Comcast Launches Xfinity TV

Latest entrant in the streaming video sweepstakes

10/26/2010 | By Truman Lewis

| ConsumerAffairs.com | Computers

The latest entrant in the streaming video sweepstakes is none other than cable TV stalwart Comcast. The company says 150,000 TV shows, movies and other video content will be available on laptops and other digital devices.

Content comes from more than 90 movie, TV and network partners, including HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, Starz, Encore, Movieplex, TNT, TBS, Nickelodeon, Discovery, A&E, AMC, MTV, BET, E! Entertainment, The Style Network, G4, Golf Channel, Comedy Central, BBC, Bravo, SyFy, Animal Planet, The Travel Channel, Food Network, DIY, The Cooking Channel, History, IFC and Ovation, and includes broadcast content from CBS, NBC, ABC and FOX.

Comcast says that many popular movies will be available on Xfinity on the same day they go to DVD release.

Xfinity TV is available online for free to consumers who have a home subscription to Comcast digital cable. Non-Comcast customers will have to pay, assuming the service is available in their area.

Besides streaming video, Xfinity offers the capability to remotely program one or more home DVRs, and other new tools that enable customers to "personalize and manage their entertainment experience across multiple devices from one integrated site," the company said.

"Bolstered by the best content from top programmers and rich tools to help personalize your TV viewing experience, we've created a destination that enables customers to watch, find and manage their favorite shows and movies anytime, anywhere," said Matt Strauss, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Comcast Interactive Media.

In what might be seen as a dig at rival Google TV, Comcast said Xfinity includes "enhanced search which gives users the ability to instantly find favorite TV and movie selections through Xfinity TV service whether they want to watch on TV, On Demand, online or on mobile devices; integrated personalized "Watchlists" to keep track of favorite entertainment options wherever they are playing - on TV, On Demand or online - and social media integration to share favorite shows with friends on their social network."

Google TV's roll-out gala was dampened by snubs from ABC, CBS and NBC. All are withholding thjeir network programming, at least for now. NBC Universal is, however, making its CNBC available.

Comcast customers with a digital subscription can visit Xfinity TV, www.XfinityTV.com, sign-in with their Comcast ID and password, and watch their favorite shows at no charge. Xfinity Internet service is not required to access this site.