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'Tower Heist' is Going to Premium On Demand - Theaters Threaten a Boycott

Wed Oct 12, 2011 at 02:00 PM ET
Tags: Comcast, Industry Trends (all tags)

You'll be able to order it during the theatrical window for $60, which isn't making theater owners too happy.

The cost of going to the movies is increasing while at the same time home theaters are getting better. It isn't all that uncommon to have a 60 inch set and a home theater system isn't unheard of either. If you've got a killer setup, why not use it?

The new comedy 'Tower Heist,' starring Matthew Broderick, Eddie Murphy, and Ben Stiller is coming to Comcast's video on demand service three weeks after its theatrical release. It'll cost you $60 to rent, but if you bring over a few friends and get some regularly priced food to go with it the price starts to make a lot of economic sense.

Theaters, as you might imagine, are pissed. Cinemark theaters say that they'll be boycotting the movie based on this decision, as have the Galaxy, Regency and Emagine theater chains. Time will tell who this boycott hurts worse - movie studios or movie theaters.

Source: Home Media Magazine

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Comcast Introduces "MyTV Choice" No-Contract Channel Packages Based on Interests Instead of Tiers

Wed Oct 12, 2011 at 12:00 PM ET
Tags: Comcast, A La Carte, Industry Trends (all tags)

We're not to the point of picking individual channels yet, but this move from Comcast is a strong step in that direction.

If you're a cable or satellite subscriber this is some very good news. It's even better news if you're a Comcast customer. The cable provider is now offering a new way to put together packages.

Instead of a tiered system that forces you to pick a huge amount of channels that you're not interested in, Comcast is offering channel selections based on your interests. Don't want kids channels? You don't have to pay for them. Want a good chunk of movie channels in with your normal mix? Add them in.

There are two base packages you can pick from. "Get Started" runs $25 while "Get Started Plus" will cost you $45. According to Comcast, the main difference between the two is sports channels. The cheaper version is absent of ESPN channels while the other has six. If you're just looking for the very basic channels that's one hell of a deal.

Once you've selected a base package, you can pick from "Movies," "Kids," "News & Info" and "Entertainment & Lifestyle." Each additional bundle will cost you $10. You can check out the full details over at Comcast.

Source: Engadget

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Comcast CEO: "No Streaming Business Model That Works For Us"

Fri Aug 05, 2011 at 10:00 AM ET
Tags: Comcast, Streaming, Industry Trends (all tags)

Subscribers are down again for Comcast, but the company has no plans to try and expand into a different business model.

Comcast hasn't been doing so hot. They're losing subscribers at a significant rate - nearly 250,000 in the last quarter - and their profits are getting lower. There are two big things that Comcast needs to think about at this point. The first is customer retention. The second is alternate income.

One of the more obvious solutions, and one that seems simple enough to jump on, is launching a streaming service for non-subscribers. Something along the lines of Hulu or Netflix. CEO Brian Roberts says that the idea has crossed his desk, but there's not a business model that will allow the company to reap mountains of profits (the kind that can tip over and kill a man!).

He also suggested that trying to bring in new customers with this service isn't something that Comcast is necessarily interested in. "I think it's better when you already have a relationship with the customer to add these services on," he says.

Source: Home Media Magazine

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Skype Comes to Comcast Cable Boxes

Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 12:00 PM ET
Tags: Skype, Comcast, XFINITY (all tags)

Skype features will also be coming to Comcast's Xfinity apps.

Remember a year or two ago when Netflix was the must have app for internet connected devices? This year is all about Skype, and Comcast is the latest to add the capabilities. If you have Comcast cable you won't need to get a Smart TV or set-top box - you can use Skype right on your cable box.

Of course, you'll still need a few things to make it all work. A camera is required, but you probably could have guessed that. Comcast says you'll also need an adaptor box and a specially designed remote control that makes it simple to enter text.

"Our unique relationship with Skype not only will change how our customers interact with their TV, but also will create new and meaningful ways to bring our customers closer to the people they care about," says Comcast president Neil Smit. "TV has evolved into a social experience, and Comcast and Skype will be delivering a product that personalizes the TV experience even more, and brings friends and family together through the biggest screen in their homes."

Source: Engadget

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Comcast Launches a 24/7 3D Channel of its Own

Tue Feb 22, 2011 at 08:00 AM ET
Tags: Comcast (all tags)

Not only will the channel offer sports and movies, but live concerts as well.

DirecTV isn't the only game in town when it comes to 3D. Comcast has officially launched its own 3D channel called Xfinity 3D. It sounds promising too, since new and live content is hyped over filler documentaries.

It's not that documentaries on scary castles, the ocean, the sun and dinosaurs aren't interesting, it's just that they're not incredibly compelling. Both 3D channels offer documentary content, and plenty of 2D channels do too. The thing that's setting Xfinity 3D apart - at least for now - is the promise of live content.

The first night kicked off with the 2011 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic which was followed by a Kings of Leon concert. Events like this make Xfinity 3D look very appealing.

Source: Engadget

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Xfinity iPad App Now Streaming Video On Demand for Select Networks

Thu Feb 03, 2011 at 12:00 PM ET
Tags: XFINITY, Comcast, iPad (all tags)

Cartoon Network, HBO, Showtime, TNT and more are available to watch.

You've been waiting patiently - or maybe not so patiently - for Comcast's promised iPad streaming feature. That patience has paid off and the day has finally arrived.

If you pick up the new version of the Xfinity iPad app, you'll finally be able to watch television and movies on your slick tablet. As you might expect from a streaming app (and anything Comcast doles out), there are some pretty serious limitations.

For starters, there are only a few channels currently on board with the program. You can watch on demand content from BBC America, Cartoon Network, Cinemax, Starz Encore, HBO, MoviePlex, Showtime, Starz, TBS, and TNT.

There's no word yet on when more channels will be added.

Source: Engadget

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Does Comcast/NBC Universal Merger Mean Higher Cable Prices?

Mon Jan 31, 2011 at 10:00 AM ET
Tags: Comcast, NBC, Cable, Universal, Industry Trends (all tags)

Cable prices could go up faster than ever thanks to the Comcast/NBC Universal merger according to Alexander Per, an economist working at CBSaver.

If you're paying for cable, then you know the pain of shelling out money for the service every month. Cable bills often surpass heating, electricity, phone, and even car payments in some households. It's a lot of money to spend, and it's only going to increase.

Alexander Per, who works for the bill negotiation site CBSaver, says that the recent deal between Comcast and NBC could accelerate this increase. He says that since Comcast's negotiations didn't include any commitment to limit rate increases, we're bound to see something big soon.

Cable rates have been going up faster than everything else we buy, according to Per. "We are talking about 100%-plus growth in the cost of cable in past decade and it is has only just begun," he says.

Source: Home Media Magazine

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The Comcast/NBC Deal Approved by FCC, Justice Department

Wed Jan 19, 2011 at 04:20 PM ET
Tags: Comcast, NBC (all tags)

Comcast says everything will finally be complete by the end of the month.

Unless you’ve been living in under a rock, or in a cave without Wi-Fi, you know about the deal between Comcast and NBC that’s been in the works. It’s been talked about all over the internet, discussed on mainstream news and even been parodied on ’30 Rock.’

Today that deal got one big step closer to completion, as both the FCC and the Justice Department have given their approval. Under the terms of the arrangement, Comcast will now own 51 percent of NBC, with GE owning the other 49.

“The NBC Universal joint venture will be well positioned to compete, innovate, and bring new choices to consumers,” says Comcast CEO Brian L. Roberts. “Our original vision for the combination remains intact so that consumers will benefit, and our competitors will be treated fairly.”

Source: Engadget

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Get Your 3D Fix on Comcast For Free

Wed Sep 29, 2010 at 02:00 PM ET
Tags: 3D, Comcast (all tags)

Sick of watching the same few 3D Blu-rays over and over? If you're a Comcast customer, you can get a few extra 3D flicks for free.

We're not really sure why Comcast hasn't made a bigger deal about this, especially since 3D TV owners are starved for content right about now. If you subscribe to the cable service, you can check out a few hours worth of free 3D content absolutely free.

Keep in mind, this is free 3D content, so you're not going to be getting those big budget flicks you might be hoping for. Still, there's a pretty decent lineup.

To access the movies, go to the On Demand menu of your cable box and then pick Free Movies. From there, scroll on over to 3D movies and you'll be greeted with a list of eight different selections. Among these you'll find three documentaries, one Sigfried and Roy magic special, and three 3D movies.

If you run into any problems viewing the content, you may need to adjust your cable box to 1080i manually, rather than letting it select the resolution automatically. You can find more info on the troubleshooting in the thread on AVS Forum.

Tip courtesy of Marc Krachunis. Thanks Marc!

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Text Comcast for TV Listings and More

Thu Sep 09, 2010 at 12:00 PM ET
Tags: Comcast, Cable Providers (all tags)

A new service from Comcast allows you to take care of a surprisingly large amount of business from your phone.

Sure, there's plenty you can do with a smartphone, a 3G connection, and a web browser. But Comcast is rolling out a new service that will let you take care of a good chunk of your service issues through simple texting.

Want to know what's on TV? Just text "NOW" to 266278 and you'll get a handy list of everything that's on. Want to reset your cable box? Just text the word "HIT." If you're wondering about service outages, "OUT" is the three letter text for you.

You'll need to sign up online and link your mobile number to your Comcast account before you use it, which makes sense even if it does take some of the convenience out of it. If you like, you can also set up mobile alerts like payment reminders while you're there.

Source: Comcast

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