Washington, D.C. (September 13, 2007) -- Comcast COO and President Steve Burke told TVPredictions.com a year ago that the cable operator would offer 32-35 High-Definition channels in the third quarter of 2007.

Today, with just 17 days left in the third quarter, which ends on September 30, Comcast is only offering about 25 HD channels in most markets.

So, will the nation's largest cable operator add 7-10 HD channels in the next few weeks to fulfill Burke's forecast?

Jenni Moyer, a Comcast spokeswoman, said the company could not offer a timeline for when more channels will be added.

"We will continue to negotiate with HD channels and we will continue to add HD channels," she said. "But we can't confirm a timeline."


Comcast COO and President Steve Burke.

In September 2006, Burke was less reluctant to provide a timeline for when more HD channels would be available. In an interview with Joseph Whip, who writes the blog, 'The Whip,' for TVPredictions.com, Burke was asked how many HD channels would be offered on Comcast by the end of the third quarter of 2007 (end of September 2007).

Burke responded: "We’re planning to offer 32-35 HD channels (including broadcast) by the third quarter of 2007."

At the time, Comcast offered roughly 20 national and local HD channels. The cable operator has added a handful of channels this year including NFL Network HD, National Geographic HD, A&E HD and Food Network HD. (Note: The channels have not been added in all Comcast markets )

Moyer added that Comcast has increased its HD VOD lineup to almost 200 hours of programming.

However, the actual number of full-time HD channels is a sensitive one now with satcaster DIRECTV planning to offer 70 high-def channels by month's end. Additionally, EchoStar now offers 40 national HD channels.

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Swanni (Phillip Swann) is president and publisher of TVPredictions.com. He has been quoted in dozens of publications and broadcast outlets, including CNN, Fox News, Inside Edition, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Financial Times, The Associated Press and The Hollywood Reporter. He can be reached at swann@tvpredictions.com or at 703-505-3064.

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