Comcast HDTV Service

I first signed up for Comcast's High Definition service back in 2002. I can remember my first few months with the new HD box the reception was really bad. The picture would get really pixelated or would just go black once in a while. This lasted for a few months until it slowly disappeared. I assumed they were just working out the kinks, that is the price you pay for being an early adopter. When the picture did come in and I had people over they were really blown away by the picture. This was back when not too many people had HD so it was still pretty new for most people. Back then I think I only had 3 or 4 channels. One of the channels would only broadcast scenes of flowers blowing in the breeze. Nice channel to show people what HD is all about but a pretty useless channel otherwise. I think they have done away with that channel or at least have some better programming now, it might have been the PBS channel.

Over the years Comcast has done a pretty good job of adding a few new channels a year. In my area (New England) there are 35 available HD channels. I currently get 30 based on the package I subscribe to. I think it is a pretty good deal based on what you pay. Comcast has raised the price of their HD package over the years but I think only by a few dollars. I think they are currently charging $8.99 for the service. These are the Channels available in my area:

• PBS
• CBS
• ABC
• NBC
• WMUR
• National Geographic
• Discovery Channel
• Fox
• MTV
• TBS
• HGTV
• TNT
• USA
• A & E
• WSBK
• HD Theater
• CNN
• Weatherscan
• Golf / Versus
• ESPN
• ESPN2
• NESN
• Comcast Sports Network New England
• NFLHD
• Food Network
• WLVI
• Sci Fi
• Animal Planet
• Cinemax
• HBO
• History Channel
• Starz
• Showtime
• INHD

Comcast also makes much of their High Definition content available OnDemand thus their claim they offer the most hours of HD programming. Note that they don't say the most channels just the most programming as they are including all of their On demand stuff. Direct TV appears to have the most channels at over 90 according to their website. Though most of the channels I wouldn't have much interest in anyway. The other option in my area is Verizon FIOS which appears to have around 25 HD channels. Overall I am pretty happy with the amount I pay for the programs I get from Comcast. As long as Comcast stays competitive price-wise and keeps adding new channels every year I don't see myself switching to Verizon or Satellite anytime soon.