Comcast’s Web Slinger Details Emerge on ‘Spectrum’ Net-Enabled TV Trial
By Todd Spangler Multichannel News 1/3/2011 12:01:00 AM http://www.multichannel.com/article/461688-Comcast_s_Web_Slinger.php Comcast has turned to set-top manufacturer Pace for a four-tuner HD digital video recorder powering its test of a service blending TV programming with Internet content. The trial service, dubbed Xfinity Spectrum, lets users access e-mail and YouTube video clips, and provides new search and discovery features, according to documents filed with the Federal Communications Commission. “Comcast’s Xfinity Spectrum brings you the best of TV and the Internet,” according to the operator’s user guide for the service. “You can watch TV programs, Internet content such as social networking from Facebook and Twitter (which we call ‘Social TV’) and Internet-based entertainment such as YouTube videos — all on your TV.” The Pace RNG 210N boxes, which reportedly use Intel media processors, are currently being tested in a few dozen homes in Comcast’s 100% digital system in Augusta, Ga., and possibly other markets. The Pace DVR is capable of recording 60 hours of HD programming, or up to 300 hours of standard-definition programming, according to documents posted Dec. 20 on the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology equipment-authorization site. The set-tops in the test are code-named Parker, a reference to Spider-Man’s alter ego Peter Parker — who’s a “web-slinger.” The Pace RNG210N HD DVR includes an Ethernet jack for home networking; component video, S-video and HDMI outputs; a CableCard slot; an IEEE 1394 FireWire port; and a USB 2.0 port reserved for future use. With four tuners, users can record up to three channels at once while watching a fourth. The redesigned interactive program guide lets users search for program titles, actors, sports teams and genres. The “browse” menu includes a “Your Shows” section with a list of DVR recordings, favorites and bookmarks. “Imagine not just watching a movie or TV show, but utilizing Xfinity Spectrum as a reference for the soundtrack, cast and crew details, channel lineups and other information you’d usually have to search the Internet for,” the user guide says. To use the Facebook and Twi tter features, Xfinity Spectrum users must first link their accounts online. Users are limited to sharing the current program they’re watching and whether or not they like it. Other interactive TV apps in the Spectrum service provide traffic and weather info, Pandora’s Internetradio service and games. Sources said Comcast’s experimental trial involves mostly employees. Currently the MSO has no plans to launch the Xcalibur service or Parker set-tops commercially. -- ======================================== George Antunes, Political Science Dept University of Houston; Houston, TX 77204 Voice: 713-743-3923 Fax: 713-743-3927 Mail: antunes at uh dot edu _______________________________________________ Medianews mailing list [email protected] http://lists.etskywarn.net/mailman/listinfo/medianews
