Rumor has it Comcast will start selling downloadable and streaming movies via set-top box and the Xfinity TV website. According to Reuters, the service could start by the end of the year. [Reuters via Mediagazer]
LOS ANGELES Thu Nov 14, 2013 5:41pm EST
The Comcast Corp logo is seen in this undated handout photo.
Credit: Reuters/Comcast/HandoutLOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Comcast Corp plans to start selling movies for download and streaming through the cable operator's set-top boxes and its Xfinity TV website, according to people with knowledge of the plan.
The effort, which would offer a new path for Hollywood studios to generate revenue from films after they leave theaters, could start by the end of the year, the sources said.
The initial offering will include a range of titles from several Hollywood studios that include new releases, older movies and some TV shows, one of the sources said.
A Comcast spokeswoman declined to comment.
Now, Comcast and other cable operators offer on-demand movies for free viewing or rental to watch during a specific time period.
Movie studio executives are looking for ways to boost digital sales of movies as customers move away from purchases of traditional DVDs, cutting a lucrative source of revenue.
(Reporting by Lisa Richwine; Editing by Bob Burgdorfer and Andrew Hay)
