Comcast Launches its XClass SmartTV

What They Say

I was just catching up with a story about Comcast being about to launch its XClass TVs in the US when I spotted that it has happened. The TVs are being built by Hisense and are available in 43″ ($298) and 50″ ($348). They are being sold through Walmart, according to Variety. The sets include a one year subscription to the Peacock Premium service which normally costs $4.99 per month). Features of the set include a voice remote and support for Dolby Vision and HDR10 as well as Dolby Atmos pass-through.

Live pay-TV services available on the platform at launch include Hulu With Live TV, YouTube TV and Dish Network’s Sling TV. The sets also will provide access to streaming services including Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube, as well as free, ad-supported services including Comcast’s Xumo, ViacomCBS’s Pluto, Fox’s Tubi and Amazon’s IMDb TV.

What We Think

That this has happened is not surprising, but I was slightly surprised to see it so soon after the Sky launch. It tends to emphasise that this is not an experiment for Comcast as a company but a strategy. (BR)

Comcast XClass TV proc