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Comcast cable and the Feb 2009 digital TV switch over
What's the story with Comcast and the digital TV switch-over that's coming in Feb 2009? According to the various gov sites, if you have cable TV, you're not affected. So I called Comcast and the rep told me that they will discontinue all analog channels in Feb 2009 as well and that the cheapest digital package starts at $55/month. So what's the real story?
I'd prefer to just keep everything "as is", but if Comcast is going to dump all the analog channels, I guess I'll have to dump Comcast cable (I guess I'll drop Comcast internet too if I can get DSL in my area) and try using one of the new coupon boxes instead, however I don't know if I will be able to get it to work with my ReplayTV boxes.
So, does anyone know if Comcast really is going to dump all the analog channels?
I'd prefer to just keep everything "as is", but if Comcast is going to dump all the analog channels, I guess I'll have to dump Comcast cable (I guess I'll drop Comcast internet too if I can get DSL in my area) and try using one of the new coupon boxes instead, however I don't know if I will be able to get it to work with my ReplayTV boxes.
So, does anyone know if Comcast really is going to dump all the analog channels?
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Inappropriate?I thought Twitter was a place where you can come to get answers to questions like this. Are you only allowed to ask questions about Twitter itself?
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Ahea... -
Inappropriate?Robman,
First, I would like to apologize for any confusion.
Please allow me to clarify. Comcast's relocation of analog channels to the digital tier does not have anything to do with digital switch over in Feb 2009. The digital switch over is only for off the air channels (local and basic channels available through antenna) being transmitted from analog to digital. If you are a cable customer, you do not have anything to worry about. We got you covered for the switch over in 2009.
Currently on some Comcast markets, channels are being relocated from analog to the digital tier. The main purpose for us doing this is to free up space. For every analog channel, we can fit in more digital and High def channels. If you do not have a digital converter, you may not be able to view the transferred channels becuase they are now in the digital feed. As a result, we are currently offering a promotion for customers who are currently not subscribing to our digital service.
I hope my expanation helped. If you have additional questions or need further assistance, please feel free send me an email with your best contact number. I will be happy to assist further.
Best Regards,
Mark C.
Comcast Corp.
We_Can_Help@cable.comcast.com
1 person says
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i am a customer of camcast extended basic as they called it when i ordered it yaers ago and i started paying$38.00 about that much, now i apy $68.00 and they take off channels and WE have to pay to rent a box to be able to watch those programs is a complete rip-off, i can't wait to order DIRECT and get away from comcast-i know quite a few people who feel the same way whom will change also to DIRECT-keep up the good work comcast -
Inappropriate?Hi Mark,
Thanks for the quick response. I'm in the northern Chicago suburbs (Wilmette) if that helps, as far as the market goes. Currently, I mainly have Comcast for my internet, but I do get the network channels via the cable. When you start moving channels to digital, will you continue to send the broadcast channels via the analog channels? What channels will you be moving and when?
Thanks,
Rob -
Inappropriate?Do you have a digital converter? As far as the channel relocation for Chicago, I have to get the specifics from my contacts. What is the best contact number for you tomorrow?
Mark C.
Comcast orp.
We_can_help@cable.comcast.com -
Inappropriate?Mark,
I sent you an email last week with my phone number. Drop me a line when you have a chance.
Thanks,
Rob -
Inappropriate?Hi Rob!
I left you a message with my direct line. Call me whenever you have a chance today.
Thanks!
Mark
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Inappropriate?I still am confused about how things will be changing, as things move from analog to digital. I have a digital box attached to one tv and another two with analog cable, I have seen several (maybe 5-10) channels move to digital... which I think is a great idea, especially for the handful of channels that appeared in both places. But it seems this is resulting in me paying the same for less service (as I can now no longer watch those channels on those tvs). More HD channels would be fine if they were channels I watched, but without a say in what I can get for HD I run the risk of losing channels I do watch for some I don't watch. Without a suitable answer satellite is looking like a better choice all the time.
I’m frustrated
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What area are you from? Will you please let me know so that I can determine exactly what is going to happen there?
If you can also send me your best contact number and the phone number on the account, I would most certainly appreciate it.
Mark C.
Comcast Corp.
We_Can_Help@cable.comcast.com -
YOU ARE CORRECT-WHAT A TERRIBLE THING TO DO TO CUSTOMERS AFTER THE fact WHEN WE GOT CABLE WE NOW HAVE TO PAY MORE FOR LESS-I AM SWITCHING TO DIRECT-I HOPE THEY LOSE MANY CUSTOMERS!
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Inappropriate?Here's an update about the Comcast situation. According to the Executive Support Specialist that I just spoke to, I should be able to continue using my current setup past the Feb 2009 DTV switchover.
I don't use a cable box, the cable feed goes directly into my "cable ready" TV and my ReplayTV boxes. Concast will continue to send the broadcast channels down the line in the analog-like format that they currently use.
There is also the option of getting a digital box for a small monthly rental charge which would also give me some of the additional free channels that you can get with a coupon box. -
Inappropriate?The analog => digital changeover only applies to the signals sent over the air. That is, if you're using "bunny ears" or some other home antenna, then you need a converter box. However, if you have any form of cable at all, you are covered (regardless of whether or not you have digital or analog cable).
Here's the scoop:
The stations that you can currently pick up via "bunny ears" are being broadcast as radio waves. This ties up a large chunk of the frequencies. Analog broadcast take up about 10 times as much space (on the frequency spectrum) as digital broadcasts use. The FCC wants to trim down the space required for TV so that they can sell the rest of the spectrum and make money. They also need a dedicated emergency band that doesn't conflict with any of the cellular phone companies.
The bottom line is that if you have cable, you don't need to worry about this switchover.
I’m meh
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Inappropriate?I am very pleased with the response time from Getsatisfaction, and the ensuing response time from comcast... their answer though disappointed me. Yes, everyone is correct that said the February switch won't effect cable users, BUT on their own Comcast (and probably all other cable companies) are switching from the analog signal that you just plug your tv into and receive to digital where we will need box attached to every tv. According to Mark, there was a deal where they allowed people an extra box for free for a year (I never heard about that before he mentioned it) and currently in this area they are offering the extra box at a discounted rate (normally $5.95 a month until mid August $1.95 a month) and again, this isn't being advertised. So yes, cable users won't be affected by the February change, but they aren't telling us they are making their own change that will affect us and for a price they have us covered. I'm sure the satellite companies are thrilled to hear cable is heading back to the days of having to pay for every tv in your house.
I’m disgusted
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Inappropriate?@ SpicyLemon, like Micster said, even though in theory cable users are not affected by the OTA switchover, there's nothing stopping the cable companies using this occassion to move all of their analog channels up into the digital range too. If you're already using a cable box, this probably won't affect you, but if (like me) you have the cable going directly into your TV, it is a concern.
Even though I don't have an HDTV, my TV is "cable ready" which is how I'm able to connect it directly to the cable now. I don't watch any "cable" channels, I just watch the OTA broadcast channels, and the Comcast rep that I spoke to yesterday assured me that I will be able to continue using my current setup. -
Inappropriate?Many years ago, every TV required some sort of box in order to get the cable channels. When cable first came out, people had to get cable boxes. Eventually, though, TV manufactures started putting the cable boxes in the TVs and today, you can't buy a TV that doesn't have a built in tuner.
Now, though, the cable companies are slowly switching channels to digital. ALmost all older TVs don't have a tuner built in to handle the digital signals so you have to get a box. Many TVs on the market today have tuners that can handle digital signals though. Eventually, the TVs without the digital tuners will break or be replaced and boxes won't be needed any more..... that is untiil the next best thing comes out.
It is annoying to have to have a box though. And its even more annoying that when they move a channel to digital, they don't drop the price for those that no longer get the channel.
Just as cable boxes went away 20 years ago, let's hope they go away again. This is a message to you Comcast: People don't like cable boxes and never will.
I’m meh
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My sentiments exactly.
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I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU AND WHAT COMCAST DID -I HOPE THEY LOSE MANY CUSTOMERS.
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Inappropriate?There is a way to get digital cable without the Comcast cable box. Newer TVs have an ATSC tuner (along with the old NTSC analog tuner) that can get unencrypted digital Cable (typically the non-paychannels). My TV tuner picks up around 50 analog and 50 digital channels (Massachusetts).
Basically, you just need a device that handles ATSC/QAM tuning... Some high-grade DVD players, DVD recorders, Tivo's, and all new TVs. There is an annoyance in that the channels don't necessarily line up... you get funny channels like 71-4 and 71-5.
That said, I am a bit annoyed with this, as I currently have 3 analog tuners in use (including 2 in a homemade DVR) and didn't really want to spend the money on replacing them.
I’m annoyed
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Inappropriate?So did I read this right? We have several tv's in our home, of which only 1 has a cable box attached. Does that mean that all tv's that don't have a cable box will no longer be able to see channels like Bravo, Sci-Fi, & Food Network? Also, will I be able to see network channels like Fox, ABC, & CBS? Please help. In my area (New England) I believe the extra cable boxes are very expensive.2 Comments Add a comment
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As far as I have learned, we have all lost some 10 to 15 channels from analog (direct line no box) they were replaced with a handful (I think maybe 5) HD channels. They feel this is an "upgrade" and I was told they "reserve the right to upgrade" at anytime. So yes we could lose more, but they are not saying when or what channels. As for the concern about the cost of the digital box, if you call and complain, they were offering one at a reduced rate (but they said that expired August 15) although it was never advertised anywhere, where I saw it. I for one am looking into which satellite package I like best and in the meantime warning everyone I talk to, to stay away from comcast - which comes across as odd from someone who sits on their local cable access board of directors.
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If the channels were moved to the digital tier, then you will need a digital converter.
We do offer 1 year free rental for the digital converter and I believe the expiration date of the promotion was extended.
The channels that migrated were mostly the same in all areas but I want to double check the actual channels in your area and the availability of the promotion. If you don't mind, will you please send me the phone number on the account so that I can check for you?
Thanks!
Mark C.
Comcast Corp.
We_Can_Help@cable.comcast.com -
Inappropriate?It is not a big deal to me that analog cable channels are moving over to Digital, and it makes sense... What would be helpful is a timeline on a webpage somewhere on what to expect and when in any given area.
In talking with a Comcast customer service rep in my area (Massachusetts), we will still have roughly the same number of analog channels around this time next year... beyond that they couldn't say.
I, like many others, will continue to have only one cable box, but will have other TVs throughout the house connected to cable. A 1yr promotion on additional cable boxes is not something I'm interested in for a long-term solution. Eventually I and many others will have to bite the bullet and start replacing older TVs with newer ones with digital tuners built-in.
I’m indifferent
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