Signal Quality through xfinity stream app?

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@carlislegeorge wrote:

Signal Quality through xfinity stream app? is the signal coming to my display through the Xfinity streaming beta app on my new LG TV the exact same 4k signal coming through the comcast 4k set top box? not going through Roku, using the LG App. Looks like a clean signal but to my eyes doesn't seem to pop as much when compared to the set top box signal. 

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Hi, I moved your post to the stream app area of the forum.  Comcast is providing 720p quality for cable channels and some local channels may be in 1080i quality but delivered in mpeg2 video stream via fiber from the local station(s). your 4k TV may be upscaling to 4k using a zoom-like function. the set top box may be set to 720p (optimal) output and the TV is doing the actual upgrading. 

Do you have X1 Cable TV and internet service? is there a line on your cable tv bill that says "HD Technology fee" for $10 or $0 ?

I am also interested in the video quality while using the app; Samsung smart Tv/Roku. I'm planning on going back to Comcast next month when my current agreement expires. I'm looking to not rent any extra set top boxes besides paying the $2 + for the initial X1 box. I believe HD fee is included.

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@Contsis wrote:

I am also interested in the video quality while using the app; Samsung smart Tv/Roku. I'm planning on going back to Comcast next month when my current agreement expires. I'm looking to not rent any extra set top boxes besides paying the $2 + for the initial X1 box. I believe HD fee is included.

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the cable channels are in 720p (HD) or SD. your local channels are in SD or 1080i or 720p. HD has to be on your bill as 'HD technology fee $10 or $0 (if included in plan) to have HD channels on the Roku. 

Thanks for the reply.

Having HD, video format and sufficient network/internet speed is understood.

My question is more about the quality of the app and video presentation, how does it compare to using set top boxes? I hear of stuttering, application crash and other complaints, are these warranted?

I have a roku3 (so not the latest) and an X1 set top box connected to the same TV.  I can't do exactly a side-by-side comparison, but switching back and forth it looks to me like the X1 box is sending a better picture, at least on the local channels which I think are still in 1080.  The roku looks a little more compressed and blurry - but that might be better on a newer model.   In any case, I had considered returning the X1 box when I was paying $10/month for a secondary box, but when I recently renewed my contract the pricing changed to $5/month and for that I'll keep using it to get the nicer remote with channel numbers, instant startup and somewhat better picture.   I did not experience any crashes or stuttering on the roku but mine is connected by ethernet.

Thank you so much for your feedback - I will most likely switch to Comcast by end of November.

I will go with no contract and test out the app, I have newer 4k Samsung with app and Roku on older Panasonics. If app is not satisfactory, I can live with $5 for a settop box .

lesmikesell / carlislegeorge

Thank you both - I just see so much complaints here on this very forum about this app.

I'm aware of the remote limitation but seems some features such as saved, recordings causes crash (probably won't affect me as much). Reauthorize, unplug, replug, unistall reinstall, I would hate to have to do that. I have used several apps on my Samsung with no issues, downloaded Showtime last night and played contents seamlessly on wireless (ethernet is an option on the Samsung). looks like one X1 is going for $2+ as part of the package, I could live with $5 for a second box. Youtube TV is also a consideration, my brother has it and loves it, but I will go with Comcast first. I have Roku express Plus which I like, don't want to spend for Roku w/ethernet and I don't think I need it based on running other apps on wireless.

I see there are a flurry of complaints about the roku app over some issue that happened recently and has a known resolution.  The others are probably mostly about bad wifi or the low-end roku versions.

But another thing to consider is whether you want a physical DVR and the extra space and 5.1 audio it gives you.  This will be $10/mo more on most plans along with the $5 box charge which would then be an xg1v4 for the main dvr.    Also note that a contract doesn't tie you to the equipment - you should be able to add or return X1 boxes anytime as long as you keep the service.   If you plan to have internet and TV service at the same location for a couple of years the contract discount would probably be more than the set top box charge.

I meant the audio in recordings.  Cloud recordings are only stereo whereas if you have a physical DVR recordings will keep the original audio.  I think the roku app will only access the cloud copy - like you were playing remotely from a phone/tablet app  where a secondary X1 box would access the local dvr copy.

Are you looking at just TV pricing?  There should be a double-play discount if you also have internet.  And another if you set up auto-pay that won't show in the web pricing.

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@lesmikesell wrote:

I have a roku3 (so not the latest) and an X1 set top box connected to the same TV.  I can't do exactly a side-by-side comparison, but switching back and forth it looks to me like the X1 box is sending a better picture, at least on the local channels which I think are still in 1080.  The roku looks a little more compressed and blurry - but that might be better on a newer model.   In any case, I had considered returning the X1 box when I was paying $10/month for a secondary box, but when I recently renewed my contract the pricing changed to $5/month and for that I'll keep using it to get the nicer remote with channel numbers, instant startup and somewhat better picture.   I did not experience any crashes or stuttering on the roku but mine is connected by ethernet.

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remember that all brightness, contrast, gamma, sharpness are all set per HDMI port. work with your TVs picture menu to tweak your roku for best results. 

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@Contsis wrote:

Thanks for the reply.

Having HD, video format and sufficient network/internet speed is understood.

My question is more about the quality of the app and video presentation, how does it compare to using set top boxes? I hear of stuttering, application crash and other complaints, are these warranted?

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i have 3 roku express and have not had any problems. set top boxes can pause live video while rok can't, the roku can only play cloud recordings not in home DVR's recordings.