Comcast quietly introduces Xfinity Instant TV streaming beta

Cord cutters can already choose from a variety of internet TV companies for skinny bundles, including Sling TV, PlayStation Vue, YouTube TV, Hulu, DirecTV Now and any we may have forgotten. Soon some of them will have an option from an unexpected challenger: Comcast. Predictably, its IPTV effort is only available to Comcast internet customers 'in select areas,' but the Xfinity Instant TV Beta will allow viewing on PCs, tablets, phones or via Roku. Variety highlighted the rollout, although Comcast isn't saying exactly where it's available so far -- there have been tests running for a couple of years around Boston and Chicago -- just that customers can sign in and watch via the Stream app. The lowest $18 package doesn't buy much, with just the 'limited basic' lineup of broadcast channels, although there is a 30-day free trial available. Adding more channels means selecting from the add-on packages below, while HBO and Starz networks are also available.