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Comcast Kicks Off Get Ready for DTV Initiative

October 16, 2008

By Jennifer Hull

Comcast announced the kick off its Get Ready Initiative to help consumers prepare now for the digital broadcast transition coming in February by choosing the DTV solution that will work for them. The Comcast Get Ready Initiative will include a dedicated website at www.comcast.com/dtvsite with an interactive tool that provides a personalized action plan based on the consumers' specific needs; educational partnerships with local governments, broadcasters, and third-party organizations; an educational advertising initiative that has aired nearly six million TV messages regarding the digital broadcast transition; multi-lingual customer support; and special low-cost solutions for Comcast services.

Comcast DTV Initiative Offers Low-Cost Solutions

As part of the initiative, Comcast is offering low-cost solutions including free basic cable for 12 months to those who sign up for at least one additional Comcast service. New customers who choose not to subscribe to additional Comcast services can get basic cable for just $10 a month for a full year. Comcast basic cable does not require the purchase of any new equipment for cable-ready TVs, so consumers can continue to use their existing TVs and remote controls. Since no antenna is needed, choosing cable also eliminates the worry about potential reception problems associated with using an antenna following the transition.

Installation of Basic Cable Readies Comcast Customers for Digital Transition

Derek Harrar, general manager and senior vice president of video services for Comcast, said "The simple fact is that basic cable is the easiest path through the digital transition and now consumers can get it for free. Comcast can install basic cable service on every cable-ready TV with no new boxes, no new remote, no antennas, and no reception issues. DTV is a landmark event in the history of television and we're doing everything we can to help."
For the estimated 13 million households in the U.S. that have analog TV sets and use "rabbit ears" to receive programming, there are three ways to get ready for the transition: 1) subscribe to cable or another video service provider; 2) buy a new digital television; or 3) purchase a government approved TV converter box.