Comcast vs. Cablevision (Newark, Elizabeth, Union: sales, house, contractors)

[michael212]

I've long wanted to know the difference between these 2 companies. As a current Elizabeth resident who would be more than happy to move from there, that and neighboring Newark has Cablevision's ioTV service. Don't know too much about Essex County or even care too much anyway. The rest of Union County all have Comcast. While Cablevision covers the NYC metro area and as of recently 4 western states, Comcast still covers most of NJ.

From what I've heard from other people, Comcast's customer service is very bad. Like I said, I would like to move from Elizabeth in the future, but wherever I go, what would be your honest opinions on the better cable service overall? Comcast or Cablevision?

[goldengrain]

I don't know the difference, but Comcast serves Jersey badly because I think it is almost a monopoly.

We had Comcast. When you first call, the sales person will lie like a rug. Make sure you get very specific details and tell him you won't make a deal until he sends you the info in writing. It always helps to ask the guy's name, too.

We had about four service men come in at different time intervals to install the system properly. I don't think most of them have 2 ajacent brain cells that work and some actually looked threatening, as though this were their first job out of prison. Our system still had some bugs, like program interruption for one to four seconds intermittently, but we just lived with it.

Their is a hotline to call if you have problems after the initial installation which is manned by other dummies, each of whom is very friendly and polite and make a good job of ACTING caring and professional, but know next to nothing.

I had a friend in California who had no problem with them at all, so it is probably a regional problem.

[NJGOAT]

Wait, are you seriously deciding on what town/area to move to based on the cable provider?

FWIW, I've had Verizon and Comcast and in the past and the area I live now is either Comcast or satellite. We have the super awesome mega package and have never had any trouble with the service. We did have one billing issue that took getting the call elevated to resolve, but it was taken care of promptly by the person the call was elevated to. We've had techs to the house twice. When we first moved in, the tech came and set everything up, but we had some nagging issues with the internet service in the bedroom. They sent out a second tech (both appointments were prompt) and he resolved the issue by replacing the splitter in our garage, which he said the other tech should have done. I find that 95% of the issues people have with actual cable service tends to be related to the wiring in their house, especially if they are using splitters.

[ocnjgirl]

Originally Posted by goldengrain

I don't know the difference, but Comcast serves Jersey badly because I think it is almost a monopoly.

We had Comcast. When you first call, the sales person will lie like a rug. Make sure you get very specific details and tell him you won't make a deal until he sends you the info in writing. It always helps to ask the guy's name, too.

We had about four service men come in at different time intervals to install the system properly. I don't think most of them have 2 ajacent brain cells that work and some actually looked threatening, as though this were their first job out of prison. Our system still had some bugs, like program interruption for one to four seconds intermittently, but we just lived with it.

Their is a hotline to call if you have problems after the initial installation which is manned by other dummies, each of whom is very friendly and polite and make a good job of ACTING caring and professional, but know next to nothing.

I had a friend in California who had no problem with them at all, so it is probably a regional problem.

When I've had problems is when they send sub-contractors to do the work. That is when I have to call and ask for someone to come back out and fix what the first guy didn't. When I've had "real" Comcast employees they have usually fixed things properly. When I call now if it's not an emergency (i.e cable is out and I have to go without TV) I request a Comcast service person, even if I have to wait longer. I don't know for sure, but I'd guess all the big companies use sub-contractors for some things.

[New2012York]

Cablevision is much better.

[michael212]

Originally Posted by New2012York

Cablevision is much better.

Ok, so prove your point.

[john_starks]

comcast has the worst service. they just want your money and their prized DVR can't record shows based on the time you allotted.

cablevision/time warner/verizon>>>>>>crapcast

[ansky]

If you're talking solely about number of channels offered for the price, Verizon is better than both Comcast and Cablevision. Also, Verizon uses much more modern equipment and has a recently updated UI. I know people with Cablevision that have been using the same receivers for over 10 years and the program guide looks blurry on an HD tv. Same goes for Comcast in terms of outdated equipment. My uncle has Comcast and his program guide only goes out 6 hours in advance. With Verizon you get 2 weeks of programming in the guide.

[goldengrain]

Originally Posted by ansky

If you're talking solely about number of channels offered for the price, Verizon is better than both Comcast and Cablevision. Also, Verizon uses much more modern equipment and has a recently updated UI. I know people with Cablevision that have been using the same receivers for over 10 years and the program guide looks blurry on an HD tv. Same goes for Comcast in terms of outdated equipment. My uncle has Comcast and his program guide only goes out 6 hours in advance. With Verizon you get 2 weeks of programming in the guide.

We used the online tvguide listings when we had Comcast.
A lot of our neighbors have the Dish satellite service or maybe Verizon.
Honestly, I used to live alone, a single woman. I was really fearful of the team of Comcast men whom they sent. They acted suspiciously and I took precautions, after they'd left that I never had before. I mean, there was a record at Comcast of their being sent out on a call to my house, but later on, who knew what could happen?

They were probably sub contractors. I would not contract with them again, ever.

[classic1956cars]

Stayaway from Comcast.........Can you get Verizon ? If so see what they have to offer