It was tough to admit that our beloved Voom is really dead but I too just placed the call to Comcast (Pottstown, PA area). My install takes place on Saturday the 16th.
I asked for the DISH "Win Back" program and am thus saving $40 a month for 16 months and $15 a month after that. They did not even ask who my Sat provider is. I signed up for the Platinum package with the discounts broke down as follows.
1. $25 dollar credit for 16 months with free installation.
2. $15 dollar monthly reduction in my cable modem bill.
Even though I already use Comcast internet, the CSR plugged in a code as a new cable modem sub which gives me a few more dollars off for 3 months. Note that the first CSR I spoke with was completely clueless so I hung up and called back.
The DVR fee is $9.99 per month for a dual tuner HDTV DVR. I have never had a DVR before so this will be a plus. As one poster mentioned, being able to watch HD when you want to does offset having fewer HD channels. I also gain the benefit of VOD. There is no additional monthly charge for the other two HD STB's with the package I selected. So, I am looking at $108 per month with all the premium channels, cable modem, 1 dvr, and 2 HD STBs. It is actually a savings versus my current combined Voom and cable modem bill.
In terms of HD programming I will have
- ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, WB, FOX
- ESPN,
- Comcast Sportsnet
- Discovery Theater
- INHD
- INHD2
- Showtime HD (East Only)
- Starz HD (East Only)
- Cinemax HD (East Only)
- HBO HD (East Only)
No, it is not Voom but I guess it will have to do until some other provider catches up. At the moment, the other Sat providers offer no compelling advantage over cable. Comcast came up the clear winner in terms of price, overall content, and HD lineup. Where I live, the PQ is as good or better than E*.