Sure, cable has huge downsides, such as cable news, reality television, and countless other sources of unconscionable garbage. On the other hand, I grew up with these and survived the onslaught of dreck with my wits basically intact, and I discovered a number of things through TV that I wouldn't otherwise have.

I really think that part of what's healthy about cable is precisely that you don't control when or how much of something is available.

That full hard drive doesn't hold much appeal for me.