In the last few weeks I’ve noticed Comcast has been turning digital simlucasting for channels 2-79 on. First I noticed CNN, now MSNBC has been digitized as well.
On the local side My33 used to be unwatchable on my DVR now it’s clear and shiny as glass. WFOR, WTVJ and WPLG are also digitally simulcasted while WSVN is not yet.
The difference is quite noticeable, at least on my 21″ LCD the pictures are sharp with no artifacts and much better sound.
Are these feeds simulcasted on the digital tier or are the physical analogue channels being converted to digital on their current placements?
they’re still on the same channel on the analog tier but you need digital cable box or DVR to watch them. If you don’t you’ll just get the analog picture
I think Comcast started doing that in LA too before the Time Warner switch. I noticed that switching between the “analog” and the “digital” channels was faster.
You’re saying that CNN and MSNBC are digital using the digital cable box? Because they aren’t at my house… I can definitely see the difference between analog and digital.
Yes
Not all channels are simulcasted CNN was simulcasted in digital and then later on they turned MSNBC on as well.
Of the locals WSVN is still analog and when I watch using VLC player and switch between Local10 and 7News the player resizes
Hmmm… CNN is not digital at my house right now, but ABC Family is. I don’t have time to look through the others, but I love that they are switching digital!! That’s one thing that’s better about satellite so I’m glad that c-cast is competing.
Comcast and the other major cable operators are doing this not just because of satellite, but also the telephone companies. Verizon just introduced Fios TV to the City of Tampa and my dad intends to subscribe this week. Cable has more hell coming its way and the only thing they can do is invest in new technologies to keep their customers, but Bright House Networks stands to lose thousands of customers over the next few years to Verizon. Maybe this will open up the door for other cable companies to come into different parts of Florida that they currently do not serve.
Maybe it will force prices down, haha.