PhillyInc

How much is "Fancast" worth to Comcast Corp. (Nasdaq: CMCSA)? The cable company plans to launch the service this summer, pitched as a site that helps video-lovers find and organize stuff they want to watch. It has a beta teaser up at www.fancast.com. (If that doesn't load, download this screen shot.) Turns out Comcast had to pay up to use the name. According to the trade publication MultiChannel News, a Dallas company called Big in Japan was already using the Fancast name for its interactive podcasts for such shows as Nip/Tuck. Big in Japan, a division of 40-person information-technology-services company Architel, which specializes in creating social-networking applications, would not tell MultiChannel Newshow much Comcast paid. But Comcast evidently really wanted the name. It has high hopes for the service, described this way on its site: "With Fancast, you will be able to search for your favorite shows, movies, actors, or simply enjoy videos on the site. Fancast will provide you with a place to discover when your favorite shows or movies are on, and where you can watch them via television, video on demand, online or on other devices. really wants the name." What would it be worth to Comcast? $10,000? $100,000? We'll ask Comcast and keep an eye out for any disclosures. - Miriam Hill