Skip to main content

Comcast takes aim at Netflix, Hulu Plus with new Streampix VOD service

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Cable giant Comcast announced today the launch of its new video streaming service, Streampix. While Streampix takes direct aim at competing services like Netflix and Hulu Plus, the service will only be available to Comcast cable subscribers.

The $5-per-month service gives subscribers access to all 75,000 TV shows and movies that are currently available on Comcast’s Xfinity On Demand, XfinityTV.com, and through the Xfinity TV app. (Streampix will also be included for “free” as a package option.) Comcast says it also has plans to release versions of Streampix for the Xbox 360 and Android-powered mobile devices.

Recommended Videos

Comcast’s Streampix launch partners include Disney-ABC, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution and Cookie Jar Entertainment. This provides Streampix with a number of TV series, and movies. According to the press release, Streampix selections include:

TV
“30 Rock”
“Grey’s Anatomy”
“Heroes”
“Lost”
“Married…with Children”
“The Office”
“Ugly Betty”
“The Secret Life of the American Teenager”

Movies
Analyze That
Brokeback Mountain
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Ocean’s Eleven
Stuart Little
When Harry Met Sally
The Big Lebowski

Kids’ programming
“Inspector Gadget”
“Paddington Bear”
“Strawberry Shortcake”
“The Suite Life of Zack & Cody”
“Wizards of Waverly Place”

While Streampix is, on its own, cheaper than either Netflix or Hulu Plus (both of which cost about $8 a month for streaming services), we can’t see Streampix stealing away customers — mostly because you have to already pay for cable to have access to Streampix. That said, it’s possible that someone who has Comcast cable service may choose Streampix rather than sign up for Netflix, but we don’t see too many people canceling their Netflix service just because Streampix is now available.

Andrew Couts
Features Editor for Digital Trends, Andrew Couts covers a wide swath of consumer technology topics, with particular focus on…
Hulu vs. Netflix: Which one is better for you?
Netflix is shown on a PC, while Hulu is displayed on an iPad 11 Pro.

When it comes to streaming services, you have more options than ever before. Whether you want live TV, the best new original programming, or you're hoping to rewatch your favorite shows, at least one streaming service can get the job done. However, trying to subscribe to everything may not be in the budget. If you want the service that gives you the most bang for your buck, then it's worth comparing the two biggest players in the game: We're talking Netflix and Hulu.

Both services have a massive catalog filled with familiar favorites, recent releases, and new original programming. But there are significant differences between the two that are worth knowing about. For a well-rounded viewing diet you'll probably want both, but if you have to choose, we have the details to help you make the choice that best fits your streaming habits and won't break the budget.

Read more
Hulu + Live TV: plans, price, channels, bundles, and more
Hulu with Live TV.

Hulu + Live TV might just be one of the best live TV streaming services out there, thanks to a combination of VOD, live streaming, and Hulu's massive content library. Hulu + Live TV offers much of the features and content you've come to expect from your cable package without tying you down in long-term contracts.

Hulu has been one of the most popular streaming services for years now, thanks to a richly assembled library of licensed content, alongside original programming like The Bear and The Handmaid's Tale. Since Hulu is owned by Disney, you can even bundle Hulu + Live TV with Disney Plus and ESPN+ for even more content.

Read more
How to turn off subtitles on Netflix on almost any device
An image from the Netfllix show Arcane, with the subtitles menu on screen for Apple TV.

Subtitles offer an easy way to understand what’s actually happening in a show or movie, even when it’s in another language or the dialogue is so soft that you can barely hear the characters whispering back and forth. However, once that show is over, you might be wondering exactly where the subtitle options are hidden in Netflix. While the process may vary depending on which Netflix-supported device you’re using, the streaming service makes it simple to figure it out. Here’s how to turn off Netflix subtitles on the most commonly used devices.

Read more