CuriosityStream, the subscription VOD service from Discovery Communications founder John Hendricks focused on documentaries and other fact-based programming, is now available on Comcast’s set-top box VOD platform and via the MSO's Xfinity Stream app/portal for an additional $5.99 per month.
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The deal marks CuriosityStream’s first distribution deal with an MVPD. The service launched in March 2015 as a stand-alone OTT-delivered offering, and has since expanded distribution to Amazon Channels and VRV, an offering from Ellation that aggregates and bundles SVOD services.
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CuriosityStream confirmed that it initially is offering its content via VOD platform in HD, but added that “anything is possible in 2018” with respect to the portion of its library that’s available in 4K resolution.
CuriosityStream also confirmed that its SVOD service is not being delivered via OTT to the subscriber’s home under its distribution agreement with Comcast. That means that CuriosityStream content delivered into the home via Comcast’s managed VOD platform is not subject to the cable operator’s internet usage policies.
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CuriosityStream has not released subscriber numbers, but the company noted that those figures are rising amid its new, recent deals with VRV and Comcast.
Under its direct-to-consumer OTT subscription plans, CuriosityStream’s Premium tier, which includes its HD and 4K, sells for $11.99 per month, while Standard (HD) sells for $5.99 per month, and its Basic (standard-def) tier fetches $2.99 per month.
Comcast pay TV subs can locate the CuriosityStream service by saying “CuriosityStream” into the X1 voice remote or via the Xfinity Stream app/portal. Comcast is offering access to CuriosityStream on its legacy and newer X1 set-top boxes.
CuriosityStream said its service will feature more than 1,700 films and series in 2018. Current offerings include Stephen Hawking’s Favorite Places, David Attenborough’s Light On Earth, Deep Time History and Prescription: Nutrition.
“Joining Xfinity On Demand’s strong lineup marks an exciting day for CuriosityStream. We’ve designed our service to make it as easy as possible for subscribers to find the content they most like, on the interests they are the most passionate,” Clint Stinchcomb, chief distribution officer for CuriosityStream, said in statement. “That’s what this collaboration is all about. The innovative X1 platform harnesses technology to seamlessly deliver what viewers want, when they want it, changing the way people experience TV.”
Other relatively new services added to Comcast’s SVOD slate include FitFusion ($6.99 per month) and TumbleBooksTV ($4.99 per month).
On the OTT side of the house, Comcast has also integrated Netflix, YouTube and Pandora on its X1 set-top box platform.
