I am disgusted in the way Comcast and Direct TV rob you for HD. Why is it no provider offers a package with only HD channels, or atleast the option to add just the HD version of a channel. Examples:

Comcast only offers HBO HD as a package with 10 other HBO's that I don't care to watch. The same goes for all of thier movie channels.

Direct TV's "up to 100 HD channel" claim fails to mention that in order to get all the available HD channels you have to subscribe to thier gold package which includes another 150 channels of programming I couldn't care less about.

When are these companies going to offer a realistic option to HD?????

You seem to be under the impression that content providers sell HD channels separately. They don't.

HBO only sells HBO-HD in a bundle with the other HBO channels. ESPN-HD isn't sold separately from ESPN, ESPN2-HD isn't sold separately from ESPN, TNT-HD isn't sold separately from TNT, etc.

There are only a handful of channels with HD versions that are independent of SD networks. Examples of those include Hdnet and Hdnet Movies. I believe DirecTV now offers those in a separate package.

If you don't want to pay the price, put up an over the air antenna. Both the satellite providers and cable companies have to pay fees to run the channels, even the local ones, on their systems. You are barking up the wrong tree.

If you don't want to pay the price, put up an over the air antenna. Both the satellite providers and cable companies have to pay fees to run the channels, even the local ones, on their systems. You are barking up the wrong tree.

Not completely accurate. I pressed Comcast on this issue months ago. Providers do not incur additional carriage fees in order to provide HD channels where an SD simulcast is available. In other words, carriage of TNT-HD, as an example, is free to Comcast if they are currently paying carriage for TNT.

As HBO and other premuims are paid carriage for the inclusive premuim service they are a tad different. For those channels the OP is asking for a discounted rate to receive one HBO channel (the HD) versus ALL HBO channels. Not gonna happen, its all or nothing for those. However, again the provider is not charged additional carriage for the HBO- HD channel.

The situation will get worse before it gets better from a provider standpoint (and offerings). I saw an annoucement by HBO at a recent conference that they have a hard deadline (forget the date - maybe Jul '08?) that every available HBO network will be mpeg-4 and in HD. The author of the article I read mentioned that most provider executives at the conference literally looked as if they had been punched in the gut - a HUGE impact to them as none of the major cable providers are mpeg4 ready.

I have said all along that from a provider perspective - charging for HD as a premium service was a slippery slope when implemented, and in my opinion will not be sustainable over the long term. As more and more stations move to HD, where will the perceived premuim for HD stop and become baselined as a basic tier, even to get the lowest tier available from a provider?

In my opinion, providers have been fat, dumb, and happy for far too long. They are in for some REAL work ahead as HD becomes the defacto signal that networks provide to them and how to present their "packages" to the consumer.

In the end, it all comes down to value. As long as people pay it, then they're communicating, loudly, that it is worth it. Service providers will respond to folks no longer buying their services. That will prompt them to lower their prices (to make up the lost revenue "on volume").

I guess for now I can see why cable may do it, but that still leaves sattelite providers with a little work to do. The HD channels need to be bundled together and available for the consumers who are just intersted in those. There has to be a better way than paying for thier most expensive package. Maybe they could have a package where you pay a fixed amount for a certain number of thier HD channels and let you pick the channels you would like. I think were a long way off before we get cooperation like that from sattelite providers.

Comcast only offers HBO HD as a package with 10 other HBO's that I don't care to watch. The same goes for all of thier movie channels.



This part of your quote is no longer true. While it is true that HBOHD is only offered if you purchase the HBO package, it is no longer 10 channels on Comcast. Comcast decided to remove the west coast feeds of the HBO channels (except for the main HBO SD channel) so it's now 6 channels of HBO that you won't care to watch.

Actually, I used ten just as a rounded off number. I actually recieve: 13 HBO, 12 Cinemax, 11 Showtimes, and 9 Starz. Only one channel from each provider is in HD. I live in metro detroit, and use Comcast.

Not completely accurate. I pressed Comcast on this issue months ago. Providers do not incur additional carriage fees in order to provide HD channels where an SD simulcast is available. In other words, carriage of TNT-HD, as an example, is free to Comcast if they are currently paying carriage for TNT.That is true in some cases, but not others. As you would expect, it has a lot to do with the perceived value of the channel.

For example, ESPN-HD is not free with ESPN. It costs extra. But a cable provider can't sell ESPN-HD separately from ESPN; it's a bundle.

That is true in some cases, but not others. As you would expect, it has a lot to do with the perceived value of the channel.

For example, ESPN-HD is not free with ESPN. It costs extra. But a cable provider can't sell ESPN-HD separately from ESPN; it's a bundle.

You did not read, or you have mis-interpreted my post. I am willing to state that there is no additional carriage fee realized by Comcast for an HD feed where an SD feed is already carried.

If Comcast has carriage agreements in place for ESPN, then ESPN-HD is provided to Comcast for no additional fee.

It only costs YOU, the subscriber, extra.

If Comcast has carriage agreements in place for ESPN, then ESPN-HD is provided to Comcast for no additional fee.

It only costs YOU, the subscriber, extra.I didn't misinterpret. I was referring to the prices charged by ESPN, not Comcast or any other cable company. Last I read, ESPN-HD was about 75 cents extra.

I will admit that ESPN is one of the few content providers with the clout to charge a significant fee for their HD feed.

Gotcha ... when I pressed Comcast on the issue they did not single out ESPN as being different than other channels. Got a link? I'm interested in that.

Thanks!

VOOM....this has been done and there were NO subscribers to an HD only service. Granted there are a lot more HD vieweres now 3 years later but the idea of HD only is not there yet and most likely never will.

And VOOM's offerings still don't interest me in the slightest.

This part of your quote is no longer true. While it is true that HBOHD is only offered if you purchase the HBO package, it is no longer 10 channels on Comcast. Comcast decided to remove the west coast feeds of the HBO channels (except for the main HBO SD channel) so it's now 6 channels of HBO that you won't care to watch.

That may be true where you are, not here.
Counting HBO-HD, we have 11 feeds of HBO here, including 4 west feeds, on Comcast. 3 feeds, HBO East, HBO-HD, & HBO Latino do all have the same programming at the same time.

I don't know who you pressed at Comcast, but frankly, if it wasn't Brian Roberts I am not sure how much credibility (or clout!) he or she has.

And speaking of credibility and Comcast, it seems it is now claiming to be the true HD leader. Here is the story from Phillip Swann:

http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcastleader102507.htm

[quote=vmaxxer;12019366]Gotcha ... when I pressed Comcast on the issue they did not single out ESPN as being different than other channels..../quote]

Comcast got the boot today as my video provider. D* was installed and I'm a very happy new D* sub :)

If it wasn't for my cable high speed internet they would have been thrown to the curb a long tome ago.i feel trapped,because of the internet.I don't have any access to other alternatives in my area.

If it wasn't for my cable high speed internet they would have been thrown to the curb a long tome ago.i feel trapped,because of the internet.I don't have any access to other alternatives in my area.

I kept Comcast HSI and the $10 basic package for the $15 discount

I kept Comcast HSI and the $10 basic package for the $15 discount

Lucky you. Basic is $13.88 here in CA and the price difference btw Comcast HSI if you have cable or not is $14. who-hoo 12 cents!

I kept Comcast HSI and the $10 basic package for the $15 discount



Wow i didn't know you could do that.If i can get that deal here in my area i could keep my comcast internet for around 40 bucks instead of 58 bucks.

You guys are lucky ... Basic Comcast for me is $49 per month according to www.comcast.com . Am I missing something here?

When we were in NC the TWC basic service wa like $10. I'll be keeping Comcast HSI and would consider keeping the minimum local networks as well for $15/month or so ...

Certainly NOT for $49 per month though ... any help here? Maybe they don't want folks to know about the ~ $15PM or so offerings?

V

Where are you located (zip code)?

You guys are lucky ... Basic Comcast for me is $49 per month according to www.comcast.com . Am I missing something here?

When we were in NC the TWC basic service wa like $10. I'll be keeping Comcast HSI and would consider keeping the minimum local networks as well for $15/month or so ...

Certainly NOT for $49 per month though ... any help here? Maybe they don't want folks to know about the ~ $15PM or so offerings?

V

That sounds a bit high to me, that sounds more like what they call Expanded Basic here, it includes analog channels 2-99(cost is $45.99), not all channels are populated, but probably 50 to 70 channels are in that tier(includes ESPNs,USA,SciFi,FX,Fox Sports,TNT,TBS, most of the major cable stations). We have another pkg "Limited Basic'(cost is $12.95), which basically includes the local network stations and really not much else.

Edit: The local HD stations are included in the Limited Basic pkg, but you are on your own as to how you receive them, if your TV has a QAM tuner or some a PC based tuner card works, but if you want a DVR from comcast you have to sub to the digital pkg and then the minimum cost around here is about $80 to get that capability, they have no deal to get a DVR and locals only, you have to have a digital pkg to qualify for the DVR.

They HAVE to offer a limited basic service. Local broadcast and PEG channels are required. Some systems may have other channels as well.

If you NEED the box to get HD (no QAM tuner) I think they have to let you get one. I know locally you can get a DVR even with JUST Limited basic.

A limited basic tier is available from all cableco's. It includes local channels, and maybe a few others. The price is usually around $15.

Fios doesn't require you to pay for an HD package. They don't have a "basic" and "expanded" tier. The $43 package includes all cable channels except the premiums, sports, and foreign channels. Their basic package only has locals and nothing else. So it's pretty much all or nothing.

They charge $10 for a HD receiver and $15 (used to be $13) for DVR. So they get you one way or another.

They HAVE to offer a limited basic service. Local broadcast and PEG channels are required. Some systems may have other channels as well.

If you NEED the box to get HD (no QAM tuner) I think they have to let you get one. I know locally you can get a DVR even with JUST Limited basic.
Not here, if you want a DVR,(I said DVR), it might be different with just a set top box, but I doubt it. I asked that specific question, I told the rep all I wanted was the local networks in HD and a DVR and was informed that I had to subscribe to one of the digital packages before I could get the DVR. They seem to tack on all kinds of little surcharges all over the place, I had the digital package and two DVRs, the DVRs cost $12 apiece and then for some reason there was a 6.95 digital outlet fee tacked on to the bill on top of the digital pkg price, I was paying $161(that includes tax) a month for two DVRs and Hi-Speed internet service, I could have cut $12 off the bill if I cut back on the internet to just the standard hi-speed, and I had no premium channels.

Not here, if you want a DVR,(I said DVR), it might be different with just a set top box, but I doubt it. I asked that specific question, I told the rep all I wanted was the local networks in HD and a DVR and was informed that I had to subscribe to one of the digital packages before I could get the DVR.For Comcast, this is incorrect. The HD box can be rented with any package, even Limited Basic.

The DVR requires a Digital tier.

I am disgusted in the way Comcast and Direct TV rob you for HD. Why is it no provider offers a package with only HD channels, or atleast the option to add just the HD version of a channel. Examples:

Comcast only offers HBO HD as a package with 10 other HBO's that I don't care to watch. The same goes for all of thier movie channels.

Direct TV's "up to 100 HD channel" claim fails to mention that in order to get all the available HD channels you have to subscribe to thier gold package which includes another 150 channels of programming I couldn't care less about.

When are these companies going to offer a realistic option to HD?????
this and other reasons are why i told crapcast to stuff their hd service and come and pick their 2 hd hdd dvrs i have been leasing for the last 3 yrs. the guy showed up today and got them. i still get qam hd channels on my flat panel w sd channel service, those are enough for now. i would like to find a qam tuner that will allow me to get qam channels on my pj, but no rush.

this and other reasons are why i told crapcast to stuff their hd service and come and pick their 2 hd hdd dvrs i have been leasing for the last 3 yrs. the guy showed up today and got them. i still get qam hd channels on my flat panel w sd channel service, those are enough for now. i would like to find a qam tuner that will allow me to get qam channels on my pj, but no rush.

What's a pj?

What's a pj?
ProJector aka front projector

ProJector aka front projector

Ahh, ok, it just didn't click when I read it.

He watches HD in his PJs.

He watches HD in his PJs.

HD-TV on your PJs...hmmmn. Sounds like an invention just waiting to happen! :D

I am disgusted in the way Comcast and Direct TV rob you for HD. Why is it no provider offers a package with only HD channels, or atleast the option to add just the HD version of a channel. Examples:...

When are these companies going to offer a realistic option to HD?????

You won't get HD a la carte without general a la carte. That is exactly what we need - I have always thought FCC should force providers and distributors to offer the option of a ala carte on all channels.

A limited basic tier is available from all cableco's. It includes local channels, and maybe a few others. The price is usually around $15.
AFAIK, some cablecos. are exempt due to 'effective competition' by another local provider having a certain % of a given area. IIRC, a few Comcast areas stopped offering 'Basic', and instead have 'Standard' as the minimum service.

Fios doesn't require you to pay for an HD package.
Neither does Comcast, but to get national HD, one needs Digital Classic, and usually Standard service, as well.
They don't have a "basic" and "expanded" tier. The $43 package includes all cable channels except the premiums, sports, and foreign channels..
Sounds just like Comcast Expanded/Standard service to me.
Their basic package only has locals and nothing else. So it's pretty much all or nothing.
And there is the same Basic service.

For Comcast, this is incorrect. The HD box can be rented with any package, even Limited Basic.

The DVR requires a Digital tier.
Agreed. The problem is he asked for an HD DVR, not an HD Box.

That is true in some cases, but not others. As you would expect, it has a lot to do with the perceived value of the channel.

For example, ESPN-HD is not free with ESPN. It costs extra. But a cable provider can't sell ESPN-HD separately from ESPN; it's a bundle.
The last sentence is not true. For several years here, (until a month ago), all of the HD simulcasts of Expanded service SD channels were in Digital Classic, without pre-requisite. Just last month, they added the pre-requisite of Expanded service.

In the Boston area, ESPN and TNT are in Expd. service, however the HD simulcasts are in Digital Classic, w/o pre-requisite. Nat. Geo. is in Digital Classic, yet the HD simulcast is in Digital Starter (Standard with a Digital Box).