I would say anything by Kurt Vonnegut (a real sci fi writer) and if you are looking for non-fiction, you can't go wrong with "The Devil In The White City"

Let me just start by saying, I love my comcast service. I have never had a problem with them. That being said, let me answer these questions

1.) They just flip a switch. As long as you have a box that is already set up for HD.

2.) I actually did not have to get a new box when I switched. It really depends how long you have the box. But they also make that really easy. You just send in the box in an envelope.

3.) They have HDMI output. It rocks. Thats the way to go.