Comcast Basic Cable and HDTV. Please Read

Question

Ok, so my friend just bought an HDTV, but he has Comcast Basic Cable. He is not aware of much of a change, do you need to have digital cable to see a difference? I just bought him an HDMI cable today, though he hasn't tried it out yet. Also, about the digital switch off thing in 2009, I don't know much about that because I have satellite and am not going to need to switch, but is he going to have to get the digital convertor box in February 2009?

Answer 1

Matthew:

  Thanks for the update on that issue. That was mighty helpful. As aside note, our local Comcast (Boston) is taking channels away from the standard cable and moving them to the digital line up. That means that I will have to do the same thing.

Answer 2

Your friend needs to subscribe to Comcasts HD service.  Just buying an HDTV will not give you HD channels or HD quality.  You also need to buy the service and get a new HD cable box before your friend notices the much better picture quality.