Comcast adds streaming for TV shows, movies

Subscribers to Comcast Corp.’s TV and Internet services can now stream television shows or movies to their computers, the cable company announced.

Called Fancast Xfinity TV, a test version of the new service was rolled out this week. The cable company, the largest in the country, said the service is available to many of approximately 15.7 million customers who use both high speed Internet and Comcast TV services.

There is no extra cost, but customers must download software to use Xfinity, said spokesman Walt Neary.

The Xfinity service can be installed on three computers per account.

Neary said new service aims to add extra value and to retain cable TV customers.

Users can stream programs from more than 20 basic cable networks along with premium channels, if the user already pays for the premium channel on their account.

While only Comcast cable modem customers now can use Xfinity, eventually broadband customers of other ISPs, such as Qwest DSL, will be able to sign up.

The service will eventually be available for mobile devices, the company noted in a press release.