[Kid Shelleen]

>> Verizon encrypts all of the channels on FIOS <<

I don't think local (over the air channels) are encrypted. In fact I just double checked and I was able to get all my local channels with OUT a cable box. My TV is about 7 years old, nothing fancy. In other words you can get the local channels with an antenna OR just hook the cable directly into the TV and let the TV scan for unscrambled channels.
The over the air content is limited, lots of Spanish and religious stations, BUT some pretty good stations like METV, Decades, PBS and the big 3 broadcasters.

I went with out cable for a couple of years. The only reason I have cable now is because Verizon ran a special and started offering packages (pseudo a la carte). I got basic cable for about the same price I was paying just for Internet. Dont let Verizon tell you that every TV needs a set top or that you need the fastest Internet speeds.

[markomalley]

I don't think local (over the air channels) are encrypted. I

The reason I get cable is because there is nothing worth watching (IMHO) on the broadcast channels.

Not to say that the cable-only channels are that watchable, but they are better than broadcast. Again, IMHO.