The changes in Comcast's cable television service have been phenomenal. In fact, for anyone using the service a few years ago, today's service may be unrecognizable. All sorts of changes have taken place, including a transformation of all programming to the digital format, the inclusion of the new HDTV format, and the increase in channels to the high two hundreds. In addition, many new types of technology have been introduced, with much of it aimed at creating a higher level of flexibility and interactivity for television users.



Taking new television technologies and incorporating them into an existing service, such as Comcast's cable television services, can be tricky. New technologies often don't fit neatly with old ones and can cause many issues to arise when being combined. Because of this, new technologies are often not provided to television service customers until many months or even years after they are introduced. Comcast, however, seems to take a different view on the idea of incorporating new technologies. Though there may be a lag time (to do necessary work and upgrades), it tends to be less than that of other companies and the company seems to believe that providing new technologies as soon as possible is a very important part of the television service.

One of the areas in which new technology is causing turmoil is with high definition television. Many companies are having a hard time providing enough HDTV channels to satisfy their customers. Comcast is actually doing fairly well in this respect though, and has provided a decent showing in HDTV. Customers are enjoying their locals and a large number of other channels in the advanced format and Comcast has plans to expand its high definition selection as resources come available. For this reason, many cable customers who have been hoping to experience HDTV are turning to Comcast for their service.

Perhaps the biggest and most widespread technology to hit the television market in recent years has been the introduction of digital television. The increase in quality and options that digital provides compared to the older analog can be compared to the difference between black and white and color television. Comcast's switch to all digital entertainment has been met with rave reviews and customers are enjoying the higher quality, larger number of options, and the increased features selection that has come about with the introduction of digital.

Other technologies that Comcast is now offering have started to transform television from a passive experience to a more interactive one. Among the favorites of these new technologies are devices such as the digital video recorder and the introduction of On Demand and other interactive technologies. It definitely seems like the right time for these sorts of technologies to be introduced, considering that the population's schedules are no longer in sync. With many people taking classes at night or working at odd hours, the definition of prime time television has definitely changed and these new technologies are making it easier for anyone who cannot be home to watch television in the evening to keep up with favorite shows.

New technology will continue to transform the face of television and Comcast will continue to figure out the best ways to incorporate it into its services. This promises the best of everything for Comcast customers.