These great new tv's are just slightly improved without the signal to support them. With the big switch to HD coming, I've been studying lots of cable and signal providers to see if line ups are increasing, prices dropping, options improving, etc.

I've noticed my cable carrier is starting to offer lots more "freebies", like have the premium channels free for six months, etc. Are you guys seeing this trend with your support services?

Just thinking that maybe since a standard in HD broacasting is coming, we might be seeing cable providers offering us more variety, better pricing, more customizing of packages, etc. Curious if this is going in across the country or more a regional thing.

Thanks for chiming in!

Kev

hi

we aren't seeing this in our area. hope that will change

jeb

I have an HDTV and all the local broadcast affiliates have been broadcasting in HD for a while now. along with analog.  Those of course, are free.  I have basic cable because the programs I choose to view are all on basic cable.

For me to upgrade to HDTV it is only $6.95 from my cable provider, monthly which is minimal, and hope to add in the near future.  Also, many of the cable companies offer on demand programming, and online movie rentals now offer on demand  so the market is growing.  I have no doubt home entertainment theatre systems, online viewing, Blu-Ray and HDTV will become the standard rather than the exception in a very short time.

The key is integration of all the technology and the ease in which to set up equipment.

Feb 27, 2009 -- 12:26PM, Linda wrote:

If you've got competing providers in your area, and you see a good offer from a company you're not using, call your current provider and tell them about the offer.  They might be willing to price match in order to keep your business.  And any time you talk to them, ask them if they've got any specials that you might be eligble for.  We were able to get premium channels (HBO, Showtime, etc.) free for about 6 months because I asked my cable company (Charter) to match TimeWarner's offer.

 

Wow, Linda ... that is a brilliant idea! Thank you!

Mar 10, 2009 -- 3:12AM, Keven wrote:

Well, as part of my parental units upgrade, I had to check into available digital/HD services in their area. They live in a small town in south Louisiana and wow, they've got tons of choices! This I found to be a pleasant surprise. And they'll be paying about half what I am for the same stuff. hmmmm ... what's wrong with that picture? Oh, right, my impatience.

Anyway, I thought this might be good news for some who live in the less metropolis=y areas. Keep checking with your providers and for new ones

That is great news and not surprised the amount of services available.  What I have found to true, in smaller areas the bigger companies may not find it "worth their while" to offer service so the smaller companies can survive. In the bigger metropolitan areas where there is a captive audience and where people want the service, if only one provider they have no choice.  It does make sense for the provider, not much sense for the consumer.  It could be worse though, you could be stuck with a provider that does not offer reliable service and have no other alternative.