Comcast and Charter to adopt Xumo as streaming joint venture brand name
Comcast Corp. (NASDAQ: CMCSA) and Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) say they will adapt Comcast’s free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) brand name Xumo as the brand name for their new streaming platform joint venture (see "Charter, Comcast announce joint venture on 4K streaming platform"). Flex, the 4K streaming device Comcast licensed to the joint venture, will be renamed Xumo Stream Box and XClass TV will become Xumo TV as part of the rebranding. The original Xumo will be rechristened Xumo Play.
The partners say the first Xumo branded devices will reach the market late next year. Comcast, Charter, and Walmart will act as the initial distribution channels, although the cable MSOs expect to announce additional distributors in the future. Xumo Play will continue to be offered as an app on other streaming platforms.
“Since 2011, the Xumo brand has connected with millions of customers across the country, establishing itself as a leader in the free ad-supported TV industry for the innovative ways it delivers content to its users,” said Marcien Jenckes, president of Xumo (see “Charter, Comcast appoint leadership for streaming platform joint venture”). “The new Xumo will bring industry-leading streaming and aggregation technology nationwide through its expanding content, product line up, and retailer relationships.”
About the Author
Stephen Hardy
Editorial Director & Associate Publisher
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, DOCSIS technology, and more.