COMCAST DIGITAL CABLE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW DOES COMCAST DIGITAL CABLE WORK?

  • HOW DOES COMCAST DIGITAL CABLE WORK?
  • Q. What exactly is Comcast Digital Cable?
    A. Comcast Digital TV uses compressed signals to bring you superior picture and sound quality without the need for a bulky dish or antenna. It allows you to experience a vast amount of programming and viewing control, which translates into the best television value possible.
  • Q. How is Digital TV transmitted through my cable lines?
    A.Digital TV works like this: your television picture is sort of like a jigsaw puzzle; the puzzle is broken up into individual puzzle pieces in order to fit through cable lines, and is then reassembled into the original picture when it reaches your home. Breaking the picture up into these smaller pieces allows a vast amount of channels to fit through the cable lines and into your home.
  • Q. Does every TV in my home need a separate cable box?
    A. Yes. If you want each television in your home to have access to the full line of Digital TV channels, you will need a separate box for each television. Without a separate Digital TV box, additional televisions cannot access ON DEMAND, pay-per-view, the Comcast interactive program guide and other features. However, it is possible to watch a limited amount of channels without a cable box.
  • Q. Do I need a Digital Television to get digital cable channels?
    A. No. Your Comcast Cable service includes a Digital TV box that allows your television to receive the digital signal. Thanks to Comcast, you can continue to enjoy your current television without the expense of a new digital version.
  • Q. What's the difference between Digital TV and satellite service?
    A. Snow, rain, high winds and even dense cloud cover can reduce or even interrupt a satellite broadcast. Digital Cable service is not prone to interruption from these conditions. With Comcast, you will receive all of your local channels and more. Satellite services only provide local channels in a few dozen major cities around the nation. Satellite systems age and customers must pay for the upgrades. With Digital Cable, you will never have to pay for new equipment if older equipment becomes outdated. Plus, you don’t need to install unattractive, bulky dishes outside of your home to receive your TV signal.
  • Q. Do I have to have a Comcast Digital TV Terminal to receive Premium channels?
    A. Premium services such as HBO, Cinemax, Encore and Showtime have their signals scrambled during transmission. Your Comcast Digital TV Terminal unscrambles these signals so you can view the Premium programming available on those channels.
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  • COMCAST DIGITAL CABLE FEATURES
  • Q. How will having Comcast Digital TV benefit me?
    A. First and foremost, Comcast gives you more television viewing choices than ever before. Depending on where you live, you can choose from up to 270 unique channels, including up to 45 premium movie channels, and more than 30 entertainment, sports and movie networks like Biography, National Geographic Channel, VH1 Classic Rock, Toon Disney, The Golf Channel, E! Style and many others. Plus, Comcast also gives you access to On Demand programming, featuring thousands of movies, sports and news programs that you can watch, pause, rewind, and fast forward at your convenience. Did we mention that Comcast also provides up to 48 channels of commercial-free CD-quality music, and more than 35 pay-per-view channels with Hollywood’s latest blockbusters starting every half hour? Plus, Comcast Cable’s interactive on-screen program guide lets you search listings, reminds you of shows you don’t want to miss, and can even block channels you don’t want the kids watching.
  • Q. What is the benefit of having Comcast Digital Music channels on my television?
    A. Comcast Cable’s Digital Music selection lets you pick from 48 commercial-free, CD-quality music stations in every category: rock, country, jazz, oldies, classical and many more. Plus, your Comcast digital receiver can be hooked up to your stereo or stereo television, creating a powerful music experience for every occasion.
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  • BROADCAST DIGITAL TRANSITION
  • Q. What is the Broadcast Digital Transition or DTV?
    A. The broadcast digital TV transition was mandated by the Federal government to transfer all broadcast television signals from analog to digital format on June 12, 2009. If you are a subscriber to Comcast Cable, the Broadcast Digital Transition will not affect you.
  • Q. How can I tell if I already have a digital TV?
    A. Look for a label that says “Digital Receiver,” “Digital Tuner,” “DTV,” “ATSC,” or “HDTV.” If your TV has any of these labels, it is digital and you will not need a digital-to-analog converter box. You may still need an antenna, though, if you are not connected to an outside source such as Comcast. Remember, the transition will not affect your televisions if they are connected to Comcast cable.
  • Q. Will I have to buy a High-Definition TV (HDTV) in order to watch digital broadcast television?
    A. No, you will not need a high definition television (HDTV) in order to watch digital broadcast television. High-definition is just one type of digital signal. The standard definition digital signal will still be available for regular digital televisions. If you want to enjoy Comcast HDTV, however, you will need an HDTV cable box and an HD-ready or HD-capable television.
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  • ORDERING YOUR COMCAST DIGITAL CABLE SERVICE
  • Q. How Can I Order Comcast Digital Cable?
    A. Use our Service Locator Form to see current Digital TV promotions available in your area, compare packages, select your service and proceed with ordering your service online. You can also speak with a customer service representative to ask questions or order Comcast service via our toll-free number: 877-223-8543.
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