Analog vs. Digital Channels

kberg

Need some clarification on analog vs. digital channels.

I currently have Comcast Preferred Basic Cable service and just wanted confirmation that all channels coming in are analog, unless I subscribe to a Comcast Digital Cable package, right?

Also, it seems that if I want Comcast HD channels, that would be a separate subscription package in addition to Comcast Digital Cable, correct?

I know I can call up Comcast and ask these questions, but if any of you folks know the answers, please respond! Thanks in advance.

maggiefan

As far as I know, you are right on both counts.

kberg

maggiefan wrote:

As far as I know, you are right on both counts.

So then, is there a big difference in picture quality between analog and digital (non-HD) video signals?

janmike

If your set is capable of processing a digital signal, then there is a difference is the quality, although no comparison the HD.

wallstreet

kberg wrote:

So then, is there a big difference in picture quality between analog and digital (non-HD) video signals?

A minor improvement. The upgrade should only cost you $10 from what you have. $5 for the box and $5 for HD service, at least that's what I'm charged in Dallas area. The BIG improvement is the HD picture over the non-HD pictures. Night and day difference. I actually prefer watching non-HD material on my old 36" Mitsubishi than on the big screen as non-HD material at 106" is just awful.

kberg

anonymouse wrote:

Comcast is one of the most customer unfriendly companies I know. I wish I had a choice with cable providers in my area.

What are you, psychic?! I got the same impression when I first called them to talk about getting HD service! And unfortunately, I have no other cable competition in my area, either! It's a cable monopoly!

Thanks for your response!

bknauss

If you're looking at upgrading to digital cable just for improved video quality, I wouldn't waste my time/money. Comcast notoriously has the worst looking standard def channels. I've seen opinions that the HD channels look better from Comcast than from any satellite service, but the standard def channels look terrible.

And that's my 2 cents for now.

kberg

bknauss wrote:

Comcast notoriously has the worst looking standard def channels. I've seen opinions that the HD channels look better from Comcast than from any satellite service, but the standard def channels look terrible.

bknauss, thanks much - this thread leads me to believe that I might just be better off getting ONLY HD channels, leaving any remaining non-HD incoming channels as analog rather than digital (even though they will look much worse than HD).