Comcast for the win?

It's opposite day today at Think Lynsen. Down is up, cold is hot, and Comcast is getting some praise.

I'm giving the cable company that many people love to hate a pat on the back because as part of the nation's digital TV switchover, Comcast is letting us have a free digital converter box. At first, I wasn't thrilled to add yet another box to our shelves, but my frown turned upside down once I realized the device granted us access to On Demand.

The service, which offers loads of free content, helped pass the time nicely during the weekend blizzard. It let me watch the first episodes of "Caprica," the new "Battlestar Galactica" prequel; a pretty good "Dr. Who" show; and an installment of "Iron Chef America." (Who knew people could get so worked up over figs?) I also noticed it offered episodes of "Survivors," a show my friend Rob tells me I must see. The free movie lineup was admittedly far less impressive, with "Sweeny Todd" representing the best offering among a lineup that featured "Robocop 3," "Species II" and "Swim Fan." Still, the free TV offerings made the device hookup worth the effort.

I look forward to enjoying this content — and more — during the two years Comcast lets us use for free the digital converter box. Thanks, Cable Guys, for hooking us up.