So, I’m getting the not-so-subtle hint from Comcast that it’s time to pay more, or get far less. (“If you can see this message, then you won’t…”). Okay, so there are options out there, but the fine print doesn’t cover all the hidden costs involved. I’d like to ask this forum what they actually pay (from actual bills), what they actually receive for their payment, and what their setup is. We currently just have their high speed internet, but the filtering gods have been kind to us, so we receive more than the typical channels – I’ll leave it at that.

Questions: 1) Since we have 2 HDTV’s (maybe a third coming to replace my computer monitor) – how much does it cost to connect multiple TV’s? I’m concerned that every TV gets a rental fee. 2) Are these channels hi-def, or just digital wrapped analog signals? 3) What does satellite give you, and would it be worth switching? 4) Comcast offers a triple play (TV, internet & phone for $99) – any experience with their phone service? (Changing phone service would basically pay for the change, but it would be a monopoly communications service at that point – ouch!) 5) What about Roku and Netflix (or even GoogleTV) experiences? Actually interfacing TV’s with Hulu (not just using the computer)?

As a side note, the cheapy service from Comcast eliminates TCM (I know that TCM charges a fee to the cable service, so it makes sense (sorta)), but they also eliminate MSNBC, but keep CNN and (of course) FoxNews – this is interesting (politically) to me. Also, for all of those who’ll say to just receive local signals – yes, we have an outdoor antenna and the TV’s are set up for that – so I know the costs and benefits – you would be preaching to the choir – but I do like watching college sports, MSNBC (sometimes), my wife likes those Housewives shows, and we both enjoy Breaking Bad and Mad Men, and these services are not available locally. No lectures, please.