Comcast Offer In Hdtv example essay topic
Comcast will offer HBO and Showtime (one channel each) in HDTV plus a few local broadcast stations. We are still negotiating with the local broadcast stations for carriage rights. How will I know when it is available in my area? Comcast promotes new products & services to customers within an area within a few weeks of availability.
Will I need a new digital converter for HDTV? Yes. The new converter will be available from Comcast when the service is launched. Why should I want HDTV?
HDTV offers the best quality picture available today. Along with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio on some HDTV programming, it offers an unparalleled experience in Home Theater entertainment. Can I record HDTV content? What equipment is required? Recording HDTV on VHS or DVD requires specialized recording devices. Some HDTV recording devices are available today, but are very expensive and may not be compatible with the digital converter.
Will I see any impact on the quality of my programming if I don't have a HDTV? Customers without a HDTV monitor will not be affected by the addition of HDTV on the system, nor will the format of any existing programming change as a result of adding HD programming on the system. HDTV channels are entirely separate channels from existing analog and digital channels. Does HDTV-Ready mean I don't need a decoder? No. HDTV-Ready means that the monitor can display HDTV signals, but a decoder is always required, and different HDTV signal sources (off-air, DBS, cable) require different decoders.
Some HDTV sets are sold with an integrated decoder for use with either off-air broadcast HDTV signals or DBS HDTV signals. However, these decoders will not decode a HDTV signal on a cable plant, so a special Comcast digital converter is required to receive HD signals. How much programming in this format can I expect to see in the next few years? More and more content providers are adding HDTV programming to their lineups, and additional dedicated HD networks have been announced. The quantity and selection of available HD content will continue to increase, especially as more consumers upgrade to HDTV capable televisions. Plus, many more of the local broadcast stations are planning to offer HDTV in the future.
Do Satellite providers offer HDTV? Is this a competitive advantage for us? Both DirecTV and Echostar currently offer a limited number of HD national channels in their lineup. DirecTV offers H DNet (a dedicated HD network), Showtime and HBO. Echostar currently offers HBO, Showtime, and Discovery HD. However, DBS does not provide any local broadcast stations in HD, and most likely will not offer these signals in the future due to bandwidth constraints.
This offers Comcast a big competitive advantage.