HD on Comcast

[Blindpilot]

I currently have "Basic Digital" with Comcast. I want to get HD. Is it just a matter of leasing the HDTV box for $7 or so? Or do I need to change the plan, too?

[Wondermaker]

Welcome to the forum, Blindpilot!

The HDTV upgrade with Comcast will come with HD signals for broadcast channels (PBS, CBS, ABC, NBC, CW, FOX, etc.), and a small smattering of cable channels like Discovery, National Geographic, TNT, HGTV, Food Network, A&E, and ESPN networks. It also includes some "minor" HD channels like MOJO and MHD - concerts and such in high def.

There are a few HD premium channels like Showtime, Starz, HBO, Cinemax, etc. that require further subscription. Otherwise, all of the above comes through when you hook up the HD box.

As an aside, the box my family received has DVI and optical audio outputs... no HDMI. I'm not sure if all Comcast HD boxes are created equal, but I thought I'd throw that note in so you can be prepared with the right cords...

[Brent]

I'm not certain about Comcast, but they appear to have the same policy that most (if not all) cable companies have at this time -- if you have the HD-digital box or a cablecard, you get all the non-premium (i.e., everything except HBO, Showtime, TMC, Cinemax) channels with your basic digital package.

[tofur69]

Wondermaker is right about the channels. However, my cable box has HDMI. The only issue is that the audio completely drops out between commercials on some of the channels (not all). This has happened between two boxes and two different receivers. I replaced the first box because of this issue and it happened through the optical and HDMI. It is a minor inconvenience but I deal with it. Comcast does not know how to deal with it at this time but they are researching it.

The box adds $7 dollars and gives you DVR and HD. It is worth the cost. They will even throw in the HDMI cable with the box.