As Rafat reported Friday, Comcast is working on a combo user-gen video site and VOD service with the unlikely name of Ziddio.com. The news leaked when a vendor announcement was released; those involved still seem to have trouble understanding that yanking the release didn’t reverse time and erase memories. Instead of simply acknowledging the project outright, we’re being treated to a variety of “sources said” confirmations and details. (Here’s one version of the release that hasn’t been wiped yet; I found it through Comcast.net news search. I kept a screengrab this time.)
Comcast Interactive Capital has a stake in Revver and Comcast bought thePlatform last year. Ziddio, being described as a “premier” site, has a financial angle but, unlike rev-sharing Revver, would allow posters to compete for prizes like appearances on Comcast cable networks and to get their videos distributed nationally on Comcast VOD. A winner of the The video ostensibly would be higher quality than the usual user uploads.
Creating its own service wouldn’t be an unusual tack for Comcast although the MSO also has been willing to work with others instead of creating its own services; Comcast Rhapsody Radio Plus is one example.
AP: The planned unveiling is expected in later this month or in early December.
Reuters: Reminds us that it’s not entirely a first for Comcast, which started a Dating on Demand VOD service eith user video. The obligatory YouTube reference: “The Comcast source said the company has had conversations with YouTube, but provided no further details.”
Update: An intro video on the site describes it as ‘a new video-contest web site.”