Comcast Announces 'Stream' Video Service
Comcast announced a new streaming service that it will offer to its Xfinity Internet customers. The new service, named "Stream," provides users with thousands of On Demand movies and TV shows, and it has a cloud DVR function. Stream will be launching later this summer, but don't be too excited, as there are a few catches.
First, the service will initially launch in Boston, then quickly spread to Chicago and Seattle. As a result, many users won't be able to test out the service until later. Comcast stated that it plans to spread the service everywhere by early 2016, though, so the wait shouldn't be too long.
The bigger problem with the service is that Comcast plans to charge $15 per month for Stream. Although Stream will give you access to all major networks including HBO, competing services from Netflix and Hulu have plans starting as low as $7.99 a month, with much of the same content.
Fortunately for Comcast, the service will be fast and easy to setup, and not require any extra hardware. Just download the app, log into the service, and you are set.
If you are interested in trying the Stream service, it should be available nationwide by sometime in Q1 2016.
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targetdrone If they have the same content as Netflix and/or Hulu + HBO $15/month is a fair price considering that HBO NOW will run you the same price just for HBO content.Reply -
NotTroy Actually, another point that comes to mind with this service is how limited any streaming service like this will be because of Comcast's usage limits on its consumer services. A single person might be okay, but an entire family using a streaming service like this could wind up racking up hundreds of dollars in overage charges per month. I know because I've personally dealt with the consequences of a family of four using Netflix on Comcast's service.Reply -
Epif ReplyActually, another point that comes to mind with this service is how limited any streaming service like this will be because of Comcast's usage limits on its consumer services. A single person might be okay, but an entire family using a streaming service like this could wind up racking up hundreds of dollars in overage charges per month. I know because I've personally dealt with the consequences of a family of four using Netflix on Comcast's service.
Ahh that sucks that Comcast has a cap in your area. I'm really glad they don't cap it here in Minnesota. Or at least they don't yet. The day they do will be the last straw and I'll be switching to a new service.
Anyways, since it is there own service there is always the possibility it won't count towards your cap, much as on demand streaming from a set top box doesn't count.'