Comcast Corp. has launched 15 additional HD cable networks in Chicago.
The rollouts follow Comcast’s conversion of its analog “standard cable” service to digital last spring and the nation’s largest operator’s commitment to Project Infinity, an initiative aimed at offering 1,000 HD viewing options at any one time by 2009.
All told, Comcast officials said the operator now offers 500 HD choices in Chicago, via 54 HD channels and HD on demand fare.
“We’re thrilled to give HD customers in Chicago up to 15 new HD networks,” said Comcast Lake Area vice president Sandy Weicher in a statement. “We’re adding new HD networks that reflect a wide variety of customer’s interests: news, business, sports, weather, movies, music and even home shopping.”
To receive the new channels, Comcast customers must have an HD-capable TV and an HD-capable set-top box or CableCARD. There is no change in the price of any Comcast services associated with the launch of these new HD channels.
Subscribers to the “digital starter” package or above now receive Bravo HD (channel 278), CNBC HD (266), Fox News Channel HD (265), FX HD (267), QVC HD (282) and The Weather Channel HD (270).
Those with a subscription to the op’s “digital classic” can now view Encore HD (263), Fox Business Network HD (264), Fuse HD (279), IFC HD (280) and WE HD (281), while those with the sports entertainment package get Hallmark Movie Channel HD (227), NBA TV HD (235), NHL TV HD (234) and Speed Channel HD (237).
