ITV

Tag: Matt Strauss

  • Comcast to launch Internet TV service called Stream

    Comcast to launch Internet TV service called Stream

    MUMBAI: Keeping in mind the diversity in preferences of watching entertainment content, cable giant Comcast is all set to launch a streaming TV service called Stream.

     

    Comcast Cable executive vice president and general manager, video services Matt Strauss said, “The way we watch TV has become more personal than ever. I like to watch live on the big screen in my living room. My kids, on the other hand, prefer to catch up with their favorite shows on their laptops, on demand. As this diversity in preferences continues to grow, we’ve added new features and offerings to try and meet the needs of everyone who loves TV.”

     

    Comcast has previously created skinny bundles like Internet Plus and developed services that cater to students, like Xfinity on Campus. 

     

    The cable company has now launched a beta test of a new streaming cable service that furthers its goal to provide TV choices for everyone. “It’s unlike anything we’ve ever offered: no extra device or additional equipment required…or even a TV. And it’s called Stream,” Strauss said.

     

    With Stream, Xfinity Internet customers can watch live TV from about a dozen networks – including all the major broadcast nets and HBO – on laptops, tablets and phones in their home. It includes thousands of on demand movies and shows to watch home or away and even comes with access to TV Everywhere and a cloud DVR to record shows and watch later.

     

    Stream will be available to Comcast’s Xfinity Internet customers for $15 per month and will first launch in Boston at the end of the summer. The company will take it to Chicago and Seattle next, with plans to make it available everywhere in its footprint by early 2016.

     

    “We’ll continue to experiment by creating offerings like Stream, so that users can choose the service that works best for them. So if you love TV and spend most of your time with the screen in your lap as opposed to the one on the wall, Stream may just be the thing for you,” Strauss added.

  • A+E Networks launches video watch apps

    A+E Networks launches video watch apps

    MUMBAI: US infotainment media company A+E Networks has launched the company‘s first ever video watch apps for iPad® today.

    A&E, History and Lifetime network apps are available for free from the App Store.

    The apps enable users to watch full episodes, full movies and exclusive clips of their favorite A+E Networks programming, including current and previous seasons of ‘Storage Wars‘ and ‘Duck Dynasty‘ on A&E; ‘Pawn Stars‘ and ‘Swamp People‘ on History and ‘Dance Moms‘ and ‘Project Runway‘ on Lifetime.

    Users who sign in to verify Xfinity TV from Comcast as their video provider will have access to even more content, including full previous seasons of some of their favourite series. The app will support additional distributors in early 2013.

    A+E Networks executive VP of digital media, business development Dan Suratt said, "By offering the A&E, History and Lifetime watch apps, we are giving fans of our networks an opportunity to consume our leading libraries of original quality content wherever and whenever they want it".

    A+E Networks president of distribution David Zagin said, "With our new apps, A+E Networks will be on the forefront of supporting the industry‘s efforts toward TV Everywhere. We are looking forward to partnering with our distributors in the future to bring their customers more of our great programming."

    Comcast Cable senior VP, digital and emerging platforms Matt Strauss said, "In partnering with A+E Networks, Comcast continues to build on its industry-leading TV Everywhere offerings, and yet again positions Xfinity TV customers at the forefront to access great programming on multiple devices. We‘re pleased to be the first provider to offer our customers A+E Networks‘ compelling content on its app, and also online at Xfinity.com/TV."

    The apps, powered by Bottle Rocket feature a video offering. The watchlist in the app offers "Continue Watching" and "Queue" functionality for a seamless viewing experience between visits. Users who start watching a video and have to step away will see all videos in progress in the "Continue Watching" section of the watchlist. If they add a series to their "Queue" in the watchlist, all new full episodes for their favorite series automatically appear as they are published to the app.

    iPhone and iPod touch versions of all three apps will launch in January 2013 and an Android version is expected to be out some time in the first quarter. The A&E, HISTORY and Lifetime apps are available for free from the App Store on iPad® or at www.itunes.com/appstore.