Ever since its debut, CableCARD has held out the promise of allowing customers to ditch the unsightly set-top boxes. With the recent announcement that Microsoft's upcoming Vista will support CableCARD, there has been some excitement about the possibility of HTPCs with full CableCARD support.

There are a couple of reasons why you might want a CableCARD today. First off, they do have a few advantages: no ugly box, fewer wires around your entertainment center, and a lower monthly rental fee. They will also allow you to explain to friends that you've "got a CableCARD in there" and then smile like the avant-garde consumer that you are.

Despite all the excitement around CableCARD, many people don't know why it was created, how it works, and where it's going. Hence our primer on CableCARD. Once you finish this you'll be better equipped to make a decision on your next TV purchase, DVR rental, or even when to deploy an HTPC in your living room. Read on for a thorough introduction to CableCARD.