Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) has quietly revealed that it plans to pull the plug on Streampix, the subscription video on demand service it launched in May 2012 to compete with Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX).
In the 337-page document it filed with the Federal Communications Commission Tuesday to assail critics of its proposed merger with Time Warner Cable, Comcast revealed that it's "decommissioning" the service (hat tip to DSL Reports).
Noted in the FCC filing: "Though Comcast sought to create excitement around Streampix by offering the online version through a unique online site and app, and offered Streampix to a small number of Xfinity broadband-only customers in one region, these attracted minimal interest: both the site and the app are being decommissioned, and the standalone offer was discontinued. Going forward, Streampix will simply be part of the Xfinity TV app and website like other VOD offerings."
As DSL Reports added, news that Comcast is giving up on Streampix probably won't come as a surprise to regular users, who have noticed a steady decline in content and upkeep for the service.
The MSO sold Streampix to subscribers for $4.99 a month, making it free to those who paid for upper-tier services. The Streampix library primarily featured programs produced by Comcast's NBCUniversal subsidiary, although the service had deals in place with Disney, Sony, Warner Bros. and CBS, among others.
For more:
- read this Comcast regulatory filing (PDF)
- read this DSL Reports story
Related links:
Comcast says merger foes guided by self-interest, not consumer benefit
Comcast adds CBS programming to Xfinity Streampix
Comcast to launch X1 next generation video service in 'major market'