Anyone work for Comcast?

[billw]

I live in the Balitmore/Harford county area of MD.

Does anyone work for Comcast?
I am trying to get some answers.

Thanks
Bill

[Classic57]

Bill, I don't work for Comcast, but I might be able to anwser some of your questions.

[billw]

classic57.....thanks for responding

I have decided to go with Comcast after much questioning and concern.

I still cant get a straight answer. It really doesnt matter now that they tell me that it may take up to 2 weeks for an underground.

However I have requested service. I have also requested an HD installation.

I was trying to get a real answer as to whether a Comcast tech was really required for the HD installation. I understand they get $50 for the installation. It was more an issue of time because they are scheduled out through the end of the month.

This was the initial story. Now I am being told they are only scheduled a week out but it will take up to 2 weeks for my undergound.

I also was inquiring about the local channel lineup. I (along with all the other Comcast HD subscribers) are curious as to when and what local channels are being added.

I am returning my OTA receiver and dont want to reinvest the money until JVC releases their new HD satelite receiver. Then I will need to consider whether I want to switch to satellite.

I guess what I am asking:

1) Is it really going to take 2 weeks for my underground?
2) Is a tech really needed for the HD installation?
3) Are there any talk of local channel additions?

Thanks
Bill

[Classic57]

Bill, Two weeks for your underground is about right. As far as the HD install, they won't let the end user do the install. I have a Mits WS55909 with a built in HD tuner. The Comcast tech hooked up the 3 comp. cables to the tv, the coax cable to the box and left. I missed a day of work for him to connect 4 cables. Now for the additional stations, WJZ brocast is in 720p I would guess thats why the are not avalible at this time. No word on when they will be. I have been told the Comcast Sports Net (HTS) will begin HD brodcasts in the summer. MTP is also scheduled to begin OTA brodcasts in April and Comcast should have them up by next year. UPN dose not have enough programming to be included and FOX 45 is not live in HD yet. FOX 5 in DC is live HD but no live date is set. Fox only HD mode is 480p.

I am currently looking into an outside antenna fot the OTA signals. I hope to get Balto., DC, and maybe some PA stations.

Good Luck, Jeff

Bill one more thing, If you can ask the Comcast rep for the SA 4200HD set top box. It is the newest and best option for digital HD recieption.

[billw]

Is this better than the DCT 5100 box?

[Classic57]

Bill, since I live in Harford county I have not played with any of the Motorola boxes. But as far as the SA boxes go the SA4200HD give you much more flexablity in switching from HD to SD programming it also very quick for a digital set top box. Are you in Harford or Baltimore county? If you are in Harford I think on the SA boxes will work but I'm really not sure now that I think about it. I need to do some research.

[billw]

I do live in Harford County......do you have this SA 4200 box?

[BigJohn]

Hey guys, I have the DCT 5100. They have recently upgraded the software on the thing so it switches from 480i to 1080i automatically and it's rocket fast between channels otherwise. No complaints.

[billw]

Do either of these boxed have the DVI connection enabled?

[billw]

I spoke with Comcast and they are telling me they do not have a box with the DVI connection......

Does anyone know this to be false?

Bill

[BigJohn]

That's a negative, Bill. The 5100 has an optional 1394 port, but the units installed by Comcast do not have that port at all. The only outputs are coax, component, and composite video and optical and stereo sound.

[fanshen]

And just to be thorough, s-video.

[BigJohn]

yeah, what he said.