Comcast (CMCSA) Starts YouTube App Trial On X1 Platform

Leading cable multi service operator (MSO) and media giant Comcast Corp. (NASDAQ:CMCSA) has reportedly started testing the integration of YouTube on its X1 video platform. The company, however, did not reveal the number of markets and customers involved in the test.

Comcast’s customers in Denver and several other markets claimed to have found YouTube in the app section of the X1 program guide. However, the cable MSO has yet to come up with an official, commercial launch of the over the top (OTT) app on its internet-connected set-top boxes.

In February 2017, Comcast unveiled a deal with Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) to include YouTube in its Xfinity-branded, X1 set-top boxes. The announcement came shortly after the cable company debuted the integration of Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) in its X1 set-top box.

Additionally, Comcast’s customers can also direct YouTube content to the TV using a smartphone. YouTube 4K content will also be available to Comcast X1 customers who have compatible TVs as well as Xi6 set top (a new X1 box that supports 4K and high dynamic range video). Comcast’s X1 service is also being set up to provide a curated selection of YouTube content that will be featured on the Xfinity On Demand service.

As of second-quarter 2017, about 55% of Comcast’s residential video subscriber base was on its X1 platform. Meanwhile, Comcast is also expanding footprint across Canada with its X1 services. The company recently added Videotron Ltd. to the list of those having licensed its X1 platform. Videotron will use the X1 platform to power a new IPTV (Internet Protocol TV) service.

With this, Videotron will be the third cable operator in Canada after Shaw Communications Inc. (NYSE:SJR) and Rogers Communications Inc. (NYSE:RCI) to shift to the X1 platform. These companies dumped their IPTV platforms and adopted Comcast’s cloud-based X1 video platform. Also, the U.S.-based Cox Communications followed the footsteps of these major Canadian carriers.

With its efforts to move beyond regional subscriber territory, the company completed the nationwide rollout of wireless services under the “Xfinity Mobile” brand on Aug 17.

Xfinity Mobile is expected to be the nation’s first wireless service combining the nation’s largest and most reliable 4G LTE network with 18 million Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots to deliver a cost-effective, sophisticated, wireless experience.

Currently, Comcast is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Price Performance

Over the past month, shares of Comcast have increased 3.7% compared with the industry’s gain of 1.9%.

When compared with the market at large, the stock’s performance looks favorable, as the S&P 500 Index has declined 0.2%, over the same time span.

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