Protocol reports that Comcast is preparing to launch its own XClass-branded smart TVs after partnering with Hisense, a Chinese TV manufacturer. Comcast registered the “X Class TV” trademark earlier this year.
Few details are available at this point, so it’s unclear when Comcast’s TVs will be available for purchase. Comcast has not made an official statement about its smart TVs. However, Protocol discovered a staged website for XClass, which includes details about the company and the smart TV features.
To access anything on the website, a login must be created. Once logged in, the home page displays a “coming soon” message. The site includes a support section with FAQs, which offer additional information about Comcast’s smart TVs.
According to the site’s FAQ section, “XClass TV is a smart TV that brings all your favorite apps, live channels, and On Demand movies and shows together in one place. XClass TV works gives you thousands of free movies, shows, music, and more. And to find what you love faster, XClass TV comes with a voice remote that lets you control your TV and search across apps with just your voice.”
From the website, it looks like XClass TV will allow consumers to access streaming apps, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock, and others. The smart TVs will be available in 43” and 50” screen sizes with Ultra High Definition (UHD) resolution. Like many of its competitors, Comcast’s smart TV will include a voice remote.
Last year, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts dropped hints about the company’s strategy going forward while speaking with investors at a Goldman Sachs conference. Roberts said, “We’re looking at smart TVs on a global basis, and we’re wondering: Can we bring our tech stack, or certain capabilities in aggregation, to consumers who are relying more and more on smart TVs?”
Comcast’s smart TVs will compete with several other big names, including Samsung, Sony, LG, and VIZIO. Last week, Amazon revealed its smart TVs will be available beginning in October.