-free, triple-wrapped double-insulated Sonically Shielded AmpliSized Egyptian Llama cable here that we'll part ways with for just a couple grand.
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If the broadcasters allow Aereo to get its broadcasting programming for free, this may lead to other companies retransmitting signal (eg. the cable companies) to request that broadcast retransmission fees be eliminated or at least lowered drastically.
Apple and the cable companies premium paid model may prove less popular with consumers than the free ad-supported model.
Mr Cable called for pensioners' benefits such as the winter fuel allowance, free TV licences and travel passes to be taxed.
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