Google chrome can't be used as a substitute for an HD box but it can accompany one. It enhances the experience by letting you use apps and programs that you are ready maybe using on your desktop laptop tablet or cell phone and let you see it on your TV. For instance if you're already paying for Netflix subscription instead of using it on your laptop or Xbox or Wii now you can actually view those same movies and shows directly on your TV screen. It also allows you to watch things on TV that you might sit and watch on other devices on the on the regular TV so that multiple people come watch the whole family come watch without trying to just watch it from a small handheld device. But it's not a cable provider or HD service so you still would actually need a set top box in order to have any cable programming