you wouldn't program it on the tv. the cable company knows the serial number of the box, and they check for it to see if it's authorized. i don't think they check for basic cable, but i'm not sure.

i'm just going off experience. i just changed my cable box the other day. the guy at the office scanned my old box and the new box. when i got home and plugged it in, regular cable worked, but my special programming (HD tier) didn't. i had to call the company and re-authorize my cable boxes (it was automated though). but it was probably based of the scans the guy did. but basic still worked, so it'll probably work for you. but who knows.