Big Picture Big Sound

Netflix, YouTube and other web apps aren't the only accessible extras from 2011 Samsung HDTVs. You can also add the Xfinity TV service to that growing list of on-screen apps.

Today, Samsung and Comcast announced a partnership that would put the Xfinity TV service right on Samsung Smart TVs and the Android-powered Samsung Galaxy Tab.

That means there would be no need for a set-top box. Instead, viewers would use a web-like interface that boasts simple navigation of live TV, DVR recordings, and video on demand.

Xfinity TV digital customers will be able to browse, discover and sort video content, change the channel on a Samsung smart TV in real time, and program DVRs. The service can also integrate a Samung smart TV with the Galaxy Tab device. In other words, viewers could start watching a movie on the Galaxy Tab, pause it, and continue viewing from the exact moment on their Samsung HDTV. The Galaxy Tab could also be used to flip channels and program DVRs.

"As we begin this exciting new decade, Samsung is also launching a new era of TV technologies that will delight and amaze consumers unlike ever before," said Boo-Keun Yoon, president of Samsung's Visual Display Business. "To partner with the renowned Comcast brand enables us to deliver on our promise of giving consumers greater variety, easy access and control of the content they discover and deliver a more immersive and entertaining experience to Comcast customers."

The Xfinity TV experience is expected to debut on Samsung Smart TVs later this year. It will also be available to Galaxy customers through the Galaxy app store.

For More Information:

• Samsung Electronics
• Comcast Corporation