Going “All-Digital” – Tons more HD and a Faster Internet
There was a lot of discussion yesterday on our first quarter 2009 earnings call about Comcast’s “All-Digital” project. We generally refer to this program as “Project Cavalry.” You might be wondering exactly what it is. Project Cavalry is our plan to give customers tons more HD choices, a faster Internet and more On Demand. How do we get there?
The cable industry has provided analog television service from the inception of cable TV. Analog delivery enables a cable-ready TV to receive 60-70 channels without any equipment. Over time, the industry has migrated to digital delivery. Similarly, the government is requiring digital delivery for broadcast channels on June 12 in the Digital Transition, although that only relates to ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, PBS and Univision. Project Cavalry involves cable channels, including ESPN, TBS, A&E, etc. Regardless, it is clear that the video world is going digital. Doing so offers much improved picture quality and, with a Comcast set-top box, compelling two-way services such as Video On Demand and an interactive guide.
The real catch, however, is that analog delivery takes up more space on our network than digital delivery. For every analog channel, we can deliver 10-15 standard definition Digital channels or 2-3 HD channels. Today, approximately 2/3 of our network capacity is dedicated to delivering analog video. However, 72% of customers have digital service. By moving about half the analog channels to digital, we open up an incredible amount of capacity to bring dramatic product enhancements to customers. Half the channels remain in analog, meaning that 20-30 channels including all the broadcasters can still be viewed without any equipment on their cable-ready TVs.
Our solution is to provide a free digital service upgrade to move our “Expanded Basic” tier of analog customers to Digital. With no change to their monthly bill, we provide 8-10 additional channels, 40-50 music channels, all-digital picture quality and sound, an interactive guide and access to thousands of choices of Video On Demand. That offer includes digital equipment for three TVs at no charge. We chose that because the average U.S. home which has 2.7 TVs. Digital customers also get some free equipment and more channels including over 100 HD channels if you subscribe to HD service. Internet customers get doubled speeds. Remaining bandwidth can be used for increased international channels, even more HD, even faster Internet, etc. As mentioned, everything described happens at no additional charge.
Key to this offer is a new device we developed called a Digital Transport Adapter, or DTA (one is pictured at the top of the post). DTAs are small devices designed to replicate one-way analog service in digital. Unlike a set-top box, you can’t use On Demand or an interactive guide on a DTA, but digital channels look crystal clear in digital quality. If you want to receive more than the 20-30 analog channels mentioned above, we will provide you with a DTA on your TV when we go “all-digital” in your neighborhood. These devices are very small and were designed to be easily hidden behind your TV if you don’t want to see it. The free equipment Project Cavalry provides Expanded Basic customers includes one full-featured set-top box and two of these smaller DTAs.
The program is called Project Cavalry, since executing it requires us to touch nearly every home we provide video service to. The Comcast Cavalry sweeps into your neighborhood and works closely with you to provide great service and get you through it. In fact, it’s not very intrusive and to date approximately 75% of customers have self-installed their new, free equipment without needing anyone from Comcast to visit their home. The good news is that once you do, you’ll start seeing substantial product improvements almost immediately.
Since launching Cavalry late last year, we have deployed over a million of these DTAs in our footprint. In fact we deployed a million faster than Google sold a million of their G1 phones. It’s a fast moving program, driven by customer demand for great product improvements at no charge. Right now, Cavalry is underway in Portland, Seattle, the Bay Area, Chattanooga, Augusta, Philadelphia, the DC/Beltway area and Atlanta. Expect it to roll through your neighborhood sometime before the end of 2010.
Enter Comments
Please note that all comments on the Comcast Voices blog must follow the guidelines outlined in the blog policy. All comments will be moderated prior to appearing on the blog. This is important to prevent spam and personal attacks. If posting a comment about a specific customer service problem or personal account issue, please contact us here, or post your question to the Comcast Help & Support forums.
Comments (43)
I just plugged these into two of my TVs. The LCD tv I had used to get the local channels in HD and now I don't get those with this box. I'm glad I didn't pay for this digital box (although somewhere in all my payments to Comcast I'm sure I will...) otherwise I'd be PO'd.
Not sure what the Comcast team was thinking when they developed this digital converter. I told my wife if I had bought this online it would go back in the box and get shipped back to the seller asap.
Oh and most of the extra free channels are garbage as you can imagine. Maybe 1 or 2 that I'd watch, but I'd rather have my HD channels than watch those free ones for sure.
Any more shenanigans like this and I'm converting to Dish.
Your Motto should be "Ambitious, but Rubbish"
Disappointed in MN.
I just installed the DTA on the old analog tube and my newer LCD set. The old tube looks good, but I was shocked when the new set that had gotten the local HD channels was downgraded to SD only.
I understand that the analog has to go but why kill the local HD channels at the same time? I haven't been this annoyed in a while.
I had a pretty positive view of Comcast but based on this experience alone, I am ready to switch to FIOS.
Comcast is trying to get me off analog but what is in it for me? I'd rather have the local HD channels than the 20-30 additional channels I won't watch. It is a step backward not a step forward. I'll be putting the LCD back on analog tomorrow.
The DTA is a nice box that is no frills and does what it is designed to do. It would be an almost ideal box for me if it had a pass through that allowed the Comcast digital signal to go directly to my set when the DTA was turned off. (Most basic ATSC tuners that was permitted by the FCC have this feature.) That way I could use my newer LCD TV to receive the DTA channels which is in standard definition and the HD channels from the local station which is broadcast in clear QAM. Currently in most areas you don't need a DTA since all the channels that the DTA can receive is sent in clear QAM, but I have read that Comcast will be encrypting all QAM channels except for the limited basic channels.
Yes, I too connected Comcast's adapters only to discover my HD channels here in Chicago went bye bye. All the equipment Comcast gave me? In the garage. With the exception of the batteries that came with the remotes. Hey, who doesn't need batteries with the holiday season almost upon us. Thanks Comcast. Your free battery program is certainly a winner. I hope someone gets a bonus for coming up with this great idea.
How much does this box cost? where can a get a box.
This is now coming to Chicago as well. I have the same problem as you do. 8 TVs in the house, all now able to receive 70+ channels. After this transition, they all need a DTA box to do the same. Not mention the inconvinence of additional remote. Sleep timer never was a feature on Comcast universal remote.
Something they could have done, (but maybe in their disinterest of monthly charge for all DTA boxes!!) is to provide a home gateway converter box, to convert all their digital channels back into the samo analog as they do pipe it through their cable. At least this way, for however how many TV you have in the house, the service would remain the same if you don't care about on demand and HD stuff. Your TV remote will stay as singler :)
Well, who am I to say. Working in this industry for 20+ years, I know that wouldn't be a "smart" markting strategy, specially considering near term. You (own) had all these private channel format to you, need to exercise it to the max. extend.
More bad news for me, there is no Verizon FIOS in Chicago area and I have no phone line in the house. So, I am stuck!! Tighten up the belt is the only solution!
I recently ordered and self-installed a digital set-top box and digital adapter in my house. I connected the STB to the HDTV in the living room and quickly found that I was no longer able to receive the off-air HD stations that I was able to receive with the cable connected directly to the HDTV that has a QAM tuner. Prior to the box, I was able to punch in 9-1 for our off-air HD channel 9.
I contacted Comcast customer service and found that after their "digital" transition is complete, I would loose this ability and would need to upgrade my cable package in order to receive the off-air HD channels. Once found this out, it became very apparent why Comcast is forcing this change on their customers; i.e. if you want HD, even HD content that is free, you will pay.
This upgrade, which was advertised as not costing the user any additional fees, will indeed cost me and you if you wish to receive broadcast HD channels. The money money hungry Comcast strikes again. Let's see how Mr or Ms Comcast will explain this one.
All weekend long, as I was laid up in my bed, all I could see every 20 minutes on how I had to get an adaptor to keep receiving the cable on that television. So I went to the cable office and waited in line for 20 minutes, received the equipment. Got home hooked everything up correctly, called to have them activated. after 6 hours later. Not working/.
So, let's see. Comcast saves bandwidth and I get:
1. No clear QAM channels unless I complicate my setup further (and make it more user unfriendly) by adding an a/b switch.
2. Degraded VCR recording since I can't program it to record different channels at different times. Also can no longer record one channel while watching another.
3. I don't get a free STB since I was foolish enough to previously purchase digital cable and HD programming.
4. I don't get expanded basic channels on my third and forth extra sets unless I pay additional fees for service I'm already paying for!
5. Analog quality TV on my digital TVs.
6. Lost ability to bypass channels I don't watch while channel surfing.
Yep, great progress in customer service.
I bought a Vizio 22" 1080p flat panel for my kid's room. When we installed it, we hooked it up to a cable outlet and the digital tuner found 30 analog and 60 digital channels. The TV remote even had the dash or minus sign ("-") on it so you could select a digital "virtual" channel. However, my son REALLY likes Disney XD which is, as far as I can tell, available only through Comcast. So we picked up a converter box for him. Fast Forward to Sunday (Football Day). I disconnected the cable box and watched in 1080i (highest transmission rate) football football and more football. Of course I could have used the 800 band of channels but that is besides the point....
here is the point, without the box, I was a prophet! My wife was watching in another room and couldn't understand how I knew what was going to happen. The delay was maybe 7 seconds but I was reacting to a play before my wife could see it start. I love NFL Network but the delay is a deal breaker...
After all the above, I have a statement and a question. The statement is that I have already talked twice with a comcast rep who promised to send me one DTA. (I only need one, not two). This was several weeks ago and I have yet to receive it. So I got your letter today about the November 3rd deadline and decided to use Comcast.com/digitalnow to order one. Guess what? I can't find the webpage. Why do you and others not provide a seperate webpage when you ask customers to use it? This, I find, is modern business today. All screwed up! Now I am forced to call once again after two previous failures using your telephone reps. I guess by now you realize that I find your service leaves a whole lot to be desired.
We were promised that we would not need additional equipment in an advertising campaign waged by Comcast last year. Several weeks ago I receive an unsolicited phone call from Comcast CS telling me that I needed a set top box. In spite of my reluctance due to the fact that there was no room for addional equipment in my entertainment center cabinet, I agreed. (I also do not like fumbling with additional remotes or adjusting to new equipment when the old stuff works just fine.) Weeks later the equipment still had not arrived, but channels on my extended basic package were being blue screened and phased out. I contacted Comcast chat and they said I would need to go pick up the equipment myself at the nearest tech center. I drove to the center and picked up the set top box which includes a universal remote. The box was too large to sit on top of my existing DVD player and fit within the confines of my entertainment center. Nonetheless, I attempted to connect the new eyesore to my components.
The sales pitch on this was that it would be a free upgrade to digital quality. However, the outputs on the "free" box are analog RF or analog A/V (Yellow video, red/white audio). In short, there is no way to output a digital signal. No component video outputs. No DVI. No HDMI. I connected the device to the A/V analog inputs on my HDTV, and, sure enough, the picture quality is not any better than analog. The glorious digital signal is downscaled to analog from the box to my TV. The only difference I can see is that my kids now have to deal with navigating three digits to find their favorite channels instead of two. There is also an info bar and some menu services. This information is useful, but I am still disappointed that there isn't even a modest improvement in video quality.
I have come to the painful conclusion that the set top boxes are not being provided to enhance the customer experience, but, instead are being provided to increase Comcasts revenues. Comcast benefits from eliminating the analog signal in order to free up more bandwidth for them to market additional services. The set top box opens the door for an untapped revenue stream, on demand (aka pay per view) content. It's not enough for us to pay a montly bill and sit through commercials. Now we will be paying for content a la carte. I will note that there is some free content available right now in order to promote this service. I don't expect this to last long as Comcast, a private for profit corporation, will want to optimize their bandwidth for maximum profit. I can see no way to lock my kids out of this content. My kids, who aren't old enough to sign a contract, will be able to download movies without any restriction. I won't know about it until I get the monthly bill.
The addition of another remote to our growing collection is not welcome. I was excited that it was a universal remote. However, after trying seven codes for the HDTV, I could not find a code that would enable the remote to toggle the TV inputs. Any time someone plays a video game, we will be fumbling to find a remote to toggle the inputs. I could not find any codes for the Motorola set top box that work with my own universal remote so we are stuck with the Comcast remote.
Still, I was hopeful that I could turn lemons into lemonade. CS told me that I would get a better quality picture than the old analog signal. This seemed like a worthy tradeoff for all of the fuss. After doing some research online, it appears that Comcast offers a set top box with component video outputs in some markets. I drove back to my branch office with the set top box in hand. I asked if I could exchange it for one with component video outputs. The answer was that the only box with digital outputs would require an upgrade to HD and monthly $6 subscription for the rest of my natural life. The DVR is $14/mo, also only available as a rental. There is no possibility of owning this equipment or connecting third party equipment with the same services.
I checked my bill for this month and it is in a completely different format than prior bills. I was promised by CS that this "free upgrade" for extended basic customers would have no cost. Yet, my monthly bill has gone up $1.72. I called Comcast about this additional charge and was informed that it was just a coincidence that the rate increase happened to coincide with the deployment of the "free" cable box. I asked them to take the charge off my bill. CS said that Comcast reserves the right to increase my fees at any time and without my notice. That's the truth as our monthly fees have more than doubled since the Viacom takeover.
We pay well over $100 per month for high speed internet and cable tv. We have been customers of Comcast since their takeover of Viacom in Seattle. I feel like I am being nickeled and dimed to death.
Note to Comcast. If you promise not to raise rates to cover a "free upgrade," at least have the decency to live up to your word. Second, deploy a decent box that has digital outputs. This will save you money in the long run as customers will be able to more easily add the HD package to their services if they already have a box with that capability. Even for non-HD content, customers will not experience digital quality unless the box has at least one method of digital output (component, dvi, etc). I highly doubt that it would have cost much more to provide a unit with component video outputs. I will be far less inclined to order on demand movies if they are only available in fuzzy analog. I can rent a DVD and use component outputs to get a far more crisp image.
While I understand the benefits of moving to digital cable, I have the question the implementation. I’m probably not your typical customer since I have eight TVs, but only use three on a regular basis. The reason I’ve stayed with Comcast despite the high cost was the fact that I could receive 70+ channels on each of my direct connected TVs. I do have one connected to a full function cable box. Now all of this is changing and unless I want to rent 5 boxes, you’re decreasing my channel count by 40+ channels. Isn’t that a defacto price increase, paying the same for less?
Now let’s look at the TDA your providing/renting. You’ve gone on and on about digital TV and then the only output is an RF connector. So basically your giving me the same quality as analog, but calling it digital. How much did you save by not at least providing a composite video, left and right audio output, 50 cents? And then the fact that it won’t pass an HD signal to a QAM equipped TV, and yes I did read how you can do it with an A/B switch..please. I guess I could rent more full function STBs at $5 each, but then why should I have to pay more to use the exorbitant service I already pay for?
You talk about how over a million of these TDAs have been put into service, but let’s be clear, that’s only happening because people are being forced into using them not because they want them. And that wall mounted power supply that can’t be turned off, think of millions of them drawing power 24 hours a day. Thanks Comcast for doing your part to cut electric consumption. But then again, your not paying for the electricity to power another nuisance electrical component are you?
In conclusion, I can only say that I think you’ve done a poor job considering the ramifications of your program. I’ve been a Comcast customer for 18 years, but have FIOS for my Internet. Verizon is calling me twice a week to get my TV business and now that the playing field is equal, I think it’s time to move over to them. The cost is less and the picture quality better. And I think I’m not the only one. This move will cost you a large portion of your customer base in areas where people have a choice.
Joe,
We don't have a public timeline for this rollout, but as soon as your area is going All Digital you'll be notified.
Thanks.
What is the projected time line for conversion of the Villages (South of Ocala) Florida?
Thanks,
Joe Elliott
I just found the FAQ entry:
2. Will I need equipment if I have a digital TV with a QAM tuner?
At the completion of the digital upgrade, customers will need equipment on all TVs to receive any channels above the Limited Basic level of service—of course, this is now the case with most video providers, including our satellite and phone competitors. We’re encouraging all customers to avoid any service interruptions by installing and using the equipment provided by Comcast or purchased from their electronics retailer, like a TiVo or CableCardTM enabled device.
So apparently you have heard of Clear QAM. The answer appears to be No. I guess
I'll be switching to Limited Basic service. By the way, your FAQ contradicts the customer service representative that I spoke to on the phone just 20 minutes ago. You might
consider updating their scripts so they don't give out incorrect information.
Have any of the technical staff at Comcast ever heard the term "Clear QAM"? Have they
spent any time in an electronics store in the USA in the last say 2-3 years? Are they aware that basically ALL flat panel TVs available for sale in that time period have Clear QAM tuner, but do not support CableCard? If any of this is new to them, I would request they do some research on the subject. After you are done with your research, I would like a simple Yes or No answer to the following question:
Will Expanded Basic channels be viewable after October 20th using only a Clear QAM tuner (no Comcast equipment) in the 02140 Zip code?
While you are at it, you might answer this question without geographic restrictions. Make it one of the FAQs on your web site. Change the mailing that you sending out to customers about the transition.
How do I know if I need a digital adapter??
This site explains Comcast Cavalryto exesting customers will include digital equipment for three televisions sets at no charge. I called Comcast Service today to order the three digital equipment boxes only to be toald ONLT TWO would be provided for free.
The three TV in our home are all new Digital HD sets and in the last few days several of the basic cabel channels we watch are no longer available but we are invited to call to procure the digital boxes.We are your Customer for our telephone service, high speed internet service and basic cable for the three TV sets. Since your latest change has deleted some of our favorite basic cable channels it seems only fair that Comcast would provide the digital boxes that allows us to enjoy what we paid for at no additional cost.
Therefore I request that Comcast sends three digital boxes to our home at no additional charge.
Very true that Digial and HD are not the same. While I would definitely prefer HD unencrypted over QAM, I would be happy with SD (480p). A digital signal on a HDTV is much better than an analog signal on a HDTV. Our Samsung HL67A750 creates an acceptable analog picture while our LG 37LC2D is less impressive. But the pq is almost the same with a digital signal, HD and SD.
Cheers,
RS
Comcast generally included the HD versions, so if for example Discovery channel is in the expanded basic, then Discovery HD will be included as well. It's just that everything was previously encrypted so that you needed a box anyways. But more recently, Comcast has been NOT providing the HD version via clear qam when the b2 tier switched to clear qam. While I congratulate Comcast for switching off the encryption on the b2 tier, I know fully well that it is not out of the goodness of their harts showing support for their customers, but rather it is only because of the FCC's integration ban. Comcast must know very well that most qam tuners that people can buy are HD, so that by still encrypting the b2 HD channels is just silly.
I am feeling like comcast is alienating 28% of its customer base by making this decision. There's a few cable channels I enjoy, and all of them are offered on what used to be the expanded basic. I don't want 50 music channels - that's what internet radio is for. I don't want premium movie channels - that's what by-mail movie services are for. I just want to be able to get a limited cable product, and unfortantely comcast no longer feels the need to meet the needs of the 28% of its customer base like me. I was also comcast for my ISP, but now that they no longer want to provide me with other services I enjoy, I can get the same speeds for the same price with DSL.
When I contacted customer service about this, they told me they had to switch because the government mandated it. The governement did NOT mandate it. The government mandated that over the air (aka "bunny ears") TV all switch to HD broadcast to free up the radio wavelengths which were being used by analog stations that broadcast through the air.
Also, don't be fooled by the word "digital". Digital cable is not high definition cable. While comcast would like you to equate the two, the "digital" cable is not 720P, much less 1080P. It doesn't reference the quality of the broadcast, but the means by which Comcast is delivering it. "Digital" cable is the exact same signal as what they pushed through "analog" cable, but it is delivered through a different method which is cheaper to Comcast. The above article talks about how much CHEAPER IT IS TO COMCAST to deliver you "digital" cable, yet look at the price difference. They CHARGE MORE for a product that COSTS THEM LESS because you think you are getting a High Definition experience when really all you get is an analog quality signal brought in by digital means.
Look through their forums about how many people are complaining about their "Digital" cable showing up on their HDTV's as an analog quality signal. While there is still general public confusion about the difference between High Def and Digital, it is clear that Comcast is going to abuse that and make you think you have to pay them more for an equivalent service that they admit in the article above to be infinitely cheaper to them.
"Analog delivery enables a cable-ready TV to receive 60-70 channels without any equipment."
The same 60-70 channels could be delivered via digital using unecrypted QAM without any equipment.
I want to go from the wall to the TV, let the TV scan for channels and off I go. USA, A&E, History, Discover, SciFi, etc. all in HD without another STB and remote. Give me the same capability with digital that I had with analog.
If I want a premium, a sports package or on-demand I'll rent the STB and happily pay the extra fee.
Cheers,
RS
I think its great they are doing this, but when they switch off the analogs why can't they leave the encryption turned off on tier two services?
I'm not asking even for the HD right now, but its stupid when soooo many TV's already (QAM Tuners) have the ability to receive the digital service and cable companies mandate they need to use a box. Sounds more like a case of nickle & dimeing the customer.
I hope the FCC sticks to there guns and mandates that you keep those channels open VIA the integration ban. I realize I don't get on demand and guide, and all that other stuff but this is getting ridiculous.
I have been reasing up on the project calavary, and the DTA device, and I have a question about the digitel transrition. I have been making preparations to go internet TV,Which does mot require an IP provider, I only need to install the appropiate software. I have everything I need to install to my digitel TV, my upgraded HD computer, and my internet connection, for direct TV satellite. I also added, a medis-center extender, digital audio coaxial, an S-video, and, a wireless router,to enhance the satellite signals. My main TV is digital. I don't need any equipmebt for that one, however, I have a secondary TV that is an analog cable ready TV, that has been coupled to the other TV with a digital splitter, and cable. I use a cable ready VCR as a converter, for the second TV. Will I need a DTA device for that set? All the DirectTV, Satellite networks, zre coming in great on the internet, I'm still having some streaming, audio problems, with some of the older cable channels. I still need basic cable for the local channels, the internet isn't ready for that yet, but their working on it. I sure like it. It is not only cheaper, but it is safer,more secure, and I get only the channels that I want, on demand. No carbage or junk, and fewer commercials. It's great, the government is finally doing something right.
Derek, thanks for the links.
Only providing RF (coax) outputs on the DTAs is just chicken .... .
The comcast.com/DIGITALNOW pages are well hidden and don't fix your broken SHOP pages.
HOWEVER, I've been trying to find PRICING INFO for 'required equipment' like STBs on digital cable and the SHOP dialogs are incorrect or have missing options.
HOW can we price STBs and request DTAs from the regular SHOP dialogs? I'm starting to smell a rat.
TIA, Mike
Yes, We folks with QAM tuners still have to use the DTAs that do not pass local HD channels.
I have two wide screen hi-def tv's hooked straight to the wall cable, and one more tv hooked to a DVR. Just got the new DTA's for the two straight cable tv's. Now I have extra equipment, wiring, and yes, another remote that I didn't want, need, or ask for! After a couple hours trying to understand where my hi-def wide screen disappeared to, I called Comcast. The box doesn't 'do' those extra's that my tv's (and probably most others) are designed to do! In conversation with Comcast they seem surprised that this has become an issue (DUH!!). Now the plan is to create a box with enhanced capabilities.....but of course, for now we customers have to put up with a poorer picture. And, whenever that new box is available, the customer will have to go through this entire process again with the new box.
I have had cable for 20+ years, and been a big supporter....but in the last couple years have had practically nothing good to say......mostly because of "upgrades" to Comcast systems that were working just fine. I hope to soon show my displeasure & discontent by taking my $$ elsewhere. I think Comcast believes 'more is better'.......that is not necessarily true!!!
Re: us with QAM tuners being screwed.
I have to aggree, but I am in a different situation:
I have a problem with the encryption and the high rental prices of additional boxes. I have QAM tuners, but they are only good for limited basic because you encrypt everything else. So I would have to pay the high rental price for other tvs. I mean high because even the price of an old dct2000 should only be $3 a month, and you still add on the "digital access fee". Please, what is the DAF? The digital signals are already present on every cable line. I am "accessing" digital with the box which already has a rental fee attached. I suppose this goes with dreaming up as many BS fees so you can increase profits outside of promotional pricing, like triple play for $99, but not including the BS fees and rental.
For tv, all I need is the analog B2 tier as clear QAM, and I'd be all set. No more silly fees and being hit far fewer times with $1.99 for not having to visit a Comcast office not nearly as often. I don't care about the extra channels provided with digital starter/classic considering how expensive ($62) it is and the rental and BS fees aren't included in the $62 price.
I will never use Comcast for anything more than limited basic cable for as long as you charge those silly fees, CDV limitations, and the encryption. Not being able to block 411 from DV lines, *60 and *63 not being able to enter tollfree numbers, etc. makes DV so behind times. So I am even less likely to use Comcast for internet and phone since I use dsl and voip. For $15/month I can updrade my voip for unlimited, and voip has none of the annoying CDV limitations.
Re: us with QAM tuners being screwed.
I have to aggree, but I am in a different situation:
I have a problem with the encryption and the high rental prices of additional boxes. I have QAM tuners, but they are only good for limited basic because you encrypt everything else. So I would have to pay the high rental price for other tvs. I mean high because even the price of an old dct2000 should only be $3 a month, and you still add on the "digital access fee". Please, what is the DAF? The digital signals are already present on every cable line. I am "accessing" digital with the box which already has a rental fee attached. I suppose this goes with dreaming up as many BS fees so you can increase profits outside of promotional pricing, like triple play for $99, but not including the BS fees and rental.
For tv, all I need is the analog B2 tier as clear QAM, and I'd be all set. No more silly fees and being hit far fewer times with $1.99 for not having to visit a Comcast office not nearly as often. I don't care about the extra channels provided with digital starter/classic considering how expensive ($62) it is and the rental and BS fees aren't included in the $62 price.
I will never use Comcast for anything more than limited basic cable for as long as you charge those silly fees, CDV limitations, and the encryption. Not being able to block 411 from DV lines, *60 and *63 not being able to enter tollfree numbers, etc. makes DV so behind times. So I am even less likely to use Comcast for internet and phone since I use dsl and voip. For $15/month I can updrade my voip for unlimited, and voip has none of the annoying CDV limitations.
Derek,
Thanks for the updates. It's very good to know that all area's will receive these benefits. I am very eagerly awaiting this conversion in the east central PA region. Reading/Lebanon/Pottsville are in poor shape bandwidth wise. This will be the cure all for our regions poor channel lineups.
Dennis,
Thanks for your comment and sorry for the confusion. Have a look at the FAQs #28 to cover how to keep viewing the broadcast channels in HD on your QAM HDTV. The FAQs are available at the following link:
http://www.comcast.com/DIGITALNOW/FAQs.aspx?map=all_faq_map
As mentioned below to Andrew, the only way we could provide all this free equipment was to keep the DTA as simple as possible. Hence, it does not have any HD functionality at this time.
DTH
Keith,
Thanks for the note. We will not be "cherry picking" ... all our systems will get the benefits. The Comcast Cavalry just hasn't swept through your area yet, stay tuned.
DTH
Andrew,
Thanks for reading. The DTA was designed as a low-end, basic device to do one thing and one thing only ... convert digital signals back to analog for display on an analog TV. That's all, no higher end outputs, no VOD, no HD, no interactive guide. Keeping the device simple as described is what kept the price down enough that we can provide so much free equipment to our customers. Also, the RF output makes it compatible with the absolute maximum number of TVs, which is critical to the program. As a digital device, however, it does offer dramatically-improved picture quality over analog even through the RF output.
For more functionality than that, you do need a fully-functioned set-top. Analog customers also get one of these free in Project Cavalry since we recognize that there's often one primary TV in the home where the more advanced equipment, VHS, etc. is located.
For instructions on how to use your VHS machine with the set-top, have a look at #24 on our FAQ page at the following link:
http://www.comcast.com/DIGITALNOW/FAQs.aspx?map=all_faq_map
DTH
Mike,
Thanks for your comment. For DTA, a new easy to use basic remote control was developed that's smaller and with fewer buttons than the traditional silver Comcast set-top remote. This device is programmable and can control most TVs for power and volume in addition to the DTA functions. The DTA is interoperable with common universal control models such as Logitech Harmony ONE, 1000, 550; the Philips Pronto, One For All 8820; the Radio Shack 15-135, among others.
Here's the link to the remote control user guide:
http://www.comcast.com/DIGITALNOW/Contents/comcast_dvr_remote_manual.pdf
Here's the link to the DTA installation guide, which shows pictures on outputs included:
http://www.comcast.com/DIGITALNOW/Contents/DTA_online_ver_2.pdf
Here's the link to the Cavalry FAQs page with lots of additional information
http://www.comcast.com/DIGITALNOW/FAQs.aspx?map=all_faq_map
DTH
Seth,
Thanks for reading AND listening to the call. We have a robust bandwidth plan using all sorts of technologies going forward. The simple answer to your question is yes, we have enough in the pipeline to compete ... i.e. win ... against FTTH. Growth in web video viewership is including in our bandwidth plans, as well ... we're good here.
DTH
Matt,
Thanks for the note. While you're waiting ... tons of HD On Demand choices available to watch whenever you like. Look out for a special/exclusive Green Day offering that starts tomorrow.
DTH
It's a noble move to move to digital and in many areas, expanded analog is moving to pure digital. That's fine with me because I have a QAM tuner on my TV. However, I know the numbering gets all messed up because it no longer maps like the Comcast official lineup.
One choice I have is to get a box from Comcast. It's a DTA I suppose, but for me the only purpose of it is to map channels since my QAM tuner can already pick these up.
I understand Comcast BY LAW has to carry local HD channels in clear QAM, which I get on my QAM tuner. However, these new boxes they give out for free do not have HDMI ports, meaning I lose the HD quality of the local HD channels which are required to be sent in the clear. Thus I plug in with composite and I get a terrible 480i picture. Is this what I want to see on my brand new $5000 Sony XBR TV?
When I ask for a box capable of HD, they tell me that I need to PAY for HD service. I don't want expanded cable in HD. I want my local HD channels which everyone already gets. Why do I have to pay for this? I can understand if you're making me pay an equipment fee, but I'm told I need to pay for an HD subscription. I went through headache after headache trying to explain to the CSR at my local office before turning online to find an online rep who agreed with me and said I was eligible to get an HD box (what good is that if my local office won't hand me one though?).
How is this fair at all? What is the official Comcast policy? I find this ridiculous. If Local HD is to be sent in the clear and can be picked up by everyone's QAM tuner in their HDTV set, then Comcast should be allowing everyone to pick up HD boxes.
For those of us on QAM tuners, we're really screwed. We have the equipment to watch your digital and HD (clear QAM only) channels but we need the channel mapping. If Comcast is going to offer us a digital box for the mapping, then they shouldn't be taking away our HD channels because the boxes don't have HDMI/Component.
Going all digital is a GREAT way to create bandwidth in one fell swoop. One thing I'm concerned with is cherry picking. While only 50 miles west of Philadelphia, we have no DTA's available, and there has been no offical statement on enhancing our system for DOCSIS 3.0, 100 HD Channels, etc...
Please don't cherry pick with this project. Verizon's already guilty of that as there is no FIOS in our area until perhaps 2012 or later. All I want is 100 HD Channels without requiring a dish on the roof, HD-VOD and blazing fast internet speeds (both UP and down).
I would think all digital + SDV + MPEG4 + 1 GHz plant could take on GPON FTTH for years to come. It's all about eficient network management. Push fiber deeper and keep the homes passed per node low.
DTA issues: Poor quality RF-only output. Unique remote codes that virtually no 3rd party remote supports (some programmable remotes may work with an update.) I don't think they support timed channel changing, making a VCR/DVDrecorder useless.
Even if you have a TV with a digital tuner, you'll probably have to get used to channel numbers like 123-5, 86-3 instead of 44, 52, etc... They generally only use PSIP on the broadcast HD's. And if they are allowed to enable privacy mode (a simple form of scrambling, cheaper than full encryption), then you will be REQUIRED to use a DTA or cable box.
Hello Comcast,
We need PLANNING INFORMATION. PLEASE!
Since the DTAs are allegedly being rolled out, how about some details like:
- remote control options, especially third party
- types of analog and digital outputs provided
- a User Manual!!!
- are channel switch timers included?
So far I'm not impressed.
TIA!
This is a great summary of 'All-Digital'.
During the call Steve said:
"I want to spend as little as possible. I want to have the minimal intrusion on the customer experience. When you analyze all those variables, and you can get a digital adapter for around $30 it all points to going all-digital,"
Clearly Comcast is looking for more bandwidth as soon as possible (without committing to tens of billions of capital dollars), but are either SDV or a physical plant upgrade (or both) still on the long term roadmap? Is this analog reclamation enough to compete with FTTH long term? How much is the ever growing trend of watching video on the web impacting our overall capacity?
Thanks!
This sounds great, bring on the HD channels, especially! Thanks for the info, Comcast.