Hey all,
Sorry if this has been brought up before as well, but I can't seem to get a straight answer.

Here's what I'm wondering.... I have the platinum package and the HD/DVR receiver. I can watch the HD versions of the premium channels because I assume it's just part of the plex's in the platinum package. But, should I also be able to watch the other HD's... i.e. discovery HD channel?

Looking on their web site, it says
HD - $5.00
DVR - 6.95
HD/DVR - $11.95

Trying to sign up as new, I didn't see anywhere that you had to add another HD package on top of the HD/DVR 11.95 package to get all the HD's. Those of you with all HD channels and a DVR, what do you pay for it?

thanks.

You should get all of the HD channels. I do with the same setup......

You should get all of the HD channels. I do with the same setup......

Frick, that's kind of what I figured. When I called they said it was an extra $5.00 on top of the $11.95 I'm already paying.

Frick, that's kind of what I figured. When I called they said it was an extra $5.00 on top of the $11.95 I'm already paying.

It varies by area. Where I am, I pay 11.95 for 1 HD-DVR, that's it. No $5 for an "HD conveter box" or anything. Some areas this is not the case.

No point in getting rid of my DVR, cause then I'd be paying $5 for a plain HD box. I would give up the DVR before I ever gave up HD. So my DVR kinda only costs me $6.95 more a month :)

I got a great "triple play" deal from comcast but when I requested a second hd dvr for my bedroom I was told that it was $12.95 PLUS $6.95 per month (for the digital service to that outlet!!????).

Needless to say now that Fios has lowered it price effective 5-1-07 and they DO NOT charge extra for "digital service" to each dvr (and a Fios cablecard costs $3.99 v. $9.99 at comcast) I'm back off to fios.

I got a great "triple play" deal from comcast but when I requested a second hd dvr for my bedroom I was told that it was $12.95 PLUS $6.95 per month (for the digital service to that outlet!!????).

Needless to say now that Fios has lowered it price effective 5-1-07 and they DO NOT charge extra for "digital service" to each dvr (and a Fios cablecard costs $3.99 v. $9.99 at comcast) I'm back off to fios.


Unfortunately, the $6.95 sounds right, even though I think it's BS. I have another standard box and they get me for the additional outlet charge on that one as well. I have no idea where the $12.95 price came from.. it should be $11.95 near as I can figure.

It COMPLETELY depends on which csr you get... if comcast ever gets its act togeather they would be scary.

The first time I called, a lady told me it would be 11.95 + 5 for full HD and a HD-DVR receiver. After seeing the second post I called back and obviously got someone else. He stated what the second post stated... full HD service + HD-DVR = 11.95. After trying to argue that I've been paying for full HD and not receiving it, and probably confusing the both of us, he ended up crediting my 6.95 additional outlet for a year, which I took as it was a better deal than trying to get a credit for service I hadn't been receiving.

i.e. $5/month for not having full hd when I should have * 13 months = $65
6.95 * 12 months = $83.40

works for me.

Anywho, bottom line, if you have any HD-DVR receiver for the $11.95 you should be getting all the HD channels.

thanks for everyones replies.

If one's area has an HD DVR only, there should be no 'HD fee'.
If one's area has SD and HD DVRs, then one obviously needs an HD DVR.
Of course, on can opt for an HD 'regular' STB.

Nobody should be paying more specifically for HD channels, AFAIK.
HD Channels are part of their respective services.

HD Locals - Basic
HD 'Cable Variety' - Digital Classic
HD Premiums - Respective Premium

STB/CC rentals are just means to get those HD channels to which one is already entitled by subscription.

In the ATL, if you are on digital starter and add the HD DVR for $11.95/mo., you do NOT get all the HD channels, just the locals. You have to be on digital basic or higher to get all the HD's, and nowhere in the rate guide can I see where they list this requirement. So if you are transitioning from expanded basic like I am and want full HD, you have to pay $12 more a month for digital basic (with mostly crap SD channels) + $6.95 for an HD STB or $11.95 for the DVR.

What's even stupider is that you can get all the local HD's in clear QAM anyway if you have an HDTV that can tune them.

In the ATL, if you are on digital starter and add the HD DVR for $11.95/mo., you do NOT get all the HD channels, just the locals. You have to be on digital basic or higher to get all the HD's, and nowhere in the rate guide can I see where they list this requirement. So if you are transitioning from expanded basic like I am and want full HD, you have to pay $12 more a month for digital basic (with mostly crap SD channels) + $6.95 for an HD STB or $11.95 for the DVR.

What's even stupider is that you can get all the local HD's in clear QAM anyway if you have an HDTV that can tune them.
No surprise, as, AFAIK, it is like that everywhere. Boxes don't entitle one to any channels per se, except HD Locals. Remember the HD DVR is just a Box that gets the HD channels that you have in your subscription, as I outlined just above your message. They do list which channels are in each service; they sent out a separate list for this.

In this area Digital Starter subs can't even get a DVR; Digital Classic is required, but Expd. isn't. If your area, has only one DVR there should not be an 'HD' fee. If you have SD and HD DVRs there, possibly there is an 'HD' fee.

I couldn't quote everyone, but it was funny how I just added DigitalVoice via "Triple Play" , got my bill from comcast and was questioning the statement.
I was paying, in Atlantic City, NJ :
HD-DVR $11.95
HD service $5.95

.What's even stupider is that you can get all the local HD's in clear QAM anyway if you have an HDTV that can tune them.

AFAIK, HDTV will NOT convert Comcast STB signal. You will be watching SD.
eg. Local 6 (ABC) "LOST" is in HD. Unless you have 1) STB w\ 2.HD you will be watching SD.

If one's area has an HD DVR only, there should be no 'HD fee'.
If one's area has SD and HD DVRs, then one obviously needs an HD DVR.
Of course, on can opt for an HD 'regular' STB.

Nobody should be paying more specifically for HD channels, AFAIK.
HD Channels are part of their respective services.

HD Locals - Basic
HD 'Cable Variety' - Digital Classic
HD Premiums - Respective Premium

STB/CC rentals are just means to get those HD channels to which one is already entitled by subscription.

Correct( IMHO). Its possible the tiered local HD channels( 231,232,etc...) could be blocked based on your service. I am not sure. I have always had at least tiered local HD channels (Digital Classic ) since my HDTV.
Does anyone here have a SD DVR from Comcast? or seen one?

BTW, I just picked up my 2 (TWO) FREE DIGITAL STB's (DCT700). I am using them with Windows MC, 1 Vista and 1 XP SP2. I do not get HD HBO (300), but I do get 301,302,etc...!. It's(300) just a black screen. My tuner is a Happauge Analog video/ATSC BDA 885. It is a nice deal, I get everything except HD "premium" it seems. Come to think of it, I didn't check INHD or HDDC? HMM?

Well, thanks to the original questioner. I have some more research to do.

PS. Does anyone know what kind of stream would be creating the black screen I mentioned above?

I couldn't quote everyone, but it was funny how I just added DigitalVoice via "Triple Play" , got my bill from comcast and was questioning the statement.
I was paying, in Atlantic City, NJ :
HD-DVR $11.95
HD service $5.95

AFAIK, HDTV will NOT convert Comcast STB signal. You will be watching SD.
eg. Local 6 (ABC) "LOST" is in HD. Unless you have 1) STB w\ 2.HD you will be watching SD.

Correct( IMHO). Its possible the tiered local HD channels( 231,232,etc...) could be blocked based on your service. I am not sure. I have always had at least tiered local HD channels (Digital Classic ) since my HDTV.
Does anyone here have a SD DVR from Comcast? or seen one?

BTW, I just picked up my 2 (TWO) FREE DIGITAL STB's (DCT700). I am using them with Windows MC, 1 Vista and 1 XP SP2. I do not get HD HBO (300), but I do get 301,302,etc...!. It's(300) just a black screen. My tuner is a Happauge Analog video/ATSC BDA 885. It is a nice deal, I get everything except HD "premium" it seems. Come to think of it, I didn't check INHD or HDDC? HMM?

Well, thanks to the original questioner. I have some more research to do.

PS. Does anyone know what kind of stream would be creating the black screen I mentioned above?
You should get the HD service fee removed, and I bet you will still get the HD channels, as the fee is for the box, not programming.

You don't need a Comcast STB for HD, a TV's internal QAM tuner will pick these up, and in some areas now they will be on the broadcast number, as here in SE PA, ie. ABC-HD is 6-1, etc.

If one has a Comcast STB, Locals HD are never blocked because they are part of Basic, which everyone has to have.

The DCT-700 SD STBs don't pick up HD channels. Only HD STBs/ HD DVRs do, and one can use an SD connection and have HD channels letterboxed.

Your PC tuner is listed with ATSC, if it is just ATSC 8VSB (Digital OTA) it is useless for Digital Cable. If it also has ATSC QAM, (Unencrypted Digital Cable), then you could pick up the Cable HD Locals through it with Basic service.

You should get the HD service fee removed, and I bet you will still get the HD channels, as the fee is for the box, not programming.


The original reason I questioned it was because on their website it says
hd = 5, dvr = 6.95, and the hd/dvr = 11.95 which seems to basically add the other two services (duh).... I had been paying the 11.95, but didn't have the expanded HD (discovery, espn, etc.). So ya, their shouldn't be an extra HD fee for anything with the HD/DVR combo.

As I've said before, for the most part, comcast has the typical CSR's that don't know their butt from a hole in the ground, so it depends on who you get as to whether or not they'll remove the separate HD fee. Just keep calling back until you find one that knows what they're doing.

Also, just to make sure, go to their website and pick a neighbor that doesn't have service, just to see what you should be charged if you signed up as new.