[mikej1980]

I am currently receiving the 3 HD channels from DTV and 4 HD channels OTA. I live in downtown chicago and I'm reading about people getting HDTV through comcast from a beta test. I've read rumors on these boards that DTV doesn't have bandwidth for more channels or they might be bought out, and there HD future looks grim. Should I invest in comcast and buy new equiptment or should I stick with DTV?

 

[jmike1]

Since you already have one, stick with the dish for now. Wait for Comcast to actually roll out more channels (and not just promise to do so) and provide HDTivo capability before you switch. I currently have OTA only and I'll probably get the Comcast service when it becomes available next month. When DTV introduces its HDTivo this year I may switch. Of course, that means I may switch back to Comcast after the dish companies taps out their bandwidth.

 

[vegggas]

If Comcast is ready, why not give them a try? It shouldn't "cost" you anything other than initial hookup, and you can probably get a new customer discount that gives away a bunch of stuff and maybe a 30 day trial. You should only have to buy new equipment if you buy the the new Dtv stuff every year. As for the HD recorders and the future, don't hold your breath. There are a lot of promises for both sat and cable with each promising something out this year. As for the bandwidth, there is still some debate, but eventually there will be better cable systems and more sat space. It's what you have and want now that matters right now. Check Comcast's HD lineup and see if they offer anything you want.


vegggas

 

[steverobertson]

I saw Comcast cable a couple of weeks ago and the SD channels looked like crap. It made me realize why I switched to Directv 7 years ago. The HD channels were fine but I don't believe they have a agreement in place to carry CBS which is the standard in HDTV

 

[MickeyGee]

Right now, DTV with OTA is a good combination. Comcast does not have a full HD channel line-up at this point. Since I assume you have some sunken costs with your present set-up, it would not make sense to switch until Comcast has something clearly better than DTV/OTA. I am a current Comcast sub, and not very happy with their limited programming.

 

[Bradb21]

Plus Comcast doesn't not offer HD in Chicago yet. They may have some beta testers, but they have not rolled out a product yet.


If your even thinking about switching, I'd wait till an HD product is avail in Chicago.


I personally would rather cut off my arm, than switch back to cable.

 

[mikej1980]

I agree with you guys saying stick with DTV, but I'm getting frustrated just as probably everybody else is that DTV is taking any steps to add more HD channels at the moment. Other than HDNET, OTA HD is the only way to go for now. HBO and SHOTIME HD look decent, but it's only the DD sound that impresses me. I have all this high end equiptment, and all DTV can offer me is HDNET and a PPV HD channel. Where's ESPN HD or Discovery HD. Bring it!

 

[DDODD]

DTV was probably counting on using the extra bandwidth they would have gotten if they had been able to merge with Dish Network. Does anyone know what their current remaining capacity is to carry HDTV? I have quite a bit invested in DTV SD equipment (four receivers, two on ReplayTV units, all distributed via an 8 channel modulator) and I was planning on adding DTV HD when they have more programming. For now, I am testing the waters with a small system to view OTA HDTV from all the networks in the Sacramento, CA area.


Comcast announced that they began HD testing in this area a few days ago but I hate cable companies; it's the reason I switched to DTV several years ago. I imagine that Comcast has the advantage of being able to leapfrog DTV though since they may not have as much invested in digital SD technology as DTV. Opinions?