Comcast To Debut HDTV In Major Markets By End Of 2002

March 18. 2002

Comcast Cable Communications announced that it will make high-definition TV (HDTV) programming available to subscribers in major markets served by Comcast by the end of 2002, beginning in the Washington Metro/Virginia region this summer.Comcast was one of the first cable companies to offer HDTV to customers, deploying it on systems in the Philadelphia market late last year. HDTV technology provides video and audio that is clearer, sharper and more vibrant than previous video transmission systems. HDTV programming from major broadcast television networks and from premium cable services HBO and Showtime will be offered on Comcast systems.Comcast will introduce HDTV in the Washington Metro/Virginia region to cable subscribers in Northern Virginia in mid-2002. Comcast will extend HDTV to the Maryland suburbs during the second half of the year, along with Detroit, Michigan, and Indianapolis, Indiana, and will make HDTV available in the city of Washington, D.C. in 2003. Details of local HDTV packages will be announced in coming weeks.Comcast's HDTV service in the Washington D.C. region will include the high-definition broadcast signal of WETA-HD (the digital station operated by Washington's leading public broadcaster) and Comcast SportsNet.Comcast SportsNet will offer more than 200 professional sporting events in HDTV annually, starting in 2003, about half in the Philadelphia market, and half in the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. markets. HDTV coverage will include games featuring the Philadelphia Phillies, Flyers, and 76ers as well as the Baltimore Orioles, Washington Wizards, and Capitals.""We think the time is right to launch high definition television in major Comcast markets,"" said Comcast Cable President Steve Burke. ""The hours of available HDTV programming are on the rise and the price of HDTV sets has dropped. Viewers want HDTV and Comcast will be the place to get it.""""With the exciting addition of HDTV sports through Comcast SportsNet and the cooperation of broadcasters, manufacturers and retailers in making HDTV available, we think we can help HDTV to take a big step forward,"" Burke added.""We are pleased to partner with Comcast to provide more service and quality programming to the greater Washington community than ever before,"" said Sharon Percy Rockefeller, President and CEO of WETA. ""As a leader in HDTV in the public broadcasting industry, we have long sought to expand the reach of our high-definition programming. This partnership will also enable WETA to provide enhanced standard-definition program services. We applaud Comcast for making these services available to its customers.""""Being able to see our games in high-definition television is like offering our fans a whole new way to watch the teams,"" said Ted Leonsis, majority owner of the NHL Washington Capitals. ""When Comcast SportsNet entered this market, I knew it would translate into great things for our fans and for the sports scene in Washington. They are great partners who are always looking for ways to improve the fan experience. Taking the lead in offering this level of quality television is one such way.""""Comcast's decision to offer high-definition programming over cable is a terrific boost to the digital TV transition, and it builds on the success Comcast has already enjoyed with HDTV services in the Philadelphia area,"" said Enrique Rodriguez, Executive Vice President of Broadband Access Products and Services for Thomson Multimedia. ""Thousands of consumers have already purchased RCA HDTV monitors and sets produced by Thomson, and many cable customers are looking forward to HDTV programming. Comcast has our complete support for this expanded HDTV programming offering.""

Read More: