I'm a comcast customer in Spokane, WA. Cable guy comes next week. I'm upgrading my cable service from what they call "starter" to "digital preferred". I have 4 TV's. Two are newer HD capable with QAM tuners so I get the over the air HD channels that are rebroadcast via comcast.

The problem is that I'd like to have on demand capabilities on our panasonic plasma TV, but the current DCT700 cable box doesn't support HD. So, I had moved that DCT700 box up to the analog TV in the bedroom so that my primary plasma TV can pick up the HD rebroadcast channels.

At any rate, I bit the bullet and have initiated the upgrade to digital preferred. The idea is that for $6.90/month they will give me a set top converter box that is HD capable so that I can have on demand available on our main plasma as well as HD through their box.

My panasonic TV supports HDMI and component inputs.

My question is, which converter box should I request? I don't know if there are multiple options even available, but if so I figured now is the time to ask. I don't believe the $6.90/month is for a DVR, I think it was non-DVR. does that sound right?

Also, my understanding is that if I want to pick up the additional digital channels available with the preferred service, my two analog TV's would need converter boxes of some type..such as the DCT700. Comcast says that they will rent me those at $5.10/month each. Are there any other options? Can I purchase them on the secondary resale market and will they work ok? Meaning, is there any special activation or configuration on those additional set tops if I do pick them up resale? I figure it might be cheaper than renting them at $5/month each.

Thanks in advance for the assistance!

Why aren't you requesting the HDTV DVR? You can't take full advantage of HDTV service with Comcast without a DVR. The premium for the Comcast HDTV DVR over the HDTV STB is just $6/mo or so ($12.99/mo).

Also, my understanding is that if I want to pick up the additional digital channels available with the preferred service, my two analog TV's would need converter boxes of some type..such as the DCT700. Comcast says that they will rent me those at $5.10/month each. Are there any other options?That sounds ridiculously high for the DCT700, which is probably the least expensive box available to cable companies.

Motorola sells their boxes exclusively to cable companies in the United States. They are not available for retail. Comcast will not activate stolen boxes sold on ebay, craigslist, etc. If you want your own box, you've got to buy a CableCard DVR from TiVo (or the discontinued model from Sony).

Keep in mind you will receive analog cable channels in addition to the HD locals without a STB, so it may not be worth paying that $5.10/mo for an extra two STBs.

Thanks for your thoughts bfdtv.

So, if I do go with a DVR, which one should I request? I've got HDMI inputs on my TV. I see there are lots of discussions on various models. I'd appreciate some input on which I should request from them...if that's an option.

thanks again for the help!

Just call him the cableguy, get it done! LOL

Thanks for your thoughts bfdtv.

So, if I do go with a DVR, which one should I request? I've got HDMI inputs on my TV. I see there are lots of discussions on various models. I'd appreciate some input on which I should request from them...if that's an option.They only have one model available in 99% of areas, so just tell them you want the HDTV DVR.

To bfdtv:
You said...
Keep in mind you will receive analog cable channels in addition to the HD locals without a STB, so it may not be worth paying that $5.10/mo for an extra two STBs.

I just got a new HDTV and upgraded by standard cable (no box) to digital cable with the HDTV box. Are you saying that if I connect the cable directly to the TV I will get the HDTV local channels? Just wondering how that works. Of course without the box I have no access to OnDemand features.

Thanks in advance for the info ... trying to learn how all this works.

I just got a new HDTV and upgraded by standard cable (no box) to digital cable with the HDTV box. Are you saying that if I connect the cable directly to the TV I will get the HDTV local channels?Provided your TV has a QAM tuner --like most modern TVs do-- then the answer is yes [for all major providers].

You would run a QAM channel scan on your TV. The HD locals may be on non-intuitive channels like 87-1, 92-3, 106-1, 110-3, etc. You'll have to determine what network is what channel by trial and error.

As you note, without the box you'll miss On Demand, as well as the program guide unless your TV has another source for program information.