[RoughDobermann]

Okay, say you by a system from Dish or a reseller. No, at that point, you have not agreed to anything. But, to enable the smart card (i.e., decode the signal to allow viewing), you have to agree to the conditions of the residential agreement.

[Hodar]

But, to enable the smart card (i.e., decode the signal to allow viewing), you have to agree to the conditions of the residential agreement.

And this is precisely what the hackers are doing. They have not signed anything, they buy the units at garage sales, or cheap units at Wal-Mart. They now OWN the units, and they then modify them.

Again, if the satelite companies would bother to sign the cards out, and then at least make an effort to control the number of cards out and about; I could have some sympathy. But, the truth is that they really have no idea how many cards are out in the market. Just because you toss the hardware, doesn't mean the card isn't on EBAY, or being used elsewhere.

[clamper1797]

enable the smart card (i.e., decode the signal to allow viewing), you have to agree to the conditions of the residential agreement

Bull .... WRONG AGAIN ... That like saying if I sell you my car ... the instant YOU start it you agree have to buy my gasoline