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Comcast raised prices again...second time in 6 months. They also removed the NFL Network (put a $5 per month price tag on it to get it back) and don't offer the Big Ten network...the natives are a bit restless with 2 or 3 PSU games already not being televised.

In addition, I still have just 20 HD channels despite having the best package Comcast offers (minus the "NFL Network fisting" tier).

I just got another add from DirecTV letting me know they have now expanded to over 70 HD channels and the prices (even after promotions end) are better. I called Comcast and asked what the schedule was for them to add HD channels and they said they try to add HD channels whenever they can, but they have no idea what channels and no idea when.

Is Comcast serious? They look like a bunch of clowns.

Full Disclosure, I have pretty much everything they offer other than Skinemax and the NFL Network Tier. I also have a DVR through them, High Speed internet, and Phone.

Still, this time next year (if prices don't go up again) I'll be paying about $215 per month for this package with a converter box on 1 TV.

I'm not complaining about the money because I'm choosing a lot of services, but if I can get more channels and about 4 times the HD channels (with phone through Verizon and cable modem left with Comcast) for less money, I'm going to switch.

As of right now, I can do that with DirecTV for TV, Verizon for Phone and Comcast for Internet (only high speed available in my area). I even get Skinemax and a special sports tier on DirecTV, but the whole package would cost me about $25 less per month at full price and the promotional pricing they always include for new customers more than pays for the equipment/installation.

I guess my question is what's the deal with Comcast? Are they trying to price themelves out of the market they basically created or is there some big reveal coming that will make cable relevant?

Cable companies will tell you that their big advantage is on demand. (I have cablevision not comcast)

What I don't understand is the snails pace at which they add HD channels. Most noticeable for me is I can't get ESPN2 or USA in HD yet.I just got TBS last week.

f-d, did you try the retention department trick yet?

I'll always have to go with Comcast unless DirecTV can somehow carry SportsNet.

I don't watch much else on TV, anyway.

Comcast will NEVER be able to compete with DirecTV on high def. Only downsides with DirecTV are no On Demand and no comcast sportsnet (Comcast Philly are assholes - EVERY other regional sports network in the country is available.)

And frankly, on demand isn't really necessary if you have all the channels and Tivo.

I've had DirecTV for almost 8 years and have never been dissatisfied.

Bu the way, both NFL network and Big Ten are included at no extra charge on DirecTV.

f-d, did you try the retention department trick yet?

Not yet, but I'm locked in to a promotional package until mid-July of next year. For $165 per month I get every channel but Skinemax and NFL Network, HDDVR service, high speed internet, and I get phone with unlimited long distance. I'm fine with that package and price through July, but when that package expires, the price will go up a minimum of $50 per month (likely more).

In terms of Sportsnet, since I moved I'm only about 15 minutes further from Philly in a different direction, but they decided my sports region is Baltimore/Washington. Sportsnet is no longer an issue for me because I haven't watched it since we moved.

Also, the Ondemand service is incredibly slow and unreliable.

Also, the Ondemand service is incredibly slow and unreliable.

Mine practically never works.

Also, the Ondemand service is incredibly slow and unreliable.

Mine practically never works.

i had problems with mine when i was in philly, but it was taken care of with a phone call and a someone coming to the house.

Mine practically never works.

Comcastic!

My On Demand works perfectly almost all the time.


Right now I am paying $145 for everything, HBO and Showtime included. I actually went with that last December then transferred it to the new house in April. Though it caused some big-time confusion and double-billing that was eventually cleared up to more than my satisfaction.


So I don't know if my price is due to go up in December (the original install) or in April (The X-fer) but if it goes up too much I am gonna have to shop. First thing to go is gonna be the home phone. I never and I mean NEVER use it, and neither does my wife. F-D, what exactly is the point of "unlimited long distance" unless you guys just make a shitload of peak phone calls on your cell.

I have switched nearly exclusively to Text Messaging anyway.

I work from home a lot and make quite a few long distance calls during peak time every day.

So I don't know if my price is due to go up in December (the original install) or in April (The X-fer) but if it goes up too much I am gonna have to shop. First thing to go is gonna be the home phone. I never and I mean NEVER use it, and neither does my wife. F-D, what exactly is the point of "unlimited long distance" unless you guys just make a shitload of peak phone calls on your cell.

It sounds like you're on the same package as me without the HD DVR service, so your service will go up to about $200 even and it will more than likely happen in December.

I'm guessing removal of the phone service won't save you much money, either. They'll raise the prices of the other services and tell you you are no longer getting a discount on them because you unbundled them (guess).

If I had to guess, you'd probably end up paying $180 per month or so for what you have now, minus the phone, when your promotion is over.

As a Non-Philly fan, I will go to DirectTV in a heartbeat. Or FIOS, if available.

I don't think it's unreasonable to get high-speed internet, a good TV package, and phone service (or not, I don't care) for less than $150/month.

And did I mention NFL Ticket?

Eff Comcast.

I don't think it's unreasonable to get high-speed internet, a good TV package, and phone service (or not, I don't care) for less than $150/month.

Exactly. Cable rates are outpacing inflation by about 300%.

The worst part is the monopoly aspect. Where I currently live, I have 1 cable option and 1 High speed internet option. If Comcast decides to charge $300 for High Speed Internet, I have to pay $300 or not have high speed Internet.

As soon as Verizon gets DSL and/or FIOS, I'm bolting for sure, but if they aren't setup by next July, I'll go DirecTV.

I have FIOS and Verizon TV- and aside from the worst customer service imaginable - honestly- the actual products are good.

Have fun arguing with their billing dept. tho over their numerous errors and continued ineptitude and miscommunication should it happen to you.

OUr issue is we had FIOS 1st and then added TV later- they cannot combo bill us for some reason, and cannot take pmnts over the internet supposedly- so how does 1 pay?

By calling in, bouncing around etc for HOURS tryin to a) Get your billing corrected and b) get your payment thru, which usually occurs with an inconvienent check by phone.
Stellar.

I can't wait until FIOS is where I live

That's interesting, Seth. Verizon has legendarily bad customer service, but it seems like they are trying to set the bar again with service for FIOS.

FIOS is awesome. And unlike Comcast, I haven't NEEDED customer service since I got FIOS (about 6 months now.)

Is it possible to speak to someone in Verizon customer service that DOESN'T have an Indian accent? I feel like I'm calling toll-free to New Delhi. Probably am.

But I thought you guys were nuts about Verizon's customer service until I actually had to call them. Of course, you're right.

I work for Comcast and use Verizon DSL at home.

FIOS is awesome. And unlike Comcast, I haven't NEEDED customer service since I got FIOS (about 6 months now.)

Did you have customer service issues with Cable? I have a problem with their rate increases and the lack of HD programming, but it's not as though my cable ever goes out. I think I've had 1 outage in the past 5 or 6 years.

Yes, my internet went out fairly regularly with Comcast. (not for long periods but enough to really piss me off.)

And their customer service was a total joke.

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