While Apple’s rumored Web TV service is expected to launch with new hardware and software later this year, Comcast has shown its cards on what it describes as an “experiment” to offer live TV streaming to its Internet subscribers without cable packages. Stream, a $15/month Xfinity add-on, will allow Comcast Internet subscribers to view live and on-demand streaming television from “about a dozen networks” including HBO and other major broadcast networks.Comcast says Stream will be available on “laptops, tablets and phones,” but subscribers will be restricted to their Xfinity WiFi at home to access the service from those devices.
That restriction makes streaming TV shows and movies when traveling not possible, instead mimicking the current restrictions that cable subscribers face with tablets and phones instead of TV sets.
A cloud-based DVR feature will be available, however, which Comcast says will let subscribers record up to 20 hours of content for viewing at home and away.
As Comcast describes Stream as experimental, the company is rolling out the feature in limited waves. Xfinity subscribers in Boston will be among the first to sign up for Stream by the end of summer with Chicago and Seattle promised next. Comcast says it plans to roll out Stream everywhere Xfinity is available early next year.
While Apple’s offering is expected to include roughly 25 channels for $30-$40 month, Stream promises live access to ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, FOX, The CW, Telemundo, and more for $15/month. Including live local programming has been said to be a goal for Apple’s own package.
Aside from a beta live TV streaming service, Comcast has also introduced a fast-but-expensive home Internet service option to Xfinity customers. Ars Technica reports that Comcast’s super high speed 2Gbps home Internet service will be officially priced at $299.95/month and include as much as $1,000 in fees for setup and activation, and yes, Stream will still be an additional $15/month if interested.
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What is the typical speed for internet, if 2Gbps is considered fast?
between 50 and 100Mbps in most developed countries
nvm, found out that currently most speeds are in Mbps and not Gbps.
The one thing missing is ESPN, BeIN (for soccer/futbol fans) and sports programming in general. There’s hardly anything else on cable that can’t be seen in a delayed stream. Whoever has the cord cutting solution that includes sports will be the winner in my point of view. Otherwise for us cord-cutters, you just have to weigh if the event is worth going to a sports bar for.
Sports is the only thing I need live (with DVR functionality in case I step away or am late going home for the start of a game).
So does the streaming count towards Comcast’s ridiculous caps?
Probably not since you have to be on Comcast Internet subscriber to get Stresm.
So their answer is that instead of being tethered to a cable in the house, now they want to tether you to your house. If it’s internet based, one should be able to stream no matter what wifi they are connected to, at home or away.
No thanks.
Next gen iPads, Apple TV, Mac and phones should have a built in antenna to pick up the local digital/HD television.
$1000 to install and then $315 a month….god grief
Who watches live TV? I don’t .
I thought TV was dead. Haven’t watched in forty years.
Oh, great, Satan (at least that seems to be how many of Comcast’s customers would charitably describe it) is branching out.
F U Comcast! I canceled you a year and a half ago because of your cr@ppy policies and will never sign up with you again.
I love how Comcast will pad their number of channels available with OTA stations.
Yeah. That service looks to be garbage. I’ll keep Sling TV. It’s been awesome.