I added a splitter to the Comcast coax cable, then plugged one wire into the cable modem and the other into the back of my TV. Network TV channels for no extra cost.
In South San Jose you need a "pretty big" antenna to receive a decent line-up of OTA channels being broadcast from north San Fran... A smaller powered antenna even up on the roof would not pick them up clearly.
Knowing a bit about how these cable networks work inside the building i was curious to see how they will implement this. I thought they might have a filter for all those just having internet subscription but this could only work with certain types of wiring inside the building and also depends on access to the equipment which is not always available to them.
Then i thought they might replace the wall socket either with some filter build in or just missing plug for the TV. But again this is only possible when they are allowed to access the equipment or maintain their own. Also this seemed to be rather expensive. The basic cable package doesn't cost that much and the provider outsources all kinds of installation related tasks. I would guess using this rather weak method would pay for some years of Basic TV package subscription.
Long story short, i waited several months and nothing happened. I still watch cable TV like i did before. But as is said, its possible that they are able to cut you off on some kind of installations. But its also questionable if the cost of this would be adequate.
I've even purchased an eyeTV tuner and hooked it up to an old Macbook Pro I had laying around, and basically made a DVR w/ guide for the network channels.
It's really the responsibility of the cable provider to correctly filter services, if they want to charge for them. And you'll probably find that if you call up and try to "complain" about this, that they'll do nothing and tell you to do as you like, as it isn't even worth their time to bother about... putting a rather low bound on the degree of harm you're "inflicting" on them even in the worst case.
The demarcation is generally clearly marked (plastic box often called a 'network interface device') and is almost never located at the modem itself.
Typically, the legal demarcation is on the exterior of houses. For a multiple dwelling unit (apartment complex) or commercial building, the demarcation is usually inside. ISPs try to choose a demarcation that is accessible from the outside, so as to not require being allowed into the building to test signal leading to the premise. This cuts down on cancelled repairs due to 'no access'. My point in all this is that for most coax and twisted pair services, the indoor wiring is usually the property owners and not the ISP's, especially at the point where it connects to the modem. For someone to add a splitter to wire that is their responsibility and property is almost certainly legal.
I worked for one of the bigger ISPs up until last year, so I speak only from my personal experience. For more details:
Yes, but if cable companies always provided and required you use their cable modems, then there would be a clear demarcation point, the cable modem. Whether it's usually inside or outside is irrelevant (and "usually" in this case is debatable. I've worked at multiple business locations where it's inside, because there is a location dedicated for it). Of course there isn't a clear demarcation at the cable modem, as many cable companies allow you to use your own cable modem instead of theirs, which is why I said the issue is "muddied".
Technically.