I was hardly comforted to know I was not alone in not having exchanged Comcast's old analog decoder box for a new digital one this past Labor Day Weekend…so thoughtful of Comcast to stop sending an analog signal to my box (and other's). A call to Comcast Saturday night brought the news that "they're working on repairing the problem" (only getting the TV Guide Channel). A call to them Sunday revealed the real problem: old box/new signal.
"You can bring your old analog box in to the Burlingame Store on Tuesday and exchange it for a new one."
Which I attempted to do. The lovely staffers in The Burlingame Store (as friendly and helpful as your average DMV employee or disgruntled postal worker) told me "You have no idea how many people have already brought in boxes…we're all out. Call us tomorrow to see if they're available."
Unfortunately the phone number of the local Comcast office is a secret more precious than that of the Pentagon's switchboard! "We don't give out our number." Ms. Martha told me.
Comcast's staffers claim they did sent out "last call" notices, though I have yet to receive mine. Interestingly, the lady whom I spoke with on Comcast's 800-number is a satellite TV subscriber. She called the local "Burlingame Store" only to be told they still did not have digital boxes available on Wednesday.
It took from Saturday until Thursday to get a box to view the local cable. I asked the installer if he has cable or a dish. "I have cable because it's free to me. Otherwise I'd probably have a dish."

The Burlingame city government licenses these people to have this franchise. It ought to demand customers have access to the local office's phone number.

In case you're in need of calling for technical assistance, try dialing 650-259-7022. You won't get a Mensa member picking up the phone, but you might get some help if you're persistent.

But then, what am I bitching about? I'm lucky to have PG&E's electricity at the house, so watching a "test pattern" on the tube ought to be sufficient entertainment, I suppose.

– Written by gerald