From Comcast, TV as data center

A new service from cable television giant Comcast could turn the home TV into a home data center, tracking everything from business appointments to household security.

Comcast demonstrated the service, called Project Dayview, during the opening day of The Cable Show 2012, the industry’s biggest trade event. “It’s your own personal welcome screen,” said Neil Smit, chief executive of Comcast Cable. “It’s tying your entire life together.” At the Convention & Exhibition Center, Comcast also confirmed Boston would be the first US city to see full-scale deployment of X1, a new TV viewing system that uses an advanced set-top box to deliver Internet-based apps and social media services alongside traditional cable offerings. For instance, X1 includes a customized app for Facebook, so viewers can inform friends of their favorite shows by clicking the “like” icon.