Comcast HDTV

[soloredd]

I'm just wondering if anyone else has HDTV through Comcast...with Comcast, are you able to call them up and order channels not given to you by default? For example, on ESPN2 they said to call your cable operator and get ESPN2HD and they can give it to you in about a minute. Is this true or is that only for satellite systems?

Also, on TitanTV, it says that my local channels should include FOXHD, however, on Comcast's site and in the channel on-screen guide it isn't listed. Anyone else have this same experience?

[ApolloCreed21]

I have HDTV through Comcast (Mpls/St. Paul area), although I've been a little detached lately from the newest channels out there and latest options. My assumption was that they just add channels to the normal lineup when they become available, not that you could or should call to get more, unless you're upgrading a package that includes more HD content (such as HBO, Showtime, etc...).

As far as the discrepancy between TitanTV and your Comcast info, I would go with what Comcast is telling you, although I'd call to be sure exactly what channels you would get - it's possible Titan TV tells you that it is available, however you do NOT get it through Comcast. I still do NOT get ABC-HD here in the Mpls/St. Paul area through Comcast, although I could pick it up over the air because it is available...

There is/was a little bit of confusion as to what exact packages you need to subscribe to in order to get Comcast HDTV. I initially had basic, then signed up for a 6 month discounted rate that included Digital Plus, which also allowed me to get HDTV (I believe you at least had to subscribe to Digital Plus in order to get all of the HDTV channels) - but not exactly sure on that...

[DVWannaB]

from my understanding over receiving and not receiving network HDTV programming, is dependent on the agreement with local affiliates. If the local Fox station for whatever reason decides that they do not want FoxHD being carried locally on cable/satellite provider, the you dont get it. I think it has to do with advertising $$$s (it always comes down to that, doesnt it). The loacal affiliates want to be able to generate ad revenue during the primetime hours (higher rates) and by granting the national HDTV broadcast, you get the national commercials and no locals.

By law, though, they have to allow over-the-air HDTV, DTV and analog broadcasts. So if you are out of luck with your provider then over-the-air is an alternative for HDTV.

As for the ESPN2HD issue, I cant say. It should automatically be added to your channel line-up when available. At least one would think so.

[soloredd]

Thanks for the replies, guys. I can receive FOX OTA using my indoor antenna, so it's not a huge issue (although it sucks having to hook up the antenna for one friggin channel)...I do think the local affiliate is not allowing Comcast to publish the channel. I know there was a big deal made over the Super Bowl here: Comcast ran an ad by the VP of Comcast saying they couldn't reach negotiations to broadcast the game, so if you didn't have an antenna, you were screwed. How stupid.

As for adding channels, I am starting to believe my local Comcast is complete crap when it comes to this. I know several other providers are already carrying ESPNU, which started last week, as well as ESPN2HD, which started in January. I guess I'll give them a call about this, however, I'm not the most patient person when it comes to dealing with Customer Service Reps that give the runaround.

[edDV]

Thanks for the replies, guys. I can receive FOX OTA using my indoor antenna, so it's not a huge issue (although it sucks having to hook up the antenna for one friggin channel)...I do think the local affiliate is not allowing Comcast to publish the channel. I know there was a big deal made over the Super Bowl here: Comcast ran an ad by the VP of Comcast saying they couldn't reach negotiations to broadcast the game, so if you didn't have an antenna, you were screwed. How stupid.

As for adding channels, I am starting to believe my local Comcast is complete crap when it comes to this. I know several other providers are already carrying ESPNU, which started last week, as well as ESPN2HD, which started in January. I guess I'll give them a call about this, however, I'm not the most patient person when it comes to dealing with Customer Service Reps that give the runaround.

Another issue is the RF bandwidth of your local neighborhood cable system. Each HDTV channel added is a tradeoff for about 4-6 standard def channels. If your local system is bandwidth limited, Comcast has to weigh an additional HDTV channel vs. more standard channels, VOD (video on demand), pay-per view, or foreign language programming. As more people demand HDTV, Comcast will provide more bandwidth. Neighborhood equipment upgrades to 700MHz level and above allows more flexibility to Comcast. Otherwise, for each channel they drop, some people will scream.

The big push will come later this year as DirecTV and Dish introduce expanded HDTV on their new ground up MPeg4 services. As that happens, Comcast will need to compete or loose their high end customers.