Comcast’s cloud-based X1 video platform rolled into the state of Washington this week, as the MSO keeps pace with a plan to make X1 available to all markets before the end of the year.
The latest launch extended X1 to Comcast systems serving western Washington and Spokane County. Last week, Comcast made X1 available across its Colorado footprint following an initial rollout in Colorado Springs in February, as well as New Mexico.
Comcast has deployed the IP-capable X1 platform to more than 53% of its footprint. Following a recent launch in Michigan and the completion of the rollout across Comcast's New England properties, X1 is also deployed in systems serving Utah; Minneapolis/St. Paul; Maryland; Delaware; Washington, D.C.; Baltimore; Illinois; northwest Indiana;; Independence, Mo.; Atlanta and Augusta, Ga.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Philadelphia; New Jersey; and California.
Comcast, which has 21.77 million video subs, is primarily marketing X1 to new triple play customers. Comcast just wrapped up a temporary triple-play bundle promotion offered via the Web that included X1, a $300 Visa prepaid card, three free months of HBO and Streampix (the MSO’s subscription-based, multi-screen VOD service) starting at $79.99 per month, to customers who agreed to a two-year contact.
Comcast is preparing to launch X2, an updated, more personalized cloud-based interface that will run on set-tops, tablets and PCs and run on the overarching X1 platform. X2 will also set the stage for in-home streaming of live TV to connected, second screen devices and a new cloud DVR service.
Comcast hasn’t pinpointed a launch date for X2, but on last week’s second quarter earnings call, Comcast Cable president and CEO Neil Smit reiterated that the MSO plans to roll it out before the end of the year.
Comcast has been conducting Cloud DVR service trials in Boston and Philadelphia. As FierceCable reported, evidence of that internal trial work has shown up on iTunes. Comcast Labs has posted a version of the app of its “cDVR Service,” noting that it will provide customers with access to Comcast video services via an iPad or iPhone “while in their home behind a Comcast cable modem.”
