Comcast Launches Disney Channel-based Authenticated TV Service

Tweens and teens with Comcast Xfinity TV can now watch live feeds of Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior on their iPhones and iPads as part of an agreement between the MSO and Disney/ABC Television Group.

Xfinity TV customers who subscribe to Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior networks can now stream these channels live online as well as through iPhones, iPads and iTouch devices via separate iTunes apps, according to Comcast. In addition, Xfinity TV customers can watch on demand episodes of such Disney series as Good Luck Charlie, Shake It Up, and Phineas and Ferb; Disney XD series TRON: Uprising; and Disney Junior shows Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Jake and the Never Land Pirates" via the WATCHDisneyChannel.com, WATCHDisneyXD.com and WATCHDisneyJunior.com services.

 The three new  "WATCH" products are the first-ever to provide authenticated users with both access to live, linear network streams as well as an extensive offering of advantaged window on demand episodes, said Disney.

Non-authenticated subscribers can watch limited on demand content from the three networks, according to Disney officials. Disney is currently talking to other distributors regarding its TV Everywhere services.

"We are excited to team with Comcast to be the first in the industry to offer authenticated products that provide both live linear streams of our Disney-branded kids television services and a robust selection of episodes on demand to viewers who verify their subscriptions," said David Preschlack, executive vice president, Disney and ESPN Media Networks affiliate sales and marketing in a statement. "Our company prides itself on being at the forefront of innovation, and we are dedicated to continually enhancing the overall viewing experience for our consumers, as well as adding value to our industry's ecosystem."

Watch Disney Channel, Watch DisneyXD and Watch Disney Junior, join WatchESPN on Comcast's XFinity TV service, part of a long-term, comprehensive distribution agreement between Comcast  and Disney announced this past January.

 "Working hand-in-hand with The Walt Disney Company, we're excited to be the first to deliver this best-in-class kids and family programming to customers - both in and out of the home across all of our video platforms," said Matthew Strauss, Senior Vice President, Digital and Emerging Platforms, Comcast Cable in a statement. "This launch is the latest in a series of TV Everywhere initiatives we're delivering that offer customers more choices and new ways to watch the best entertainment anytime, anywhere."

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.