Comcast HDTV (1 Viewer)

[Matt Amato]

I've had a Panny PT-47WX42 for a year and a half now and never took the plunge into HD because I couldn't afford the receiver at this time. I just moved and am looking for a new TV provider. I recently found out that Comcast seems to offer HDTV in my area and will provide me am integrated receiver/cable box unit for $5 a month (or free depending on what package I choose). This sounds like a dream come true to me and means I can get HD! Does anyone know more about this, is there a catch? Are they really going to rent me a receiver for $5 a month?

Matt

 

[Tim K]

The only catch is Comcast Cable (like most cable) is really expensive. On the other hand, HDTV is really FREE. By free, it costs no more than digital cable. ALl of their packages include one digital box. So if you only have one TV, you can get the HD box instead of the regular box. If you have more than one TV, extra boxes are $5-6 a month be it digital or HD.

I don't know what area you are in, but in Philly we get:

NBC
ABC
CBS
PBS
ESPN
INHD (includes Comcast Sportsnet HD)
INHD2
Fox (widescreen but not HD)

and if you subscribe to a Showtime, HBO, Cinemax, or Starz package you get their HD channel as well.

We have the digital gold package I think. Comes with 2 premium channels. We have HBO and SHO, so we get HBO-HD and SHO-HD. We pay about $80 month for it.

 

[Matt Amato]

I'm in Philly too, suprisingly enough. (University City near Penn & Drexel) Sounds like I'm getting Comcast (splitting it with my housemate makes it affordable). The last thing I have to check is whether or not there is any kind of year-long contract or not. Thanks for the help and the good new!

Matt

 

[Michael Reuben]

This is not a Basics question; so I'm moving it to A/V Sources.

Here are some of the many existing threads on Comcast HD service. Since you haven't identified your area, there's no way for anyone to tell you which threads might be applicable to your situation:

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...hlight=comcast
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...hlight=comcast
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...hlight=comcast
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...hlight=comcast
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...hlight=comcast
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...hlight=comcast
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...hlight=comcast
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...hlight=comcast

M.

EDIT: Oops. I see we cross-posted. The location should help narrow it down.

 

[Tim K]

I'm a Penn grad so I'm never too far from good old West Philly! Say hi to the Wawa for me.

I don't think there is a "year long" contract...unless you agree to one of their 3 months of free something-or-other deals. Just call them and ask.

I think its 1-800-comcast

 

[Anthony_J]

I've had a pretty good experience with Comcast in South Jersey overall. Very nice HD quality (haven't lost a signal ever), but basic cable picture quality isn't the best.

I'm currently paying $100 a month for everything, including all available channels (HD and standard). It's a little on the expensive side, but considering that I was paying $75 a month for standard cable with only the HBO channels (not including Cinemax), the extra $25 for HD and every premium channel seems like a reasonable upcharge.