I just called Comcast to see about getting HD cable because they are having a promotion in our area and I figured now was as good as any time to check it out. I told them I did not want an installer coming to my house, I just wanted to come and get the STB and hook it up myself. The sales agent said for HD one of their technicians had to install it because it was so complicated. I told here that was a deal breaker so she said she would call me back if she could get it approved. Their techs may know what they are doing I just don't want anyone messing with my TV.

Most of their techs DON'T know what they're doing, especially when it comes to HDTV. Insist on doing your own hookups. And go out and buy a QUALITY set of component video cables to replace the cheap ones they are going to provide.

I dunno. Hooking the STB is not a problem, however doing the start-up would take some know-how and then you have to get the signal "hit" which is alot easier when the cableguy can radio in the hit in just seconds. I know with the SA 3100, you couldn't just turn it on and have a picture... I'm with you though on doing your own connections. My cable guy was a little rough with the equipment in an effort to get done fast.


Sony KP-46WT500
Kenwood VR-606
Kenwood KS-706HT
Kenwood SW-36HT
Samsung P721M
SA Explorer 3100/HD
134 DVDs
7 seperate remotes for everything!

Speaking from experience with Comcast having come out to install and replace HD boxes, THEY have to install it since it takes a phone call by the tech with box information in order for the box to be activated. There is also the question of signal strength coming into the house... they need to make sure that the signal is strong enough for a good HD picture.

Oh... go out and get the component cables yourself. Don't rely on the garbage that they provide.

I had to pay 49.95 for my Comcast HD install in Maryland last month. Got the same runaround from the sales lady too. The installer I had was fairly knowledgable though. They use the new Motorola box here but they do not have the DVI out working yet. Can't wait for that. Quality is so much better than DirecTV!!!

"My cable guy was a little rough with the equipment in an effort to get done fast."

Exactly! They all seem to be like that. Furthermore, none of them probably have anything more than a conventional TV at their own home. I'd rather they stay out from behind my rack, personally.

Well one of the supervisors from Comcast called me and said it was OK to install my own HD box (Motorola DCT5100). I wnt and picked up the box,brought it home, and installed it. The earlier posts were right, once I had it installed I had to call back and have it activated (the supervisor left me his direct line) and it took about three minutes. I just finished watching In Theatres on INHD2. I'm glad I did the install myself, fifty backs to hook up a cable box was way too much. The onscreen menu was very straight forward and easy to setup.

When my HD box was installed three or four months ago the (Montgomery County, MD) Comcast installer actually did a fine job. I supplied the cables and watched as he hooked it up. I have no problems with the way he handled my equipment and he KNEW what he was doing! I think they only charged me $20 which was well spent, since he was the one who had to fish around in back of my built-ins.

Maybe I was just lucky.

I got the same story from Comcast here in the Bay Area. They insisted on sending a technician and after he "installed" the box I had to remove the connections and do it myself as he mixed up the component audio and video links ! Then he proceeded to ask me a list of questions about what HDTV was all about .... sheesh. Anyway, the supposed installation was free so I guess I can't complain too much. Recently though my box went on the fritz and again they had to send a technician so again I had to sit at home waiting for them to show up. Turns out someone back at base decided to register my HD box as a regular digital STB for no apparent reason. They should have been able to figure that out over the phone....

Anyway, hopefully they'll launch DVR soon and stop my increasing thoughts about switching to Satellite.

I told them I would upgrade only if I could pick up the box and do it myself and it seemed to work because they called next day and said OK. Reading this thread shows how mixed everybodys experiences were. I am glad I installed my own if for nothing else than my own piece of mind.

My box, although a used 5100 Moto, was hooked up and they used high quality Monster Cables for the connection to my TV. Chester County customer in PA. I do get digital drop out occassionally with a splitter they installed and have tried to upgrade coax/ splitters etc.to get better results. The line amp I had would not work with the Moto Box. Is there a unit that will?