What the deuce?!

[PurdueRy]

I don't get it. My parents are signed up for their "Digital Plus" package and I came home for thanksgiving. This is the first time I have been home since their service has started. Curious, I looked at their cable box and got a rather shocking surprise.

No component output...ok no biggie, its not an HD box

No S-video output...ok now this is just odd. What modern video device does NOT have S-video. Especially one for a "digital" plus package which is one of their higher services.

No digital out(audio)...that's right NO digital out. On a "digital" box which receives a digital signal...it is incapable of outputting a Digital audio signal. Now, originally I thought something may be wrong as the box has a port on the back(SPDIF). But it was covered from the inside with a metal plate. Surely, this must be an oversight as the box itself says "DOLBY DIGITAL" right on the front. There's no way you can advertise this without this capability. Well after talking on the phone and getting service technicians to come out. Turns out this is no mistake. THERE IS NO DIGITAL OUT AVAIALABLE on the box for their "Digital PLUS" service...

Someone tell me I am not crazy and that Comcast sucks...

 

[Sphexi]

Why is that odd. You want 5.1 or HD or higher end video output, pay for the better box. The PVR/DVR boxes almost always have digital audio outputs, or S-Video outputs, the standard boxes are just a method of decoding the digital channels and purchasing additional content.

 

[Xyclone]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy
What the deuce?!

I love that statement.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Sphexi
Why is that odd. You want 5.1 or HD or higher end video output, pay for the better box. The PVR/DVR boxes almost always have digital audio outputs, or S-Video outputs, the standard boxes are just a method of decoding the digital channels and purchasing additional content.

I didn't say I wanted HD. Component outputs/S-video outputs have nothing to do with HD. Save for components being able to pass an HD signal.

Why isn't this odd? The front of the box says "DOLBY DIGITAL" With the logo and all! Yet, there is no ways to get Dolby digital using this box. Isn't this false advertising?

They should not have to get a DVR just to get a digital out and S-video/component out. If I have no use for a DVR I don't want to pay for one just to get digital sound and a better quality of video connection!

 

[The Stigenator]

ask for a newer box.. our box has the digital audio out on coax and an SVideo out. its a motorola box.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: TheGoodGuy
ask for a newer box.. our box has the digital audio out on coax and an SVideo out. its a motorola box.

We have a motorola box too. What service are you signed up for? If you have the same then could you take a pic of your box and the back so I can see if its the same one? There are spots on the back for both of these, but they are both covered.