Deal expands on similar set-top integrations Comcast has implemented with Netflix and YouTube.

Jeff Baumgartner, Senior Editor

August 2, 2018

2 Min Read
Amazon Prime Video to Stream to Comcast's X1 Boxes

Furthering its embrace of over-the-top video, Comcast has struck a deal to integrate and stream content from Amazon Prime Video via Comcast's IP-capable X1 set-top box platform.

The integration, expected to go live later this year, adds a key OTT video player to the mix, as Comcast Corp. (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK)'s X1 platform has already completed similar integrations with Netflix Inc. (Nasdaq: NFLX), YouTube Inc. and, more recently, Sling TV (initially for Sling TV's slate of OTT-delivered international programming).

Figure 1:

Under the integration, Amazon Prime Video's library, which includes originals such as Goliath, Sneaky Pete and The Man in the High Castle and past seasons of licensed TV series like Suits, The Americans and Mr. Robot, will be tied into the X1 search system, including the X1 voice remote. X1 subs will also have access to Amazon Prime Video's growing library of content in 4K and High Dynamic Range (so long as they have an X1 box and TV that supports those formats).

Financial terms were not announced, but in a seemingly sizable concession due to the competitive implications, Comcast's X1 integration will allow customers to access subscription VoD offerings from Amazon Channels, including those from premium programmers like Showtime and Starz.

Amazon Prime Video will come to X1 boxes via the public Internet so that content will be subject to Comcast's internet usage data policies.

The Prime Video integration enters play as Comcast tries to keep pay-TV losses in check with a video platform that blends access to its regular service with a curated mix of OTT content.

For Amazon, the integration will help to expose Prime Video to Comcast's pay-TV base. About 60% of Comcast's 21.07 million residential video subscribers are on X1. (See Comcast Asks Wall Street: Where Is the Love?)

— Jeff Baumgartner, Senior Editor, Light Reading

About the Author(s)

Jeff Baumgartner

Senior Editor, Light Reading

Jeff Baumgartner is a Senior Editor for Light Reading and is responsible for the day-to-day news coverage and analysis of the cable and video sectors. Follow him on X and LinkedIn.

Baumgartner also served as Site Editor for Light Reading Cable from 2007-2013. In between his two stints at Light Reading, he led tech coverage for Multichannel News and was a regular contributor to Broadcasting + Cable. Baumgartner was named to the 2018 class of the Cable TV Pioneers.

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