Having a subscription to cable television is important for people that want to stay connected with the world around them and get updates on modern events that are happening around the globe. Not only does cable television provide excellent information about relevant topics, it also helps people entertain themselves. There are a number of programs designed to stir emotions and capture the attention of viewers with compelling dialogue and interesting plot lines. However, in order to receive cable as effectively as possible, you should be sure that you have the right equipment in place. To decide if you need a new cable box from Comcast, you should first have an understanding of how a cable box works.
A cable box receiver is, in broad terms, a device that receives cable signals from coaxial cables that are wired into a home from utility poles or underground wiring channels. The receiver itself is what is responsible for converting compressed video signals into pictures that can be displayed on a persons television. As cable television has developed and become increasingly more sophisticated, so have the cable receiver boxes that are used to decode cable television signals. Consumers today are faced with more choices than ever when deciding whether or not they need a new cable box and which type of cable box they want to have in their home.
One of the most common concerns that people have is whether or not they need to buy a cable box, even if they just want to watch standard cable stations. According to USA Today, Comcast has recently upgraded its local distribution to a digital delivery method. This means that you will still need a digital converter box, even if you only want to watch regular cable channels such as ESPN or The Weather Channel. The only time you do not need a cable box at all is if you only want to watch local broadcast stations. You can access these stations simply by plugging your television into a cable jack: however, this method of receiving cable is often difficult because you do not have the benefit of an on screen guide to choose your channel.
Another consideration that must be made in order for you to choose a quality cable box is whether or not you want to have high definition programming. To receive high definition channels, you must have a box that is capable of decoding the high definition signals that are sent in over cable lines. The two most common forms of HD offered by Comcast and other cable distributors today are 720p and 1080p. Although there is a difference in resolution between these two formats, viewers generally will not notice a large drop in quality from 1080p to 720p. In fact, Digital Trends conducted a study that showed that if you are sitting over ten feet away from your television and you have a display that is 50 inches or less diagonally, you will not be able to distinguish the difference in picture quality between 720p and 1080p programming.
Choosing a cable box can be a tough decision that involves several factors. Comcast cable subscribers would be wise to learn as much as they can about the specific options that they have for cable boxes so that they can pick one that is right for their needs. A great cable box is integral to having a pleasurable television watching experience.