Much appreciate the added info, everyone. I am running only my internet through Xfinity/Comcast. I'm also doing only streaming services such Amazon Prime and Netflix. Tried Sling for a bit and dropped it. May add Hulu down the road. My current speed is the 25 megabytes area and, if necessary, I can upgrade to their next tier, which is 75 megabytes, I think.
I do want to try separate units, not a combined one. I know more channels are better. I did not realize that the 5 mghz signals had worse penetration. I thought they'd be better. Right now only my wife's iPhone 5s supports the 5mghz connection.
I have my TV and my current desktop connected via ethernet. However, a second desktop and TV will appear someday and those will be WiFi. We are living in an apartment, wood frame construction, so there are walls, but not the heavy concrete stuff found in the Philippines. The distances are not great, maybe 30 feet or so?
The 24x8 channel modems are pretty pricey. I am guessing I will have to settle for a 16x4 version, maybe the NetGear CM500. It lists at $89 for the modem only. Then an ASUS Ac1750 for roughly $60 or less. Not the hottest setup, but easy to upgrade the router if necessary and I don't see dropping the bucks for the 24x8 modem anywhere in the near future given there are only 2 of us using the system the vast majority of the time.
Yes, I'm looking your link Blackhawk and it is one tempting puppy! 32x8 modem and a nighthawk router. Darn! Double Darn! Only $60 or $70 more and a big jump in capability. Ohhh ... I just hate it when I get so tempted by better tech.
Note: I started hunting for a $400 flat screen tv. That was my budget. I decided I might push it to $500 for the right one. The more I researched, the more frustrated I got with the features in that price range. I held off for months trying to find the sweet deal. Which never came. I finally pulled the trigger $720 plus tax. OUCH! But I ended up with what I really wanted. A 4k screen, viewable from angles, very good up-scaling of 1080p signals. My wallet weeps but I'm completely satisfied with the tv and buyers remorse only lasted a couple of days before it's good features had me smiling.