Cable HD Compression Story Won't Go Away

It started out as a relatively obscure post on the AVS Forum, a techie haven that deals with all things HD and home theater related: Comcast and the other cable companies are increasingly relying on compression techniques to cram more HD channels into the relatively limited amount of video bandwidth they have in their networks. Now the mainstream press has picked up on the story, with the AP running a piece this morning that's been printed in dozens of newspapers across the country. 

Comcast defends its practice of compressing three HD channels into one 6 Mhz analog channel -- compared to the normal two HD channels in the same space -- and notes that viewers are pining for more and more HD channels. With limited bandwidth available, Comcast says that some form of compression is necessary (although Verizon's FiOS TV service doesn't compress due to the much higher bandwidth available through an all-fiber network). 

It should be pointed out that the major broadcast networks and channels like ESPN and HBO are not being subjected to their higher rate of compression. In any event, I would recommend that you check out all the HD options available to you (cable, satellite, telco, over-the-air) at the homes of friends or relatives who have them before you decide on one, and certainly before you sign any kind of contract. It may be that your cable company does a better job of lab testing than Comcast seemingly does or it may be that you can actually get Verizon FiOS or AT&T U-verse and not have to worry about it. But you should ask around and try to gauge the HD picture quality for yourself before you get something installed that you'll later regret.