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Posts with tag comcast

Comcast bolstering HD lineup in Pittsburgh, PA


Late last year, we heard that Comcast was ready to drop some bills in order to improve its aging infrastructure in the Northeast, and while we can't say for certain that these new HD channels are the fruits of that labor, there's certainly a good possibility. Whatever the case, messages are now going around to set-top-boxes in the Steel City informing subscribers that a new slate of high-definition channels are coming on July 15th. Unfortunately, it seems that some parts of the city will see fewer newcomers than others, but the two lineups posted above and below (the break) should give you a good idea of what to look forward to.

[Thanks, Daniel]

LIN TV strikes retransmission agreement with Comcast

As our eagle-eyed tipster Doug so eloquently put it, we too aren't sure how this one got overlooked. In the midst of LIN TV hammering out deals with DirecTV, Charter, SuddenLink and DISH Network, this particular deal managed to slip through the cracks. Nevertheless, the media company has indeed entered into an agreement with Comcast to keep locals in 15 markets on the air. For specifics on which markets we're referring to, check out the second paragraph in the read link.

[Thanks, Doug]

Comcast takes AMC HD / TLC HD south to Jacksonville, FL


AMC HD and TLC HD aren't showing up in the online channel listings for Jacksonville, Florida, but you can rest assured that they're showing up on the tele. Here recently, Comcast has added the two stations on slot 429 and 425, respectively, and we honestly wouldn't be surprised to see the closely held pair move about to even more locales. If you'll recall, this very duo showed up in late April in Atlanta, but we haven't heard anything one way or the other about further expansion.

[Thanks, Chris]

Versus and Golf HD get their own channel, and E! HD on the way

E!Versus and the Golf Channel have been sharing an HD channel for some time and both have evidently graduated to the point that they're getting their own channel. This seemed like a pretty good combo to us, as we don't see much golf on at night, but we suppose some want to watch bicycle races during the day. What isn't very clear is if the current carriage deals will need to be reworked, of if everyone who has the combo now will automatically get the two dedicated channels when launched. On a who cares note -- E! is getting the HD treatment which we'll file right up there with Lifetime HD, but hey, at least maybe it'll help some poor sap talk his wife into a new HDTV.

Comcast and Big Ten Network finally reach agreement


Whoa, Nelly! After what seems like eons, Comcast and the Big Ten Network have finally put their problems aside and reached an agreement. Of course, we heard yesterday that the deal was close, but we didn't exactly predict that it was this close. Under the terms of the deal, Comcast will "initially launch BTN as part of its expanded basic level of service to promote it to the majority of its customers residing in states with Big Ten universities on August 15th. Next Spring, the carrier reserves the right to "move the network to a broadly distributed digital level of service in most of its systems in these states." As expected, users will have access to all high-definition feeds as well, which is sure to bring a smile to Big Ten fanatics across Comcast's footprint.

Comcast delivers 5 new HD channels to Boston

It's about time, wouldn't you agree? Comcast last bolstered Boston's HD lineup in February when it added SciFi HD and Animal Planet HD, but shortly after Beantown claimed its 17th NBA Championship, the carrier has decided to sneak five more into the EPG. As of now, you'll find Disney HD (824), Family Channel HD (826), Science HD (857), AMC HD (859) and TLC HD (867). Not like you'll be able to watch any of 'em until the week-long party subsides, but hey, at least you've got something fresh waiting upon your return.

[Thanks, Chad]

Comcast plans to go all digital in 20% of its markets by year's end

ComcastAdd Comcast to the list of providers getting very serious about dumping all those bandwidth hogging analog channels and plans to go all digital in 20% of its markets by year's end, and all by 2010. Of course it will have to provide free digital adapters for analog customers per the FCC, but by dropping ~70 analog channels, it'll free up enough space for about 150 HD channels (220 if you don't mind shaving a few bits). We really wonder how well this is going to go over, as we can't expect our mom to give up her simple setup, with super fast changing channels, without a fight. We figure a good percentage of customers will either give up on cable TV completely, while others may finally be enticed to switch to satellite. But honestly, we're not really that concerned, just so long as providers keep all those new HD channels coming.

Comcast Center's video wall packs 10 million pixels into 27 x 87-foot display

Comcast Center Video Wall
When you're Comcast and you have some serious cash to throw at an installation in your new Philadelphia-based Comcast Center, you go all out on a $22 million high-definition video wall, of course. The giant display measures 27 by 87-feet and mashes 10 million pixels across modules linked by a central system that contains 27,000 GB of info, six DX700 LED digitizers, seven Encore video processors, and three Matrixpro routers. So what does it do? It's kind of a giant screensaver that may get old over time, if you ask us. It displays the time, shows figures pushing the panels open, and plays with the space in surreal, 3D-esque animations that are, admittedly, fun to watch. Check the video after the break.

Big Ten Network and Comcast nearing a deal


Could it finally be happening? The bigwigs at Comcast and Big Ten Network are actually closing in on a deal? According to a recent writeup originating in the Chicago Tribune, a long-awaited partnership between the carrier and station is expected to become official at any moment. A BTN spokesperson told the Star Tribune that "while the deal between the sides is close, there is nothing to report at this point." However, the individual did admit that the two parties "remain close to reaching an agreement." Needless to say, quite a few individuals (hundreds of thousands, actually) in the Big Ten footprint would be elated to have their upcoming football season around and in HD, but considering just how long this bickering has been going on, we aren't jotting this one in stone quite yet.

AT&T fires up U-verse in more of Chicago market


As the race continues to see who can spread their fiber-based networks across more US territory first, AT&T is hoping to excite quite a few Chicago residents by stringing U-verse to around "175 towns in the Chicago market, including many Northwest and West suburbs." Make no mistake -- AT&T's gunning for Comcast here, but unfortunately, it doesn't look as if 2 HD / 2 SD will be rolled out at this time. No specifics on communities were passed along, so if you're in the area and looking for a change, phone up this carrier and see what transpires.

Comcast relegating some stations to digital only in Washington, D.C.


Not like we haven't seen this happen a time or two already in the US, but we'd wager that Comcast's Washington, D.C. market is fairly sizable. Nevertheless, Comcast will be bumping a number of channels -- namely the D.C.-area ABC / NBC / FOX / CBS affiliates -- to digital only. In other words, those relying on analog service will have to upgrade to digital cable in order to continue viewing the affected stations. Granted, some 80% of subscribers in Annapolis and Anne Arundel already have digital cable (so says Comcast), and the changes are being made to open up space for potential HD expansion. Unfortunately, Comcast isn't following in the footsteps of certain other carriers and offering free digital adapters -- but hey, progress has to happen eventually, right?

[Image courtesy of Brent Nelson, thanks Harry]

Comcast brings Discovery HD / Science HD to Las Cruces, NM


What's this? Comcast adding just a few HD channels without ABC Family HD / Disney HD? The aforementioned carrier has just thrown a new pair into the Las Cruces EPG, and amazingly, only one is a current member of its favorite trio. According to a local, both Discovery HD and Science HD have surfaced, though we aren't sure if any others are expected to follow suit.

[Thanks, Adam]

Comcast taking Science / Disney / ABC Family HD to Salt Lake City

Alright Comcast, we've given you quite a few passes, but we're officially no longer pleased with hearing that these three channels (and these three alone) are showing up in various regions around the US. According to a tipster parked in Salt Lake City, the carrier is gearing up to launch Disney HD, Science HD and ABC Family HD in Utah's capital, though it seems to have no plans to add 'em alongside any other remotely interesting (or uninteresting, for that matter) high-def stations. Reportedly, the "new" trio will go live on or around July 1st, but chances are high that some other Comcast spot(s) in America will already be enjoying these very networks before then.

[Thanks, Patrick]

Comcast brings favorite trio to Southern Arizona

Months after Cox beefed up its own HD lineup in the fine state of Arizona, along comes Comcast in the southern section of the state to add a paltry threesome. Of course, we're not ones to complain about any new high-def material, but when everyone else in the nation is slowly but surely receiving the same trifecta, we can't image Oro Valley / Greater Tucson-area residents feeling extra special. We thought about giving you a few guesses as to which have arrived, but we'll just assume you already knew it was Disney HD, ABC Family HD and Science HD.

[Thanks, Bill]

Comcast adds Family Channel HD / Disney HD in Minneapolis, MN

We know, it's a shocker of epic proportions, but Comcast has expanded two of its three favorite newcomers to yet another city. This time, we're talking Minneapolis, Minnesota, which has just received Family Channel HD and Disney HD. Interestingly, our local tipster didn't seem to notice Science HD, but considering that this area was already gifted with 11 new high-def stations last December, we suppose there's not too much room to complain -- for another month or so.

[Thanks, Matt]




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