Comcast Digital-On-Demand vs. Tivo

by Rebecca C. Jernigan, Demand Media

TiVo and Comcast allow consumers to watch shows, sporting events and movies at their convenience.

Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images

Comcast Digital On Demand and TiVo both provide the convenience of digital recording television shows and features. With either service, you can watch shows when you have time, rather than only when the show is scheduled to air. Both services also offer movies that haven't yet been shown on television. Although the services are very similar, there are some important differences between them.

Television

Comcast's Digital-On-Demand service does not automatically include DVR capabilities. A separate box is needed to record, pause and rewind live television. TiVo automatically provides these services. Both TiVo and On Demand provide movies and television shows that can be watched at any time, though there may be a charge for some of this programming.

Mobile

In May 2011, Comcast began offering the Fancast Xfinity video-on-demand streaming app for the iPhone, iPad and iPod. This service allows Comcast subscribers to view On Demand content on their mobile devices. The service initially offered 14,000 available hours of programming, but the company intends to increase this number on a regular basis. TiVo does not permit users to watch shows on their phones, but does have an application to watch recorded television on an iPad. Both providers also allow users to set and change recordings using their phone.

Content

Comcast offers recent episodes of television shows from many of their popular channels, as well as a selection of old and new movie releases. TiVo does not offer show episodes other than those you have recorded, but does have the ability to play movies from Netflix, Blockbuster On Demand and other online movie providers.

Partnership

In May 2011, Comcast and TiVo partnered to offer their viewing libraries on the same platform. Comcast's Xfinity On Demand will be available on TiVo's Premium set boxes in many larger markets, including San Fransisco. Comcast will install TiVo boxes in their customers' homes for no charge in these areas.

References

  • Comcast: Xfinity TV from Comcast
  • PCWorld; Comcast Brings On Demand Streaming to the Smallest Screens; Eric Mack; May 2011
  • Tivo: Premiere Product Information
  • Tivo; TiVo and Comcast Team Up to Offer the First Retail Cable Set-Top with DVR that Delivers Linear TV, Broadband Content and Xfinity On Demand Library All from One Box; May 2011
  • Tivo: Tivo App for Ipad
  • Tivo: Your iPhone is Now a TiVo® DVR Remote Control

About the Author

From 2006 through 2009, Rebecca Jernigan wrote and edited articles for Laurin Publishing, where she was published in "Photonics Spectra," "BioPhotonics" and "Europhotonics" magazines. She has experience in fields ranging from ophthalmology to photonics, and holds a master's degree in publishing as well as degrees in psychology, English and Spanish.

Photo Credits

  • Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images