XFINITY vs. U-verse

XFINITY is the re-branded name for Comcast's combined services, which includes XFINITY TV, XFINITY Internet and XFINITY Voice digital telephone. Services can be bundled together for the "Triple Play" option, with XFINITY TV also existing as a destination on the Internet, with a site that gives users access to on-demand programming from dozens of major networks and channels, as well as the ability to access and program the home DVR from anywhere with an Internet connection and even change channels on your home TV.

U-verse is similar to XFINITY in that TV, home telephone and Internet services are all offered and can be bundled together for a price savings. The main difference is in the way the content is delivered to the home: U-verse uses fiber-optic cables to transmit data to and from the cable TV receiver, and telephone/Internet data is routed and transmitted through the receiver/DVR as well. Also, the TV is delivered through Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and telephone via Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) as opposed to standard TV and telephone cables.

Both XFINITY and U-verse offer programming packages with varying numbers of channels, with XFINITY having three different packages ranging from 80 to 200 digital cable channels, and U-verse offering five full packages (plus one Latino) ranging from 80 to 410 digital channels. One advantage with U-verse is that its IPTV technology enables it to provide a Multiview feature, in which the user can select a list of favorite channels and view up to four at a time on-screen. It also includes a U-bar that displays information of your choosing, such as local news, weather, sports, traffic and even stock market information.

Both XFINITY and U-verse are relatively new services compared to those of their parent companies, and availability is limited to specific areas, as of 2011, although some of XFINITY TV's Internet content is also available to non-Comcast subscribers at any location. Comcast claims that XFINITY offers more on-demand choices, especially when including the ability to view content online, along with the most HD choices and faster Internet speed. U-verse claims that its fiber-optic cables provide the highest TV picture quality although the signal can degrade the further the subscriber is from the closest transfer hub.

Another factor to consider: Although the two services may offer similar pricing for comparable plans, AT&T; packages have no contracts whereas Comcast requires a minimum 12-month commitment to receive its lowest prices. Also, AT&T; may offer price incentives for its wireless telephone subscribers.