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04-16-2004, 03:35 AM
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#1 of 14 
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Local Time: 08:07 AM
Local Date: 10-14-2008
Posts: 13
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HDTV, What?
Ok so I am just getting my very first HDTV and am really confused, right now I only have regular cable and a cablebox that is about 8 years old, now do I need to tell my cable provider comcast that I want to get HDTV channels or can I just buy a HDTV receiver (I'm thinking of going with the LG dual DVD player/ HDTV receiver), hook it up and I will be recieving the HDTV channels? If I have to go through Comcast and do an upgrade any idea how much HDTV will add to the cable bill?
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04-16-2004, 07:26 AM
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#2 of 14
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Administrator
Join Date: Jul 1999
Local Time: 03:07 AM
Local Date: 10-14-2008
Posts: 38,547
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You should contact your local Comcast provider for what they offer in your area. Typically, if you want the HDTV package offered by Comcast, you'll need to be provided with a new converter box (I think they are still using the Motorola DCT-5100) which provides the usually audio/video outputs to feed your TV (s-video/composite video), as well as the component output for the HDTV side.
In the Atlanta area, it was around $5 extra in addition to requiring you to be on one of their Digital Cable plans (Bronze, Gold, Platinum, you get the idea), plus the cost of premiums channels (HBO, Showtime, etc), and ESPN-HD which also incurrs a monthly fee (I think, though not sure). Anyhow, check with Comcast for the latest information and pricing structure.
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04-16-2004, 07:51 AM
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#3 of 14
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Member
Location: Mass
Join Date: Aug 2002
Local Time: 04:07 AM
Local Date: 10-14-2008
Posts: 5,429
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Justin,
Where are you located? Comcast charges/channels vary according to geographic area. For instance, in Mass. they only charge $2 extra for the box and ESPN-HD is free.
Channels for Mass. are:
PBS-HD
CBS
ABC
NBC
FOX (only 480p)
ESPN-HD
INHD1/2
NESN (Red Sox and Bruins home games on INHD2)
HBO-HD (pay)
Cinemax-HD (pay)
Showtime-HD (pay)
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04-16-2004, 12:58 PM
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#4 of 14
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Local Time: 08:07 AM
Local Date: 10-14-2008
Posts: 13
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Hi I am located in Los Angeles, thank you for the replies guys. Does the comcast box have a DVI output?
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04-16-2004, 01:52 PM
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#6 of 14
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Local Time: 04:07 AM
Local Date: 10-14-2008
Posts: 230
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Jeff,
I feel I am getting ripped off.
I live in Methuen, MA. and Comcast charges me $ 7.29 per month extra for the HDTV Box (Motorola 6200/2005).
My complete Platinum Plus package costs me right around $97.00 per month.
Justin,
If you go with your own HDTV tuner, you will only get the over the air channels (AKA; OTA). You need the Comcast Box to get all their lovely HDTV broadcasts.
Regards, Al.
Al Wise
Nashua, NH.
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04-16-2004, 02:01 PM
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#7 of 14
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Member
Location: Mass
Join Date: Aug 2002
Local Time: 04:07 AM
Local Date: 10-14-2008
Posts: 5,429
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Alan,
I'm in Weymouth. Don't know if it is the better box, but I have a DTC5100 and it's only $2 a month on top of the regular digital cable. A friend of mine lives in Fall River and he pays the same.
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04-16-2004, 07:52 PM
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#8 of 14
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Member
Join Date: Apr 1999
Local Time: 01:07 AM
Local Date: 10-14-2008
Posts: 4,996
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Isn't the 6200 a combination receiver and pvr? That may account for the higher rental vs the 5100, which is a receiver only.
Steve S.
I prefer not to push the subwoofers until they\'re properly run in.
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04-17-2004, 01:26 AM
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#9 of 14
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Local Time: 08:07 AM
Local Date: 10-14-2008
Posts: 13
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Thank you,
So would I be better off to buy my own receiver or just rent one through comcast in the short and long term sense? I was digging the LG because you can feed the DVD player and receiver to the TV with only one DVI cable and DVDETC. gave it really high marks.
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04-17-2004, 04:47 AM
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#10 of 14
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Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Local Time: 01:07 AM
Local Date: 10-14-2008
Posts: 38
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Comcast in Los angeles offers the Motorola 6200, which has a DVI output and firewire. You are not paying for an HDTV package, because it does not exist, but for the rental of the convertor box. The rental fee is $5.99.
Currently what is being offered in the Los Angeles area of Comacast are:
ESPN-HD (free)
INHD1 (1 and 2 require Digital premier package)
INHD2
KCBS
KABC
FOX
KCET
PREMIUM CHANNELS - Require Premium subscribtion
CinemaxHD
HBO-HD
Starz-HD
ShowtimeHD
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