So we had a Comcast tech at our condo today, fixing some things around with the cable modem wiring, and he asked if we wanted a cable box for the TV.
 
"No", I replied, "why would we?   We just watch the local stations, when we even bother to watch TV, and they come in on HD via Basic Cable with no problem..."
 
Apparently, that will be changing.  It seems that Comcast is going to start charging extra for HD channels this September.  Any HD channels.  Including local stations, already broadcasting for free in digital HD over the air.  And Comcast is going to start charging for that...ROFLs.
 
Think it's safe to say, upon moving, we'll be sticking an antenna on the TV and be done with these idiots...

The FCC requires by law cable to offer local channel coverage for free as a part of basic service regardless of SD or HD. Sounds like he was trying to up-sale you on installing a set top box rental.

Brad_Hawthorne


The FCC requires by law cable to offer local channel coverage for free as a part of basic service regardless of SD or HD. Sounds like he was trying to up-sale you on installing a set top box rental.

It would not have been an up-sell, as we do technically have 'basic cable', so a box is included if we want it.
 
However, while the local stations would be available, they just would not be available in HD.  Maybe I wasn't clear on that point - we'd still get the stations, we just wouldn't get them in their broadcast quality.  Comcast would "helpfully" not transmit the free-over-the-air HD versions of the stations, but just the SD content.  Unless you pay for an 'HD content' package.

I get about 90 channels OTA.  between that and the internet, what more do you need?

They've always charged extra for HD ( and DVR ) in my area. I have a lot of trees in my yard so dish or antenna is a no go.

Kanti


I get about 90 channels OTA.  between that and the internet, what more do you need?

That's what I'm saying.
 
Who does Comcast think they are kidding trying to charge for this?

interesting. I also pay here for Basic TV only, now it's all "digital" since they switched our area to Xfinity, so I had to install the Comcast thingy to get basic analog channels back, we still however get local stations HD broadcast ... so until September it seems LOL! I guess i will canccel the TV service and sell my TV tuner when the time comes LOL! I watch TV like once a year or so anyways ...

feniks

...and sell my TV tuner when the time comes LOL! I watch TV like once a year or so anyways ...

Or just smack an antenna on your roof.  Or by the TV.
 
One of the incentives for the push to digital, and why the government felt it was worth spending money to force progress on, is that it allows a MUCH higher 'data loss rate' than analog, and when incorporating the appropriate checksums in packets, little to no drop in quality.
 
Which let the airwaves get filled up with a LOT more channels (more competition), and of CONSIDERABLY higher quality.
 
Pick up a decent HD/digital antenna - you'll be surprised at how small they are, as well as the staggering array of channels you get clear pictures on.
 
IMHO, Comcast is just trying to force themselves out of business or something, their actions make no freaking sense...

yeah, I browsed those HD antennas some time ago, just wasn't sure if they work as advertised (they are cheap), sounds like an alternative after all hehe
my computer stands by the window so reception should be somewhat OK too (I don't even have a real TV LOL!), will think about it.
 
Comcast is getting very expensive nowadays ... they want to charge you for everything and anything, even the freebies ...

It is not just Comcast. The stations themselves are trying to squeeze every last dime out as well. You folks hear about the latest dispute between Direct TV and Fox right?
http://articles.chicagotr...-cw-and-fox-affiliates
 
Seems so asinine to me personally.

xanderf


IMHO, Comcast is just trying to force themselves out of business or something, their actions make no freaking sense...

 
Simply, they have a monopoly. If you are old enough to remember Ma Bell pre break up, it's the same thing.
 

yeah, clowncast is teh suX0rz. They actually make me *grateful* to have AT&T U-worst...

Have charter here. I've had them for 2 years. When I first got them I was very dissatisfied. Connection sucked, customer service was horrible. But they've turned all that around. Great, cheap connection and I have had excellent dealings with their phone reps and home techs. Had issues with my neighbor hooking into my line several times and they came out and overhauled it so he couldn't do it again.