Comcast Offers More HD-Just Not Channels

Over the last year, cable TV operators have seen their subscriber base erode, as many look to hook up their new HD televisions to those with the best content: satellite television providers DirecTV and Dish Network.

Comcast fought back today, announcing a new initiative at the 2008 Consumer Electonics Show on Las Vegas. Titled “Project Infinity”, the claim by Comcast is that the company will give customers more than 1,000 HD choices in 2008.

More than 1,000 choices? How does that work? Interstingly, as I analyzed the press release, basically all Comcast is doing is expanding its On Demand service. There is only one mention of additional HD channels is found in the release.

“Project Infinity plans to give consumers the best and most content they will find On Demand anywhere – more HD, more sports, more movies, kids’ programs and network TV,” according to Brian Roberts, head honcho at Comcast.

Comcast goes on to brag about their On Demand library, which offers 10,000 selections each month. Expansion of their library system of servers will soon make available over 1,000 HD movies and television shows each month, without any additional equipment required.

So Comcast continues to take the approach that they can store all of the content for you, while satellite TV providers push DVR technology, allowing the consumer to choose which content to store on their personal device.

Bottom line: Unlike satellite tv companies DirecTV and Dish Network who have promised access to 100+ HD channels, Comcast does not make any such promise. While they do plan to increase access to HD programming through their own On Demand service, Comcast does not pledge a specific increase in the number of HD channels.