Current situation for TiVo HD

I understand there have been changes in the TiVo world over the past year or so. I have been out of the TiVo world for about 18 months since we went with DirecTv

I am thinking of going back to cable. The provider in my area went "all digital" in the last few months. All subs had to get a tiny box, even the ones with newer sets.

I have a Series 3 with Lifetime and a Premier that have been out of use for a while. Can I bring these back online with TiVo evan after all the changes since the Bolt was introduced? What is the status of CableCard, which is what I assume I will need to use either of these units since the provider went all digital. I have called them, and they simply want me to rent a box from them.

I miss TiVo and if providers still have a mandate for CableCard I would like to go that route. What exactly would I need to ask for from them?

thanks so much,