I am getting Comcast HDTV, but...

Blueswan, the "component out" should handle all of your video. I have Charter Cable and their box provides you with an RCA digital out for all audio. I'm not sure what Comcast provides in terms of digital audio out. As long as you have "component in" on your TV, you should be all set for HDTV. This is assuming of course your TV is true HDTV capable (1080i).

I have a Sony 36in XBR Wega with a 4:3 flatscreen. It supports 480p and 1080i and has 2 sets of component inputs. I can view widescreen DVDs in 1080i (with the top and bottom of the screen blank) or I can view 4:3 DVDs on progressive and get the full 4:3 screen version with incredible resolution, depth and motion stability. I assume my TV is HD ready, no one at Comcast could answer the question.

1080i = HD, so yes, your TV is ready. HDTV is 720p *or* 1080i *or* 1080p. If your XBR is the same as mine, it does 720p and 1080i--*nobody* does 1080p. (Some video junkies will tell you 720p is actually superior to 1080i; I bet 1080p is fantastic). Although to get 720p/1080i on my XBR I have to futz around with the video menu--I can't get the "autosense" on video 6 to work well and have to turn on the HDTV aspect ratios manually.

They can output normal signals through component, so you only need component cables--forget the SVideo. Comcast in this area provides a coaxial RCA digital output, which will pass 5.1CH audio.