ROKU, HBO GO

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@DMilnerJax wrote:

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@doug3507 wrote:

This is NOT a Comcast blocking issue. It is an authorization issue with HBO.  When you go to the HBO go activation site and select Xbox360 or Samsung TV comcast is there but not for Roku. I have Comcast for Internet but DirectTV for TV. If there were a Direct TV option under Roku I could get it because it would check my direct TV account to see that I am a valid HBO subscriber. It is just a validation that you are a subscriber not anything to do with the actual data (port) being authorized.

 

I can go on my comcast internet on my computer, go to HBO GO and tell it I am direct TV and it validates and works fine. HBO is the culprit. They do not have a selection for either Comcast or Direct TV for the Roku as your provider.

 

Not sure who to complain to on this but there are three choices - Comcast, HBO, or Roku. Very dissapointing that HBO go is not on the Roku with direct TV or Comcast.

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Your logic is flawed.  HBO Go does allow Comcast customers; we can get HBO Go on our computers, iphone, tablets, and with Comcast's "partner" Microsoft's xBox...where we cannot get it is Roku. The issue is the Roku activation, which Comcast (and apparently DirectTV) does not allow.  I've seen a variety of opinions as to why Comcast won't allow it, but the issue IS with Comcast. Roku is willing, Comcast says no.
I suspect the issue may well be some type of contractual agreement with xBox that prevents Roku participation (after all, Roku is cheaper than xBox and does much more) or as some have speculated, that it would be too convenient for some customers to simply not get that extra digital receiver, since the Roku would provide what the receiver does not. The bottom line is that Comcast is ignoring a fairly emphatic request from their customers for a service they should be able to get. I know it is one of a number of reasons that I am cutting my Comcast service and going back to Dish.

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I agree to a point but if it was fear of cord cutting or people not getting that extra box in the basement or bedroom. Comcast would have to have the exact same content available. If they did most people would just use the box. If the box goes bad they replace it. If a Roku goes bad customer has to go buy another one.

Since comcast doesnt offer the same exact access via there boxes. Then comcast has no foundation to stand on.

However looking at the cost of box rentals for 1 year at 5.00USD per month thats 60 bucks then add in the aditional 10 bucks a month for having the digital services on that box thats another 120.00USD total of 180 bucks.

Now look at what it costs to get a Small form factor HTPC with an HDMI out. Mostlikely 4 or 500 bucks.

Then look at how many more video types a HTPC can play and the ease of use with programs like XBMC and the loss of the head aches. Then you can just have 1 box with the services you want. Then on the HTPC connected through HDMI you can fire up the HBO-GO in you browser and watch in HD full screen on a big TV with all the same remote control conveniences.

On my system I can play MKV MOV MPG AVI M2TS TS WMVHD BDMV AVCHD Blue-Ray DVD and even 2k and 4k video even though my TV isnt 4K res I can still play it back.

I understand Rokus are small and easy and are great for places with little room for EQ but theres other options that can give you more.

I HAVE cut the TV cord from Comcast. I only need Internet. All the shows I watch can be downloaded or watched free at there perspective websites.

Every other major broadband provider supports HBO GO (see link above) including Time Warner, Dish, Direct TV, Cox, AT&T & Verizon.  Why not Comcast?  I understand that it competes with Comcast On Demand but it's a service Comcast would be smart to provide to keep its customers. 

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@rups1948 wrote:

Every other major broadband provider supports HBO GO (see link above) including Time Warner, Dish, Direct TV, Cox, AT&T & Verizon.  Why not Comcast?  I understand that it competes with Comcast On Demand but it's a service Comcast would be smart to provide to keep its customers. 

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Comcast DOES support HBO Go on other platforms, just not Roku or now it seems the internet enabled televisions. You can use it on the xBox (Comcast is a valued partner with Microsoft--knowing how that program works I know that is because their allowing it on the xBox increases sales for Microsoft.)  It is not a licensing issue with HBO to allow it on the Roku, it is that Comcast will not allow the Roku servers to access Comcast authentication data-their systems "are not compatible" per Comcast. However, they allow other networks where they have financial partnerships to authenticate against their servers, so the protocols are available, they just will not implement it.  So, I suspect it is because they can't make money off it. According to Roku, the ball is in Comcast's court.

I simply don't understand the reasonning behind it , we still have to pay comcast every month to have Comcast and they don't offer HBO GO through the cable box or for me through my Tivo box.

So why upseting their customers , unless it is once again a question of cash where Comcast wants money from Roku to allow their customers to watch HBO on Roku.

Whatever reason Comcast has , it's not worth losing me and over 100 dollars every month i give them for my internet and TV subscription .

Actualy, no it does not work "just as good."  Especially if you need to use the laptop for other tasks at the same time you are watching tv.  The remote for Roku allows you to FF, REW and Pause.  On the pc you have to use the mouse, which on an extended screen is a pain in the neck. If the pc is close to the television due to length of HDMI, then you now have to get up and go across the room to rewind 30 seconds to catch what you just missed. When you have hearing problems, that is a lot of up and down. If you have the pc close to you with a longer cable to the tv, now you have a cord running across the room that someone (probably me or one of the kids) will trip over.

No, not the same and not "just as good."

with respect to the Q1 2013, they said the same thing last year about Roku in 2012.  I think it is smoke and mirrors.

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@rog286713 wrote:

yes not arguing with you I knew all that.  According to this thread with is 20 pages plus they say coming to samsung tv's q1 2013.

 

has anyone tried using their laptop or tablets video out setting to watch it on your tv.  Not a fix but does work just as good.

 

http://forums.comcast.com/t5/XfinityTV-Website/ROKU-HBO-GO/td-p/1100271/page/11

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That would be great, however we do watch shows that we can only get current season on from a provider such as Dish or Comcast.

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@rog286713 wrote:

right comcast will not give you access unless you get a comcast digital box or a kick back from the hardware provider.  Another reason you don't see the xfinity app on any tv or roku, again you skirt the comcast box issue. 

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I am not skirting the comcast box issue, as I don't see that as a relevant point. You still  have to pay Comcast for the HBO premium service, and allowing HBO Go on Roku does not replace a comcast box, it augments it. Most of the content from HBO Go that would  use the Roku to view is not available through the Comcast box.  Also, there is no "Comast app" involved--the channel is HBO Go, and you have to authenticate through your provider to activate the service on the Roku device. The only difference from the consumer end is that with the Roku, we can view the content on the large tv screen, not try to huddle 4 or 5 people around a 15" monitor on the laptop. Of course, they DO allow it through the xBox, so it is not a "replace the box issue" or xBox users wouldn't have it either--the main difference I see between xBox and Roku is that Roku does not charge a monthly fee on their own to use the box.  So, the "incompatibility" issue is not software, it is probably financial. 

According to Comcast, their system is not compatible with the Roku system at this time.

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@rog286713 wrote:

of course its about the money.   Are you aware you can watch it through comcast through a smartphone, tablet and xbox 360????  you can get an xbox 360 with connect now for 99.00 and you can play your netflix and so much more stuff with it, its great. 

 

Comcast also does not allow it on ps3 or, wii, or new wiiu. 

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I already have a Roku. I don't need an xbox, nor should I have to purchase one to get the functionality that can be made available on a device I already own. I already have a device that plays netflix, huluplus, amazaon prime videos, acts as a plex server to stream videos and music from my laptop, and so much more...AND I don't have to pay Roku a monthly fee that ranges from 5.00 to 8.50 to have the ability to do that--only the membership fees for those channels I choose to subscribe to, and many of the channels I subscribe to are free (love those old, old series and movies.)

Yes, I am completely aware that I can watch HBO Go through my iPhone or laptop. I don't own a tablet, no plans to get one at the moment. In any event, for the shows we watch through HBO Go, if a 15" laptop screen is inconvenient for the family to huddle around, how much more inconvenient would it be for us all to watch on the iPhone or a tablet that is much smaller?

Nope, better solution. I'll use a provider that does not attempt to control and limit my viewing experience the way Comcast does.

I am using a Samsung SmartTV, and I have found that Comcast is not allowing me to set it up.  Comcast is okay with me adding it on my iPad, on my XBOX, but they do not seem to be okay with me having it on my TV.  I imagine that this is because being able to access past series of HBO TV shows would compete with Streampix.  This seems like a business decision by Comcast--I cannot say I agree with it.

Those of us with Roku have the same problem--no go on HBO Go. I don't think it has anything to do with Streampix, but probably more that Comcast can't make any money off it. They do allow it through xBox, so the technology is there, but they are also a Microsoft partner -- a relationship that is probably getting them a payment of some sort.  Also, I think it may be a control issue as well. Whatever their reason, it is one reason that I will be dropping my service with them on Tuesday as soon as Dish gets my servicde with them restored. If more of us voted with our feet, they might eventually wake up.

I just got a ROKU box. love it -- but the lack of HBO GO is very disappointing. Yet one more reson to consider another provider

I just switched back over to Dish yesterday, still have Comcast internet, but not tv. I reactivated my Roku on the HBO Go with the Dish account. However, I just noticed while browsing on demand that Dish's HBO On Demand has every program that is available through Go, not the limited set Comcast has on demand,  but every episode of every season of every show, plus the expanded movie selection on the HboGo page....but on demand.  Will still use the Roku for HBO Go  when traveling, but don't need it at home.

BOO HISS COMCAST!!! No HBO GO on Roku?!?!?!?! Seriously?!

- Billing says I should be able to get HBO GO on my new Roku and to call HBO GO
- Technical support says I can't get HBO GO on my Roku but can on laptop, tablet, phone & Smart TV
... oh, yes, and to complain about it to click the 'leave feedback' button on the bottom of the comcast page;
then the supervisor came on and said this is a "new

I didn't think you could get HBO GO from Comcast on a Smart TV.  What models get HBO GO through Comcast?

Also, I sometimes hook up by computer by an HDMI cable to watch "Dexter" (on Showtime) on my TV.  What I find is that the picture will sometimes run ahead of the sound.  I have also had this problem when I watched "Girls" through my PC and TV.  I have NEVER had this problem when I watch content on Netflix, Amazon, etc. through my Roku.  I don't know about anyone else but the screen on my iTouch is so small that my eyes start watering if I try to watch HBO GO (or any Comcast programming) on my iTouch. 

Since I only watch one or two movies and maybe four hours of series on HBO a month, for which I pay $15/mo., I am thinking of scrapping HBO until I can get access to the much more expanded content on HBO GO.  I don't care if the expanded content is available on my computer, smart phone, tablet or iTouch.  Nothing beats watching any movie or TV series on an actual HD TV!  

Shame on Comcast!!