[lgs269]

Quote from Comcast website

"The easy way to bring HDTV home. If you have an "HD-capable" or an "HD-ready" TV set, a Comcast HD box is the only additional equipment you need (available for a small monthly fee). So there’s no need to buy a separate HD receiver or antenna. And no long term contracts."


I have their standard cable package and requested the HD package. Their response: In order to receive HDTV, you need to have digital service.


They really need to make this requirement clearer up front.

 

[jckessler]

This is not true; you should (operative word) be able to receive broadcast HD feeds with only basic ($10/mo) cable and a HDTV box rental.


This is a direct quote from their website:


HD programming from ABC, NBC, CBS and PBS is available in selected areas. Comparative claims based upon areas where HDTV from Comcast is available. To receive HD features and benefits an HD television (not provided), HD box and remote control is required. Advertised channels/stations generally provide a mix of HD and non-HD programming. HD programming is limited to the programming provided to Comcast in HDTV format by the programming provider. Programming and charges subject to change. Basic service subscription is required to receive HDTV and premium HDTV channel requires subscription to underlying premium channel. Call Comcast for details and restrictions.


edit: or how about this quote:


HDTV Broadcast feeds are included in limited basic service.__ A subscription to HBO,Showtime, Cinemax or Starz!_is required to receive the HDTV channel from that service. HDTV Programming is limited to the programs delivered to Comcast in HDTV format by the underlying program provider. Programming is subject to change._ESPN, INHD and INHD2 are included with a subscription to Comcast Digital Cable. An additional monthly equipment charge may apply.

 

[arxaw]

Requirements may vary by location.


A friend here had comcast analog cable ~$45/mo, incl. taxes & local franchise fees here [YMMV]. He ordered an HD box after being told the ~$5/mo. HD box rental would be the only increase to his bill. Three months later they jacked his bill to over $65/month. When he asked about the increase, comcast told him "oh the $5/month thing was the introductory price," and he would have to sub to the digital tier to keep the HD box.


He got DISH and told comcast to come get their HD box.


However, you can get the HD local channels on comcast here with only a basic analog sub., IF you own a QAM-capable tuner or TV.

 

[drhill]

When in doubt always speak to a manager, most people have said they have success then.

 

[the q]

jckessler has it right --


A subscription to digital cable is NOT required to receive your local broadcast stations in HD from Comcast (ABC, PBS, NBC, CBS).


An additional monthly equipment charge may be required (usually about $5 - $7/month for the HD box rental).


A subscription to digital cable IS required to receive INHD, INHD2, ESPN, and other cable services available in HD from Comcast. That may be where the disconnect is.

 

[Andy238]

Well said, Q!


That should be a sticky note here... as well as sent to every CSR at Comcast!

 

[CycloneGT]

Here's what to do.


Tell the Comcast CSR to go to www.comcast.com . Then click on press room, then HDTV. At the bottom of the page they will see this quote .

Quote:

** For non-Digital Cable customers who wish to receive only broadcast HDTV signals, Comcast will an HDTV-enabled Digital Cable set-top box at the published monthly equipment charge.