![]() ![]() Update: The FCC weighed in on Comcast's announcement with the following statement: However, TWC's beta test didn't include DVR even though it too offered an easy way to access cable programming. Late last year, Time Warner Cable began a cable TV trial with Roku and its own apps in NYC, offering packages for internet-only customers that range from $10 to $50 per month. Unfortunately, there's no definitive word on when the Xfinity TV integration will launch, as Comcast offered the vague "later this year" timing estimate. While Roku and Samsung are the first to jump on board, the cable company is open to adding new partners as well. ![]() "The FCC's proposed set-top box mandate threatens to undermine this highly-dynamic marketplace, create substantial costs and consumer harms, and will take years to develop - only to be likely outdated by the time it reaches the marketplace - all in an effort to achieve what apps are already delivering for consumers."Ĭomcast explains that this is not an over-the-top streaming service, but rather a way for its customers to access programming without the traditional set-top box. "In light of the success of the apps-based model in the marketplace, the far-reaching government technical mandate being currently proposed by the FCC is unnecessary," explained Comcast SVP Mark Hess in a blog post. Sure, you're still paying the monthly cost of a cable subscription, but over the course of a year, the savings from not having to lease the extra box will be significant. The company already had live television apps that allow customers to stream shows and more from 70 channels on mobile devices. The app is part of a wider Xfinity TV Partner Program from Comcast, which brings its cable service to consumer home entertainment devices while nixing the extra cost of renting a box.Ĭomcast says this service will offer the Xfinity guide along with live and on-demand content, plus a cloud-based DVR. Later this year, the company will release an Xfinity TV Partner app for Roku-powered TVs and streaming gadgets as well as Samsung's 2016 line of smart TVs. Update: 1:35pm: This post was updated with a Comcast statement on the FCC’s set-top box plans.While the FCC is working on ways to "unlock the box," Comcast announced plans for its Xfinity TV service that don't require the set-top add-on. “In light of the success of the apps-based model in the marketplace, the far-reaching government technical mandate being currently proposed by the FCC is unnecessary,” Hess wrote in a blog post on the company’s website. The company also used the announcements Wednesday to push back against the FCC’s plans to open up pay TV set-top boxes. Comcast has been slow to add third-party video services to its X1 platform, but with Xfinity TV soon competing more directly with Netflix and others on Roku and other streaming devices, that may possibly change as well. However, TWC still requires its subscribers to rent at least one set-top box.Ĭomcast embracing third-party devices is also notable because the company has spent heavily on X1, its own next-generation cable box. Time Warner Cable (TWC) launched an app for its service on Roku streaming devices, Samsung smart TVs and Xbox game consoles in 2013. This is the first time for Comcast to offer its cable TV service without a dedicated set-top box.Ĭomcast isn’t the first pay TV operator to go down this route. ![]() Instead, they can just opt to buy a Roku streamer or download the Xfinity TV app to their supported Samsung smart TV. However, the service won’t require consumers to rent a separate set-top box from the cable company anymore. ![]()
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