Comcast tooted its on-demand horn this week by announcing that its set-top VOD platform now provides access to the top 100 cable and broadcast TV shows as measured by Nielsen.
Of that total, 64 of those Nielsen-ranked shows are also offered on Comcast’s authenticated TV Go app and Web site, said Comcast, which notably has been testing out an On Demand Credit Ratings model that could open the door to the increased offering of all episodes of a current TV season via the MSO’s VOD platform.
Comcast, citing an online survey by Harris Poll commissioned by the MSO, said over half (55%) of binge-watchers would rather watch current season episodes over past season.
“There is an abundance of quality television available right now and Xfinity On Demand is becoming a unique destination for TV lovers who want to catch up and keep up with all the top shows,” said Matt Strauss, Comcast Cable’s SVP & GM, video services, in a statement. “We remain focused on giving customers access to the highest quality and most current content, anytime and anywhere they want it.”
Comcast noted that, since 2011, hours spent viewing TV content on Xfinity ON Demand has risen nearly 75% -- from 149 million hours, to 259 million hours in 2014. The MSO added that 72% of customers have viewed TV content via set-top VOD, and that it’s now the number one category on its platform, with 40% of total views, surpassing kids, movies and music.
