Comcast rolls out HDTV in Detroit!

Ken,


I called Comcast and they said there is going to be a 49.95 fee for installation. Is there something unique that they have to do? Why should I pay for someone to come out and swap boxes when I can do it myself. I understand they probably want to make sure J6P uses the component video hookup for HD and the digital audio out for surround sound.


With all the money I have invested in my equipment I guess I'd rather be the only one that does anything with it.


Rick



All,


My post from the other Comcast Detroit thread:


I called Comcast and asked about HD and they transferred me to another department that was dealing with all the HD inquires. They took my info and said they will return my call when they are ready to roll out the service. I was told second week of December.

Glad they finally released the info! I am a beta tester and the 2nd box installed out of the Ann Arbor office. I agree with Ken that the picture quality rivals OTA which really surprised me. Now let's get them going on HDNET and CBS...

I called Comcast and they said there is going to be a 49.95 fee for installation. Is there something unique that they have to do? Why should I pay for someone to come out and swap boxes when I can do it myself.


Good question. I received the box from installers that were really nice but really didn't have alot of A/V background. I had to walk them through connections. I'm sure the money upfront is a way for Comcast to recoup some money, simple as that.

I understand they probably want to make sure J6P uses the component video hookup for HD and the digital audio out for surround sound.


You would think that but my install the guys came out with standard L/R analog audio connections. The one installer didn't even think the SPDIF hookup was active. First thing I did was go get a 12' Fiber Digital Audio cable and hook it up.

Newspaper articles for those that are interested:


Detroit News
http://www.detnews.com/2002/technolo.../c01-15217.htm


Detroit Free Press
http://www.freep.com/money/tech/hdtv20_20021120.htm


Kudos to AVS members who were quoted including our own moderator KEN H.


I think this will support the quote above of a mid December install for those that sign up now. Also, some areas including the city won't have the service right away due to line limitations.



Tavis

In the past I've heard members from other areas of the country say the cable company recomended running

a second line to the house for the HD.

I believe this was from a Houston area member.


Any word on Comcast policy for this?


Recently I had a comcast cable modem installed and the installer[contractor] wanted to run a new line.

Underground, across the entire front yard. He claimed it was probably RG-59.

I told him I have a underground sprinkler system and just cancel the order for now.

All of a sudden it was OK......modem works fine.

The underground turned out to be RG-6.


--------------


Dan

I hope this means I'm allowed to talk about this now.


I was actually very surprised by how well the installation went. They showed up promptly at the begining of the scheduled time range, all 3 installers.


And they seemed to know what they were doing, explaining to me some of the shortcomings of the system and plans for the software upgrade, though nothing that I think has not already been covered on other threads here.


The only holdup was when I had to go rummage for an spdif cable. There was some confusion because my AV receiver has only2 optical and 1 coax connection and I'd forgotten what I already had connected.


But I'm quite pleased except for the fact that my stupid Toshiba RPTV convergence board went south about 2 days before the install. So I had a week or so of watching a great picture on the top half of my screen followed by the still ongoing week of waiting for the part to get back from the shop. (due tomorrow)


- Tom

Quote:
Tpatt, RF22, RREINI, KenH and other Gurus....


Comcast ann arbor called me and wanted me to be a beta tester.


How much does it cost at a minimum? I just want their basic package, showtime and HBO and all the HD loclas...


I pay about $45 with dish network for thair AT100, HBO and SHOtime. I get the HD for free with OTA.


If I have to sell my dish equipment and join the comcast bandwagon, I need to know what the cost will per month and nobody is telling...


Thanks.

Quote:
Shankar,


Well I'm definitely not a guru but I'll give it a shot:

This is for the Brighton/Howell area:

Comcast regular cable: 39.95 (recently raised from $36.95)

Digital cable upgrade: 15.95 (I had to add this for the beta)

HBO/SHO: 15.95 (they give you all the affiliated HBO/SHO channels)

Total: 71.85


As you can see that does bump the price quite a bit for cable and as advertised the sat co's have a better monthly cost....although other than the $49.95 install fee there is no upfront cost with Comcast.


As for me, I think I'll be cancelling HBO/SHO and just getting the locals right now. I'm more of a sports guy so I'm hoping as Ken H has suggested that Comcast provides a HD package that includes the above, HDNET, ESPN, and others. I was just on the verge of getting D* when Comcast called me for the beta. I think I can hold on for a couple of months and see what happens as the thought of buying a $700 D* STB doesn't thrill me right now.

I believe that HBO-HD and Showtime HD would be included with the HBO and Showtime packages. That'll be nice. As someone who's already paying for Comcast's top-line digital cable package AND their high-speed Internet service, I oughta get some break... Granted, the HD box will be an extra charge, but I can go along with that.


Now for my thoughts on the service so far:


Installation was straightforward, swapping out one box for the other and adding high-quality A/V cables. The only change for me was that my OTA tuner was unplugged to free up its input for the 5100 box. I can swap cables with ease, though, so that I can watch the OTA channels that aren't on cable yet.


Right now, there are only 4 HD channels: HBO, Showtime, WXYZ (ABC) and WTVS (PBS), along with WTVS's SD subchannel that simulcasts its analog programming. I cannot see any differences in HD quality between OTA and cable. Comcast hopes to add WDIV-DT soon, hopefully in time for the Thanksgiving Day parade, which will be telecast in HD for the first time. Of course, if they don't add it in time, I'll just hook up my OTA box


Software issues with the 5100 box have been discussed elsewhere, so I won't mention them here, except to say I'm experiencing them too.


I have no real complaints except for the lack of channels so far. This will change, eventually. I sure hope we'll get the new HDNet channels, for I've been envious of those of you with D*