Comcast on Monday launched an Xfinity TV ap plication for iPad users.
The service, available through the iTunes Store, allows users to view TV shows and movies — essentially the same Xfinity content available online — directly on their iPad.
HBO, Showtime, Starz, Encore and Cinemax are networks with programs now available, and new versions of the application will be regularly updated with more content.
“Really, what this does is allow you to manage your Xfinity content so you have access to it anytime, anywhere,” said Comcast spokeswoman Cindy Parsons.
The Xfinity TV app will soon include a feature allowing viewers to watch programs simultaneously and even broadcast on social-networking sites which programs individuals are watching.
Similar apps are scheduled to launch on other devices, including smartphones by year’s end, and will be free to Comcast digital customers, Parsons said.
Dan Rayburn, executive vice president at , said it’s common for those in the industry to tout free services, but customers should anticipate additional charges to offset the cost.
“No one’s learned how to turn this into a viable business model,” he said.
He said content generally tends to be limited on live-stream TV applications and often is inferior quality, citing apps from Verizon, TNT and TBS. “It (Xfinity TV) definitely won’t change cable as we know it,” he said.
Philadelphia-based Comcast, the nation’s biggest cable-TV company, in February announced the rebranding of its TV, Internet and telephone services as Xfinity.
Rita Wold: 303-954-1488 or rwold@denverpost.com
