Comcast launching Steampix streaming

[Rico]

Looks like Comcast is trying to grab a piece of the Netflix streaming pie out there.  They are launching a $4.99 streaming service this week to Comcast customers.  Hmm, I wonder what their title selection looks like?

http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2012/02/22/comcast-to-launch-netflix-competitor/

http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/news/2012/02/comcast-launching-xfinity-streampix-to-compete-with-netflix.ars

http://www.tested.com/news/comcast-announces-its-netflix-rival-xfinity-streampix/3625/

[Jobydrone]

Anybody anywhere seen this today?  The reports said this new service was supposed to launch today, but I can't find anything about it, or any news about delays.  Odd.

Edit:  it looks like they're adding the content to their existing app.  I went through some of the content and saw a few series up under the "streampix" label.  It's still locked for me though.  That better change soon because I'm supposed to be getting it free as a HD triple play subscriber.

[Rico]

I saw it on my Comcast Xfinity app too.  But I'm not sure how to "unlock" it.  Logging in or something??

[Jobydrone]

Comcast is so frustrating to deal with.  You might have to call them, Rico, to adjust your bill, depending on how you are paying them or what package you're subscribed to.

I found out by calling them today, that even though I am paying for my internet, phone and cable TV to Comcast, two premium channels, plus an extra tier of internet speed, HD TV, DVR, modem rental, and an extra cable box, totaling almost $210 a month, I still wasn't considered enough of a subscriber to qualify for free Streampix.  Apparently it's only available to people that are getting a certain bundle, the $139.00 bundle, and I was only subscribed to the $125.00 bundle but was paying piecemeal for my HBO, Showtime, HD, DVR and extra internet speed.

Anyway, to make a long story short, after a long conversation with a customer service rep, I actually lowered my bill by $30 a month, and I'm still getting everything I had before plus now additionally Cinemax, Starz, TMC, and of course Streampix. 

You'd think I'd be pleased with the resolution, and don't get me wrong, I am in general very happy with the quality of service I receive from them, especially the Xfinity iPad/iPhone app and the availability of all this stuff on mobile devices.  It's all very cutting edge and I appreciate that they offer these services, considering other competition doesn't really have it.  But it angers me that I've been paying that extra amount of cash for however long I have been for less services.  I know for a fact the last time I dealt with Comcast customer service I was assured that I was receiving the best deal possible at the time.  I guess I have to get in the regular habit of calling them to negotiate my bill.  It's a joke, really.  Imagine if you had to call every utility company to negotiate your bill with them.  You'd never get off the phone. 

Anyway, from what I can tell so far, Streampix offers previous seasons of 24 TV series in their entirety, including 30 Rock, the Office, Battlestar Galactica, Psych, as well as almost 700 feature films for instant streaming.  Not too bad, and certainly a good deal considering I'm now getting it for "free" or actually less than what I was paying before.

[Rico]

Interesting.  I doubt I qualify currently then and I'm not giving these jokers anymore money per month.  Maybe I will call them and see what I can "negotiate."

[Bromptonboy]

I used to call Comcast every 6 months to get a temp reduction in my bill to keep me from getting Fios.