Headquartered in Philadelphia, Comcast is one of U.S.'s largest cable, high-speed Internet and phone service providers. Unlike other cable companies, Comcast is the majority owner of NBCUniversal. As such, it owns and operates the NBC and Telemundo networks; a number of local TV station groups; Universal Studios, a major motion picture company and multiple theme parks. Like other cable and satellite companies, Comcast offers a range of programming options with different tiers of channels and digital as well as standard service to older customers.
Standard Service
Comcast has long issued standard cable service to customers who subscribe to it. Even after June 2009 when the FCC mandated that full-power television stations begn broadcasting exclusively in a digital format, Comcast continues to provide standard cable service, along with digital service. Standard service includes a range of cable and network television channels in standard definition format, rather than high definition or digital programming. After June 2009, Comcast began the digital migration with its standard service customers who desired to upgrade their service to digital programming. As of June 2011, Comcast offers standard (analog) and digital service to customers through its XFINITY TV product. Standard service comes with 100 channels.
Digital Migration
After June 2009, Comcast upgraded its network to offer digital TV programming to customers who desire it. With digital-only programming Comcast offers high definition (HD) and on-demand programming to customers who subscribe to its digital service. Comcast mailed postcards and letters with lists of channels which would no longer be available in a standard or analog format. The letters also detailed how customers could obtain equipment that would allow them to receive digital programming.
XFINITY TV
XFINITY TV is Comcast's name for its product that delivers both analog and digital service to its customers. Digital cable comes with an additional cable box, allowing customers to choose from more than 17,000 on-demand digital video titles, digital pictures and sound, more than 3,000 HD video and music channel choices. Digital service also comes with an interactive program guide for channel listings and pay-per-view movies whereas standard cable service does not come with these features or benefits.
XFINITY Internet
XFINITY Internet is a product offered by Comcast as part of its digital service to subscribing customers. Customers who choose digital service may also choose to receive digital internet with download speeds of up to 15 Mbps Subscribing customers receive up to seven free email accounts and more than 3,500 live online games. They are also able to watch TV online and stream digital movies to their computers or televisions with XFINITY Internet, as long as their TVs have Wi-Fi capability.
References
- Comcast: What is the Comcast Digital Migration?
- FCC: What You Need to Know About the Digital TV Transition
- Comcast: Welcome to the World of More
- Comcast: What is the Difference between Analog and Digital Cable?
- Comcast: Corporate Overview
Resources
- Comcast: XFINITY Internet from Comcast
- Comcast: XFINITY TV from Comcast
Photo Credits
- Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images