So what are these cable cards?
 

As was mentioned in the "Recommend me a new HDTV" thread, I've been looking at new TVs for when I move to LA in November. One of things I've been seeing listed is Cable Card compatibility. I've looked it up and what I've got is "A card that allows you to get cable with better PQ than a cable top box." But I've then heard that you can't use a DVR with it, and/or On Demand services. Some places mention this, others don't.

So what's the scoop on Cable Cards? Do they really look better? Are they really cheaper? Can they send HD channels through them, or will you need to get them OTA? Can you use On Demand? Can you use a DVR? Are they any advantages to keeping a cable box?

I know that Cable Cards aren't exactly an HD topic, but I've only noticed them listed on HDTVs, so I figured they might go hand in hand.

I don't know if they look better or are cheaper. AFAIK they can do HD, but you can't do On Demand. You can still use a DVR I assume but for Comcast, the price of an HD-DVR is the same price as a Cable Card. Kind of a no brainer.

IIRC, Cable Card is on its way "out" ... There is some new format coming out next year that is going to make Cable Cards obsolete. This makes me think that a Cable Card slot is no longer a "must have". But it can't hurt.

I think they are only going out because the cables companies didn't seem to like them since they don't do PPV or On Demand services which they make alot of money on. Comcast was extremely unhappy when I tried to order one for my new HDTV. They won't let you pick it up and install yourself, like they'll do for a box, even though popping a card into a slot is 1000x easier than re-wiring a TV setup for the average consumer.

I like On Demand. I never use PPV, though. I was thinking of getting an HD DVR for the big TV in the living room, but a cable card for the TV in the bedroom.

Current technology cable cards are on the way out, apparently to make way for a new technology that will allow PPV and On Demand to work with them. This is probably why the new Samsung DLP's don't even have the card slot anymore, why bother with it if it doesn't offer all the functions of a set top receiver.
I don't use PPV, or On Demand now. Not sure I will either, so the cable card might still be of some use to me since I am just going to get the HD package when I get my new tv. After that, no more SD channels for me.