Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK), a provider of entertainment, information, and communications products and services, has expanded its new home security business into six additional U.S. market areas. Xfinity Home Security offers traditional home security components, like police and fire alarm protection backed by 24/7 professional monitoring, as well as the ability to adjust digital thermostats, turn lights on or off and watch secure live streaming video from wireless cameras while away from home. The service also comes with a new, free Xfinity Security app.
The service was first unveiled in Houston in mid 2010 (read the article on pg. 17 of SDM’s December issue) and is now being rolled out in parts of Philadelphia, Portland, Jacksonville, Sarasota/Naples, Chattanooga and Nashville. Additional markets will be introduced on a rolling basis.
“Xfinity Home Security brings digital home monitoring to a new level,” said Mitch Bowling, senior vice president and general manager of new businesses for Comcast Cable. “It comes with a range of broadband-based technologies that empower customers to stay better connected to their home virtually anytime, anywhere.”
Xfinity Home Security offers consumers the ability to create personalized settings that can do things like provide real-time e-mail or text alerts when doors open or close or when motion detectors report activity occurring inside or outside of the home. The service comes with a tablet-like touch screen with a menu of widgets that allow access to the latest weather, news, traffic, and sports scores.
In addition to 24/7 professional monitoring, Xfinity Home Security gives customers the ability to watch live streaming video of their home via video wireless video cameras; access security controls remotely via a Web portal or the Xfinity Security app for the iPhone; manage home utilities like digital thermostats and lights; and access features from some of Comcast’s existing services such as Xfinity Voice voicemail. Both battery and cellular backup help ensure customers remain fully protected even in the event of a power outage.
Today, Comcast is selling the Xfinity Home Security Preferred Package for $39.95 per month. For information on pricing, equipment and features, visit www.xfinity.com/homesecurity or the Comcast Voices blog for a video demonstration.
