Comcast Rolls Out 4K Ultra HD Content by Xfinity in UHD App - Analyst Blog
Comcast Corp. (CMCSA), the largest cable MSO (multi service operator) in the U.S., has joined the 4K race with the launch of a new app named Xfinity in UHD. This 4K streaming app would allow Xfinity TV customers to watch select TV shows in the Ultra High-Definition (UHD) format on an on-demand basis via the Internet.
The company has launched the app in partnership with Samsung Electronics, a leading brand in UHD TVs. The new app will be initially available to customers only with compatible 2014 Samsung UHD TVs.
Comcast will offer full seasons of select TV shows on its NBC and USA networks in 4K. This technology promises the finest picture quality with life-like clarity and superior horizontal resolution on the order of 4,000 pixels. Also, Xfinity TV subscribers can download the new app for free from the SMART Hub using their Xfinity authentication credentials.
In particular, the new app will feature NBC's Chicago Fire and USA's Covert Affairs and Suits, with NBC's Parks and Recreation series scheduled to follow in Feb 2015. Moreover, the company plans to include other shows and networks over time as it builds up its collection of on-demand 4K programming. Also, by next year, the company aims to offer the 4K streaming service to portable devices via its Xfinity TV Go app and bring in an enhanced new X1 set-top box that supports 4K video.
Interestingly, with Comcast launching its 4K streaming service, more competition will be seen in this space. Comcast now joins DIRECTV (DTV), Amazon.com (AMZN) and Netflix Inc. (NFLX) in the 4K race.
Last month, DIRECTV had rolled out this service directly on subscribers’ TV sets by offering an array of fresh releases, popular movies and nature documentaries in 4K. In the same vein, Netflix lets owners of 4K TVs watch an assortment of UHD movies and TV shows. Moreover, recently, Amazon took its streaming services a notch higher by providing 4K/ UHD resolution for some movies and TV titles to Prime subscribers through Amazon Instant Video.
While Netflix charges new subscribers an additional $3 for its 4K content, DIRECTV charges its customers on pay-per-view basis and requires them to pay up to $10 a title to watch the movies on-demand. Interestingly, Comcast, along with Amazon, offers the UHD content to its subscribers at no additional charge. The former’s Xfinity TV customers’ video subscription takes account of participating networks.
Also, along with the Xfinity app for Samsung UHD TVs, Xfinity TV customers having 2012 Samsung Smart TVs or Android-powered Samsung Galaxy tablets can download the Xfinity TV app for video-on-demand content.
Comcast currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Strong Buy).
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
DIRECTV (DTV): Free Stock Analysis Report
AMAZON.COM INC (AMZN): Free Stock Analysis Report
NETFLIX INC (NFLX): Free Stock Analysis Report
COMCAST CORP A (CMCSA): Free Stock Analysis Report
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
Zacks Investment Research
