Comcast Digital Cable FAQs

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Q - What is the Broadcast Digital Transition or DTV?
A - The broadcast digital TV transition was mandated by the Federal government to transfer all broadcast television signals from analog to digital format on June 12, 2009.  If you are a subscriber to Comcast Cable, the Broadcast Digital Transition will not affect you.
Q - Why must I switch to digital television?
A - The Federal government mandated the transition of broadcast television signals from analog to digital because it needs to use the analog broadcast signals for other things, such as the enhancement of emergency communications like fire and police departments. Remember, if you are a subscriber to Comcast Cable, the Broadcast Digital Transition will not affect you.
Q - Will the Broadcast Digital Transition affect me?
A - Do you have any really old televisions that rely on rabbit ears to get reception? Those are the televisions that will not receive digital transmissions. The transition will only affect you if you are using an analog television set that is not connected to an outside source such as cable. Remember, if you are a subscriber to Comcast Cable, the Transition will not affect you.
Q - How can I prepare for the Broadcast Digital Transition?
A - If you are already a Comcast subscriber, you don’t need to do anything at all. If you have any televisions that use only an antenna or rabbit ears to receive programming, you will need to do one of the following: have those televisions connected to an outside source such as Comcast cable, purchase a digital television, or buy a digital-to-analog converter to keep using your old television.
Q - How can I tell if I already have a digital TV?
A - Look for a label that says “Digital Receiver,” “Digital Tuner,” “DTV,” “ATSC,” or “HDTV.” If your TV has any of these labels, it is digital and you will not need a digital-to-analog converter box. You may still need an antenna, though, if you are not connected to an outside source such as Comcast. Remember, the transition will not affect your televisions if they are connected to Comcast cable.
Q - Will I have to throw away all of my analog televisions after June 12, 2009?
A - You will not have to throw away your analog televisions, but in order for them to receive programming, you will have to purchase a digital-to-analog converter or subscribe to an outside source such as Comcast cable.
Q - If I buy a new television, will it automatically include a built-in digital tuner?
A - No, new televisions do not always include digital tuners. Some retailers still sell analog televisions, but they are required to inform you that these televisions will not display digital broadcast channels after the transition on June 12, 2009. Even if you own or purchase a television without a built-in tuner, you will still receive programming if you are connected to Comcast.
Q - How can I be sure a new television I buy will receive digital signals?
A - Before you purchase a new television, make sure it has “Digital TV” or “Standard Definition Digital TV” in its description. You could also just ask your retailer directly if the television receives digital signals. With a Comcast cable box, your television will still receive Comcast programming either way.
Q - Will I need a new antenna after the transition?
A - If you have a rooftop antenna, it will probably pick up digital television signals. If you use rabbit ears instead of a rooftop antenna, it may not pick up those signals. If your television is connected to Comcast Cable, you won’t need to use antennas of any kind.
Q - Where can I get a digital-to-analog converter?
A - Digital-to-analog converters are available in many retail stores. If you subscribe to Comcast, you won’t need to purchase a digital-to-analog converter.
Q - How much will a digital-to-analog converter cost?
A - Digital-to-analog converters are priced between $50 and $70 and are available in many retail stores. You won’t need to purchase a digital-to-analog converter, however, if you have your television connected to Comcast.
Q - How can I make my old analog television set work?
A - The best way to make your old television work is to subscribe to Comcast digital cable, because you won’t need to worry about purchasing a new television or a digital-to-analog converter in order to receive programming.
Q - Will I have to buy a High-Definition TV (HDTV) in order to watch digital broadcast television after June 12, 2009?
A - No, you will not need an HDTV in order to watch digital broadcast television. High-definition is just one type of digital signal. The standard definition digital signal will still be available for regular digital televisions. If you want to enjoy Comcast HDTV, then you will need an HDTV cable box and an HD-ready or HD-capable television.