Xumo Ups FAST Distribution Through Element Smart 4K UHD TVs
January 5, 2023
Xumo and Element Electronics Jan. 5 announced plans to launch a new line of 4K Ultra HD smart TVs across the U.S. in 2023. Xumo, the rebranded joint venture between Comcast and Charter Communications, was formed to develop a streaming platform on a variety of branded 4K streaming devices and smart TVs.
The new Element Xumo TVs aim to offer consumers an integrated interface and voice remote to access live and on-demand third-party streaming content from hundreds of apps and services.
“We look forward to building our brand partnership and providing consumers access to technology and content,” Vlad Kazhdan, president of Element Electronics, said in a statement.
Element Xumo TVs will be built on and powered by Comcast’s technology platform. The smart TVs will join a growing portfolio of products soon to be made available under the new Xumo brand, including XClass TV and Flex, a 4K streaming device Xfinity offers to its broadband customers.
Element Xumo TVs will launch in select U.S. retail locations in a range of sizes and price points later this year.
Separately, Xumo Enterprise, the new business-to-business arm of the aforementioned streaming platform, announced a new suite of software and technology providing content owners, advertisers, and streaming platforms more ways to program, manage and monetize a customized free ad-supported streaming (FAST) solution.
“As more streamers look to supplement their subscription streaming video platforms, FAST services are becoming an increasingly popular way for content owners and advertisers to reach new viewers,” Stefan Van Engen, VP of content acquisition and programming at Xumo, said in a statement.
The PGA Tour is the first content partner to utilize Xumo Enterprise’s content management system (CMS) to manage its FAST channel across available platforms. Capabilities include building a programming schedule, managing ad loads, and gaining viewing and engagement insights.
“Xumo Enterprise’s CMS solution has been a great asset for us, giving us a simple way to program and manage our FAST channel as an extension of our broader storytelling efforts,” said Tom Jeffs, VP of media business development for the PGA Tour.
Xumo Enterprise claims it delivered 65% more streaming hours to its clients in 2022 than it did the year prior.