Comcast Digital Enhancement Off to an Analogue Start
Technology February 7th, 2009
Comcast is “enhancing” their network, converting all but the Limited Basic channels to digital only. This is NOT the government mandated digital transition, which would require no additional set-top boxes for cable-connected TV’s. This is Comcast’s on upgrade, and one that requires a digital box, if you want to continue to receive channels above 35, including CNN, Fox, MSNBC, ESPN, USA, MTV, USA, LIFE – just to name a few.
They are sending out flyers now (so don’t throw it in junk mail), and you can sign up for two free boxes at www.comcast/digitalnow, or call a customer service number. I have both digital box connected and standalone TV’s in the house, so decided to act now, before I forget. You can guess which option I took: wait on the phone or get done in a few clicks…
Oops! System Unavailable: call a number. In fact call it twice, once to order, then again to activate. A rather analogue way to start the digital transition. Comcast: FAIL.
Update (2/8/09): Tweeting it up with @comcastcares. Will see if this helps …
Update (2/9/09): The error message is now changed from “System Unavailable” to “Please Call Us”. This might give the impression there is something with your account, rather than a system error. I guess that’s a way of “fixing” the problem. 
Please Call Us
We apologize, but we are unable to process your request online. To order digital devices, please call 1-877-634-4434. To activate digital devices you’ve already received, please call 1-888-634-4434
Update (2/26/09): 3 weeks later the error is still not fixed. The Web site Comcast’s mass mail points to is dead. I guess not even @comcastcares has magic powers…
Tags: comcast, comcast digital, comcast outage, digital cable, digital tv, fail, outage
Zoli Erdos
Typical Comcast. Do this now. Except you can't because Comcast doesn't have its act together.
COMCAST IS EVIL AND IS SATANS FIRST BORN CHILD. anyone who does not have their service and is reading this head my warning DO NOT BUY THEIR SERVICE I AM MOVING FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DROPPING THEIR SERVICE AS THE PLACE I LIVE NOW IS REQUIRED TO HAVE THEM DUE TO A CONTRACT so do not get their service get brighthouse, verizon,direct tv, antenna tv or just watch dvds
Sucks. Now I have to go look at the alternatives. Verizon TV service, or ?? I don't want more crap. This is not an “enhancement”, it's just more crap hooked up in the living room. What do I get? Comcast's HD service uses highly compressed low-grade images, so I don't get a benefit there. I use Tivo and will now have more crap complicating the setup, more remotes that I don't use. I won't be able to use picture-in-picture. I can't just hook up a TV in another room without getting another DTA. Comcast will know how many TVs I have and what my watching habits are. This is not about enhancement… except for them.
I can’t stand how ignorant COMCAST workers are allowed to act. One question takes twenty min. usually, and indirectly answered. Also each service is largest rip. N good movies – every month once. I only have starter digital cable, phone – w/long distance and high speed internet(supposably). $155.00 a month, (redickulous!). Phone sevice is constantly interupted, T.V has no good shows, and they cannot explain the bill ever. Two years of bad service. Sucks! Sucks! Sucks! My Money Is Nothing To Comcast Sucks! Shits Service!…
Just a word of advice to you all. Make sure you pay attention to your bill. Free boxes my A#@, I can almost guarantee you. Within a few months, those free boxes will become $4.99.
”Screw comcrap”
HEY COMCAST, what is going on. I pay $124 a month for your service and now you take away my channels? Can we all get a break somewhere in this world? How mush more do you want for us to stay home,save money and watch t.v. The world is going to S–T. Give us a break. I was told comcast was the only way to go, right… Now you say FREE Boxes, for how long are they free?
What a bunch of CROOKS! I was told by Comcast that it IS a part of the Mandated switch after all the advertisement that the digital switch wouldn’t effect Comcast users. Now we find out due to their upgrade, we will have to rent a converter for 1 of our TV’s. I think it is time to leave these greedy Bast_rds & go else where!!!!
For staters, you should say e-mail, not mail.
Just received the notice about your latest enhancement. Then I read other comments. Seems Concast has many problems. Why make an announce and not have the ability to process the info via the web?
So, if I need additional boxes, which I do, how much will I be charged?
I think I will wait until the program is fixed because calling your company is a waste of my time.
Thanks.
Why not just send the units? How big are they. Are they wireless? Need a picture of the unit.
Thanks.
I require two boxes for my tv’s.
Please confirm.
Thanks.
Art Olstad
acct. # 8798 20 045 0088815
Art,
I'm not sure you've realized this, but you are not talking to Comcast here. This is my blog, and I happened to discuss a Comcast issue here, that's all. Oh, and it was "mail", not "e-mail", since they sent paper flyers.
Some say WOW is better in Michigan. I agree Comcast is greedy and screwing many.
To get any information out of Comcast is like pulling teeth! I jumped through all the hoops, stayed on the telephone for over half an hour, never ever got to talk to ANYBODY! We are now looking for a different provider. Enoug is Enough!
this NEW up grade is A GAINT STEP BACKWARD. now i can't tape one channel and watch a different channel at the same time.PLUS MY PICTURE GOES IN AND OUT FOR NO REASON AT ALL. NO CHARGE FOR THE RIP OFF BOXES? DO YOU REALLY THINK WE ARE THAT STUPID. GIVE ME BACK MY OLD SYSTEM.TO QUOTE YOUR AD MIND-BLOWING YES INDEED IT IS MIND- BLOWING THAT COMCAST CAN GIVE IT TO US UP THE A_ _ FIRST TIME A GHARGE FOR THE STUPID BOXES APPEARS ON MY BILL I'M GONE.
after seeing this comments i think i just start looking for a better service comcast blows
They're all crooks, lets get real. Unlike natural gas and electricity, Phone, internet and t.v. signals coming into your house cost them virtually nothing. Yet your bill is just as much if not higher. Someones getting rich. My advice, buy a high def t.v. and switch your t.v. service to simple basic and take the outside filter off, youll still get the premium basic channels- $7/mo, drop the phone service and get a Magic Jack- $20/yr, and share internet with your neighbors over a premium wifi setup- free to $23/mo depending on your bartering deal with your neighbor(s). And F*** Comcast!