Streamer Xumo adds new line of 4K smart TVs, launches FAST tools

Comcast and Charter-owned streaming platform Xumo has joined forces with Element Electronics to launch a new line of 4K Ultra HD smart TVs, across the US in 2023. The partners say that the new Element Xumo TVs will offer consumers “an affordable and innovative smart TV with an integrated interface and voice remote”.

“Element and Xumo share a common vision of delivering consumers premium, innovative entertainment experiences at a tremendous value,” said Marcien Jenckes, president, Xumo. “With the addition of Element to the lineup of Xumo-powered streaming devices and smart TVs later this year, we will provide consumers with another great, affordable way to enjoy all their favorite entertainment

Marcien Jenckes

The smart TVs will join a growing portfolio of products soon to be made available under the new Xumo brand, including XClass TV and Flex, a 4K streaming device that Comcast-owned Xfinity offers to its broadband customers.

Separately Xumo Enterprise, the business-to-business arm of the streaming platform joint venture has launched a set of tools and services to make free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) more accessible.

The outfit said that the suite of software and technology solutions would provide content owners, advertisers, and streaming platforms more ways to programme, manage and monetise a customised streaming solution that can scale up or down to meet their needs and business goals.

Xumo Enterprise is offering content owners the ability to manage their own FAST channels within its content management system. The PGA Tour is the first content partner to use Xumo Enterprise’s CMS to manage its FAST channel across available platforms. Capabilities of the CMS include building a programming schedule, managing ad loads, and gaining viewing and engagement insights.

Xumo Enterprise’s CMS offering enhances and extends the company’s existing enterprise solutions. Xumo Enterprise says it delivered 65% more streaming hours to its enterprise customers in 2022 than it did the year prior.

“As more streamers look to supplement their subscription services with free programming, FAST services are becoming an increasingly popular way for content owners and advertisers to reach new viewers. Since 2016 we have powered many of the leading FAST channels and services globally, and today’s announcement provides the growing industry with even more tools to maximize an existing FAST offering or create a new one,” said Stefan Van Engen, VP of content acquisition and programming, Xumo.

“Our FAST channel has seen rapid growth over the past year – we’ve added more programming from our archives, expanded to new platforms and increased overall engagement. Xumo Enterprise’s CMS solution has been a great asset for us, giving us a simple way to nimbly programme and manage our FAST channel as an extension of our broader storytelling efforts,” said Tom Jeffs, VP of media business development, PGA Tour.