What does the initial call do?

[oldskoolboarder]

When getting a brand new HR10 and it requires a phone call, what exactly does that call do?

Does it give D* your phone number and marry it to your box and serial number?

[TyroneShoes]

I doubt it. I think it is more a security blanket, allowing them to sleep at night, knowing that you haven't activated 200 rogue boxes for all of your friends and family. It doesn't really prevent signal theft, but it makes them feel better about minimizing the potential for it.

[oldskoolboarder]

I want to be sure because I have this scenario:

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=281986

I'm willing to set up the box but not activate it, I DO NOT want another 2 yr commitment. I'm OK w/ OTA only since I have a number of channels and REALLY want to watch 24 in HD. If anyone can say for sure, that'd be great.

[Arcady]

You can't record OTA without activating the unit.

[oldskoolboarder]

You can't record OTA without activating the unit.

But I can still watch HD w/ a 30 min buffer, right?