My very first HDTV is on the way, the TH-50PZ77U. So I checked out my Comcast box, its a Motorola DCT6412. There appears to be no HDMI connection but a DVI-D out. What do you suggest I do? Purchase a DVI-D to HDMI cable or will Comcast simply swap me out a new box with an HDMI output if I call them? I plan to hook up my 360 (old no HDMI) and wii via component so since it only has 2 component and 2 HDMI connections I'll have to plug the cable in via HDMI.

Thanks!

Defiantly switch it.
In my area HD boxes can be picked up[ at the office.

Thanks for the reply, do you know if there's any charge to swap out a box like that? I'm not real familiar with Comcast and actually wasn't the one who ordered the initial setup. I'm in Detroit, MI if that's any help.

There is no charge to switch your box, just take in the old one and pick up the new one. They will have to set up the new box on your account when you get it hooked up. They will give you a phone number to call to do that.

Thanks for the help!

FYI if anyone else is in the same situation: Just like the posters said I called Comcast and they said no order number or appointment was necessary, simply bring in the old box & remote to the local office and they'll give me a new one.

This is all assuming that your local Comcast office actually HAS a different model HD stb available.

After getting my new HDTV I went to Comcast to swap the box for an HDTV box. I asked about HDMI output. She said on the DVR boxes have HDMI output, and to use the component video outputs. She gave me a five conductor patch cord. She said you'll get the same or nearly the same picture quality as with HDMI. Don't know if that's true, but that's what I was told.

Got the same bad news as raouillii and Big Screen...that Comcast here (Boston) has not rec'd HD stbs from Motorola...BUT if you go with the DVR box ($12/mo. twice std HD stb) according to my sassy telephone rep, it would have a guaranteed HDMI port.

As Charlie Wilson's CIA special op Gus Avrakotos might query, "Ah, WTF?"

If possible, I will kindly ambush an unsuspecting Cc tech in our neighborhood and see about a "local solution,"wink wink say no more.

As this is our first HD television, am I right to be so insistent on the HDMI connection (already have the Monoprice cables!) ?

"As this is our first HD television, am I right to be so insistent on the HDMI connection (already have the Monoprice cables!) ?"

You won't see any PQ difference using a box with a DVI output and a DVI to HDMI cable, you just don't get the added benefit of audio being carried over the cable also.

Thanks for that clarification, mjones73, yet Comcast advises that the connection will not be DVI but be over component interface...sorry to be so ignorant, but is that a digital signal line?

If not, won't there be some conversion issues and possible signal degradation? With thanks to anyone able to offer a technical explanation...

After getting my new HDTV I went to Comcast to swap the box for an HDTV box. I asked about HDMI output. She said on the DVR boxes have HDMI output, and to use the component video outputs. She gave me a five conductor patch cord. She said you'll get the same or nearly the same picture quality as with HDMI. Don't know if that's true, but that's what I was told.

Hey Comcast just installed a DVR Box with HDMI output, however they installed the Component cables that she was talking about. I wanted to do some testing, so I installed a HDMI cable too.

Going back and forth from Component cables on input 2 & HDMI cable on input 4 of my HDTV, I've noticed that the picture quality remains the same, but the HDMI cable provides better sounding audio. I hope this helps.

Component is analog, depending on the STB and how your TV handles the signal, the PQ may or may not be the same between the two. Comcast probably supplies the component cables for free, you are on your own for an HDMI/DVI cable. Check monoprice.com for inexpensive cables.