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Comcast Launches Ziddio User-Gen Video Site

Nov 6, 2006  •  Post A Comment

A test version of Comcast’s long-planned user-generated Web-video service went live Monday.

The site, called ziddio.com, initially will let users upload videos related only to content being aired on Cinemax and Comcast’s Style Network. That differentiates it from sites such as YouTube, which accepts all varieties of homemade clips and material that’s protected by copyright.

Comcast is inviting users to post video related Cinemax’s airing of the Star Wars films in high definition. The best videos will also appear on Comcast’s VOD system, and the grand prize winner gets a trip to the Kennedy Space Center for a zero-gravity flight. The other variety of video that initially will appear on ziddio is tied into the show “Clean House,” on Comcast’s Style network. The contest seeks videos of the messiest homes and winners will appear on the program.

A source close to Comcast said the test site is expected to be up for about three weeks or so, with a full site being launched in December. The full site will accept videos in eight categories: comedy, animation, games, movies, sci-fi/horror, action/drama, music and other.

When the full site is launched, Comcast will be looking for sponsors for ziddio and advertisers for the videos.

In addition to being the nation’s top cable operator, Comcast is one of the largest providers of broadband Internet access. The new ziddio site represents another way to provide entertainment to its customers.