• by Wayne Friedman , January 4, 2012

Walt Disney and Comcast have struck a new, broad-ranging 10-year TV-video distribution deal that focuses on digital "TV Everywhere" efforts and includes Comcast's Xfinity platform.

Comcast, the largest U.S. cable TV operator, says that for the first time its consumers will be able to watch ESPN, ABC or Disney shows live or on demand and across multiple screens. Both companies say they will also create new, innovative viewing experiences for Xfinity TV customers.

The companies say this is in keeping with their TV Everywhere efforts. Comcast is one of the originators of TV Everywhere. It allows Comcast viewers in their areas of service to get content on digital devices: smartphones, gaming consoles, tablets, and computers.

Neil Smit, president, CEO of Comcast Cable, called the agreement "unprecedented" and said it "embraces the future of entertainment."

The companies say the deal expands their previous traditional TV carriage agreements, enhancing "the multichannel business mode,." while supporting both companies' goal to deliver "the best video content to customers across multiple platforms using the latest technology and cloud innovation."

Comcast says Xfinity TV customers will receive access to existing authenticated services, like WatchESPN, as well as new efforts: WatchDisneyChannel, WatchDisneyXD and WatchDisneyJunior.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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