X1 marks the spot for Comcast
May 22, 2012
US provider of entertainment, information and communications products and services Comcast has revealed that it is to launch its next-generation television experience, Xfinity TV on the X1 Platform, and a new X1 remote control app in the coming weeks. The cloud-enabled platform is designed to transform the TV into an entirely new integrated entertainment experience. The new products will launch in Boston with several major markets planned to follow this year, and will be available to new Xfinity Triple Play with HD/DVR service customers at no additional cost.
“The X1 platform makes the TV smarter, richer and more personalised – and that’s only the beginning. Our goal is to leverage this platform to redefine the entertainment experience for our customers,” said Marcien Jenckes, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Video Services for Comcast Cable, describing the platform as “a giant leap forward”, essentially transforming Comcast’s video product from a hardware experience to a software experience, allowing the operator to innovate faster and more aggressively.
The X1 platform incorporates IP technology, using cloud servers on Comcast’s network that allow Comcast to integrate interactive, customised apps and social media features with its traditional video services to create an entirely new television experience. This is part of Comcast’s ongoing and evolving effort to take advantage of IP technology to constantly bring new innovation and features to market.
“The X1 remote app unites the TV screen with customers’ mobile devices by creating an integrated experience between the customers’ swipe controls on their device and the viewing experience on the TV – they truly mirror each other,” said Sree Kotay, Senior Vice President and Chief Software Architect for Comcast Cable. “By building this new app, we’ve made the remote control smarter and more functional…and just plain fun.”
X1 (formerly Xcalibur) has been in customer trials in Augusta, Georgia, since 2011.