![]() Strauss doesn't think that trend will end with these big media companies. The industry is poised for even more change as legacy media giants that operate the most watched channels in the cable bundle - including Disney, WarnerMedia, and the Comcast subsidiary NBCUniversal - prepare to launch their own subscription-video services online. The Comcast Cable executive Matt Strauss has had a front-row seat to the seismic shifts upending the pay-TV industry as the head of the 56-year-old company's Xfinity unit, which includes home video, internet, security, and phone services. Our ability to launch more of these services direct to the consumer just gives us access to more choices," Strauss said. "As a distributor we're paying on one end, and then the other, we're getting paid.The economics of distributing subscription-video-on-demand services like ESPN Plus compared with ESPN's TV channels could create more opportunities for companies like Comcast.Using the theoretical scenarios about the creation and fate of the universe as a blueprint, he said the TV bundle could be reformed from streaming-video services, instead of linear TV channels.Comcast's Matt Strauss shared his theory about how the evolution of cable-TV networks parallels the cosmic theories of the Big Bang and Big Crunch.The digital adapters simply allow access to Channels 2-72, without the on-screen guide or full digital lineup.Ĭustomers who already have digital cable equipment on all their TVs will not need any additional devices.Ĭomcast has set up a website and toll-free number to handle inquiries about the digital changeover: and (877) 634-4434.Account icon An icon in the shape of a person's head and shoulders. customers who already have a digital receiver, they can get up to two digital adapters at no cost.Įach additional digital receiver (beyond the first) will cost $7.95 per month, while each additional adapter (beyond two) will cost $1.99 per month.ĭigital receivers include an on-screen programming guide, access to On Demand shows and an expanded channel lineup. For example, some channels are associated with premium subscriptions, such as HBO and Showtime, while others are included only with the Sports Entertainment Package.įor existing analog customers, Comcast is providing up to one digital receiver (Comcast’s term for a set-top box) and two smaller digital adapters at no additional monthly cost. By the time the transition is complete, there will be more than 50 HD channels added.Īvailability of the new HD channels depends on a customer’s level of service. 8, Comcast is scheduled to launch HD versions of MTV, VH1, MSNBC, the Travel Channel, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and Lifetime. The company also launched new iPhone and iPad applications (under the company’s Xfinity brand) that allow users to browse program schedules, set up digital video recordings and purchase On Demand shows. Rather, Comcast says its move will allow the company to add more high-definition channels, additional On Demand programs and faster Internet connections.Ĭomcast this week added HD versions of the Independent Film Channel, Bravo, CNBC, Fox Business Network and ESPNews, plus ESPN 3D. ![]() That group includes local affiliates of ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox and PBS, as well as C-SPAN, shopping and public access channels.Ĭomcast says the change to digital has nothing to do with the government-mandated digital television transition, which required broadcast stations to change over-the-air signals from analog to digital. 7 include ESPN, CNN, Fox News, Comedy Central and MTV.Īfter the changeover, only Channels 2-22 will be available without a digital receiver or adapter. Other popular channels that will be changed Dec. 7, the company will digitize the remaining channels between VH1 (Channel 24) and TV Land (Channel 72). “They haven’t had a spike in calls or a decrease in calls,” Amores said. ![]() On Tuesday, 15 channels were moved from analog to digital, meaning a set-top box is required to view those channels.Ĭomcast calls the change a “digital network enhancement.” Spokeswoman Angelynne Amores said the company’s Springfield office reported the transition was going smoothly. Comcast has completed phase one of its analog-to-digital switch.
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