Comcast Video Technology

Comcast delivers both analog and digital TV through cable wires that are located at the subscriber's home. Comcast has re-branded its digital TV service as XFINITY TV and is providing a host of advanced TV services in conjunction with this. Fancast XFINITY TV allows subscribers of Comcast's video and high-speed Internet service to watch select cable video programs on the Internet.

Subscribers who are receiving analog TV fall within two service models: a limited basic offering between 20 and 30 channels of programming, to an expanded basic service allowing access to anywhere from 60 to 80 channels. Subscribers receiving analog TV programming do not have access to interactive menu features or other advanced features provided by Comcast. However, subscribers should receive clear picture quality on all channels contained within a particular analog package.

Digital TV subscribers may select from packages that contain upwards of 50 channels to over 250 channels. The company's 2009 annual report puts the number of digital video subscribers at 18.4 million. Comcast's video technology allows digital subscribers to pause, fast forward and rewind television programming. Users can also record programming with a digital video recorder which is incorporated into some of the company's set top boxes. An interactive programming guide allows users to browse a full listing of channels and record entire series of programs by entering functions on a remote. On Demand provides subscribers with access to over 17,000 programs over the course of a month. Viewers can watch popular movies, music videos, documentaries and more on whatever schedule they choose. The technology also enables a wide range of high-definition programming with Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound.

Comcast's video technology is constantly evolving and the company continues to seek ways to provide users with unique programming and experiences that are not available elsewhere. The company's foray into cloud-based services for remote content storage is one example of how the provider seeks ways to enhance the experiences of its subscribers. Another example is its interest in having subscribers place Skype calls through a television set.