XFINITY Stream on Roku

[CoreyD]

Press release is here:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjFl7_zydfO...

[egnlsn]

One of the questions being will it do 4K?

[mrvco]

Now that the furor behind "Unlock the Box" has died down, it seems this project has been relegated to moth-ball status.

[jasonkitchen]

Hi,

Several months ago I read that Comcast and Roku are teaming up to provide the Xfinity TV app available to Roku users (article below). Since that announcement I haven't seen or heard of any updates. Does anyone know when this is launching?

http://corporate.comcast.com/news-information/news-feed/comcast-and-roku-bring-xfinity-tv-partner-ap...

Thanks!

[egnlsn]

They said Fall, but I'd be surprised of we see it this year.

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@jasonkitchen wrote:

Hi,

Several months ago I read that Comcast and Roku are teaming up to provide the Xfinity TV app available to Roku users (article below). Since that announcement I haven't seen or heard of any updates. Does anyone know when this is launching?

http://corporate.comcast.com/news-information/news-feed/comcast-and-roku-bring-xfinity-tv-partner-ap...

Thanks!

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[Flingmccooter]

The only thing to stop Comcast would be a nation wide strike where everyone cancels service the same day.

[RobertWy]

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@Flingmccooter wrote:

The only thing to stop Comcast would be a nation wide strike where everyone cancels service the same day.

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By "everyone", do you mean every Roku owner?

[queenmd]

Looks like they've launched it for some channels but not all.  I'm trying to add HGTV and DIY but Xfinity is not listed.

[Jappi]

Cnn Go also works and is live but still no xfinity app.

[pb1312]

Sometime ago it was announced that the Xfinity TV app will be available on ROKU later this year. When is the release date?

[CCAndrew]

Has yet to be announced.

[franhome2]

That is not true! XFinity is not on the list. Time Warner and Cox and every other little cable company is on there but when you try to log in with XFinity it is not available. Should be because we pay for these channels so we should be able to stream it.

When is "FALL"? When will the ROKU app be out?

Please update!!!

[pb1312]

Why does it always take Comcast so long to do anything?

While we wait for the Roku App (yawn!), can Xfinity at least get added to the NFLs list of providers so that NFL Network/RedZone can be watched via the NFL App. It seems that every other TV provider in the country is on that list. Again, why does it take Comcast so long to do something?

[mikewdec54]

I am also wondering about a release date. I've been scanning the Xfinity and Roku forums, but I haven't seen anything definitive yet.

Regarding ComcastTenika 's reply -- It's good to see some of the features of the partner app listed. I was wondering about packaging/bundling and pricing ... will it be similar to the Sling TV and Playstation Vue models where there are multiple bundling tiers with different pricing? [SlingTV: Orange/Blue/Orange+Blue; PSVue: Access/Core/Elite]

[andyat1217]

for each delay in getting the app for xfinity/roku Comcast is losing revenue.I am ready to use this service as this will allow my 4 roku household the ability to watch Comcast without the need and extra charge for set top boxes.Its Fall now you said it would be up..Also if you have Comcast internet and use the Roku app to stream Comcast I understand that wont effect your data use.

[egnlsn]

So, there are some new Roku devices coming out coming out next month http://www.avsforum.com/roku-introduces-five-streaming-video-players-including-roku-ultra/, with a couple of them doing HDR (HDR10). "The HDR implementation in the Premiere+ and Ultra models utilizes HDR10, the format used for Ultra HD Blu-ray. With Vudu’s recent announcement that it will support HDR10 in addition to Dolby Vision, all the major streaming services that offer HDR (including Amazon and Netflix) offer HDR10 content." The question is will the Xfinity app include 4k and/or HDR shows and events?

[bobs99]

The press release on this in April 2016 said soon.  Based on past announcements I would expect around October--2018.

[Dlaney35]

That's not what the OP is talking about. Those are external channel roku applications, and yes, Xfinity is usually the last provider to finally cave in and add themselves. They recently decided to cancel access to the starz app, too. 

No, this is supposed to be basically the X1 interface on the ROKU - allowing for TVGO access to all available channels with just the ROKU.

Comcast said a fall release, back in April - and it's Fall - and... naturally, we have no new information. Funny how Comcast RUSHES out items that are profitable, but when it comes to customer service and edifaction, we wait, and wait,..... and wait.

[Dlaney35]

They announced the app ages ago, said FALL/Later this year. Well, the year is almost over. 

Comcast, can we PLEASE have an update on this? The Xfinity TV partner app would be a nice addition to my new Roku ultra. It's annoying that comcasts promises are always delivered seemingly last, or after every other cable company has edified it's customer base. 

[andyross]

The app was announced shortly after the FCC started pushing to allow users to not have to rent a cable box. Now that the FCC has backed off, Comcast and other ISP's with similar announcements will keep delaying and eventually drop the idea of streaming on fixed devices like Roku.

[dreichlin411]

See the problem is that on Sept 8th of this year it waas announced in printed that the app was currently available on Samsung and Roku products.  so what's up?

http://www.fiercecable.com/cable/four-months-comcast-s-xfinity-tv-partner-program-still-missing-half...

I'm a squeaky wheel.  I won't shut up til I get some grease here.

I've been talking to other Comcast employyees, here as well as opn the phones for a while, since losing TV GO as well as my STARZ play App and Access to other channnels on ROKU.

Maybe if a few more wheels start to squeak, Comcast will go from "To Be Announced" to "By this Date." I'll live with that, at least until that date comes and goes without any positive action.  I may be locked into a contract, but that doesn't mean I need to sit back with my tail between my legs and hope COmcast will deign to toss me a table scrap or tw.

[Dlaney35]

So it's Fall, still no updated information... since APRIL about the APP.

ROKU has no information and refers you back to comcast about the apps release date.

Can an Xfinity employee give us a timeframe here? 

[HowAboutThisOne]

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@Dlaney35 wrote:

So it's Fall, still no updated information... since APRIL about the APP.

ROKU has no information and refers you back to comcast about the apps release date.

Can an Xfinity employee give us a timeframe here? 

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Maybe is was just an April fools' joke. Of course, Comcast customers are the fools.

[ComcastDan]

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@dreichlin411 wrote:

See the problem is that on Sept 8th of this year it waas announced in printed that the app was currently available on Samsung and Roku products.  so what's up?

http://www.fiercecable.com/cable/four-months-comcast-s-xfinity-tv-partner-program-still-missing-half...

I'm a squeaky wheel.  I won't shut up til I get some grease here.

I've been talking to other Comcast employyees, here as well as opn the phones for a while, since losing TV GO as well as my STARZ play App and Access to other channnels on ROKU.

Maybe if a few more wheels start to squeak, Comcast will go from "To Be Announced" to "By this Date." I'll live with that, at least until that date comes and goes without any positive action.  I may be locked into a contract, but that doesn't mean I need to sit back with my tail between my legs and hope COmcast will deign to toss me a table scrap or tw.

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The XFINITY TV app for Roku is still in active development with good progress being made. I've seen a demo and it is coming together nicely but not yet complete. The next step after development will be an internal beta test period. We have not yet announced a release date but are anxious to get this to you when ready.

[Glorsiggs42]

I would love to be able to have another box but it is expensive withe the other services. Thus to have a my Roku be able to be in my room so I can watch TV in my bedroom would be great and the ability to watch live TV with out having to use all of the other apps would be great I'm asking this to happen please I you guys would get it done I'm sure you db have more customer base pleas e I'm begging please I want this 

[Jappi]

I am one more "squeaky wheel" looking for the xfinity app for roku. I signed up for xfinity in september cuz the sales rep who came to my house told me the app was available. Up to this point I had been a binge watcher using  hulu, netflix, amazon prime and an hd antenna for my local channels. Buyer beware. 12 month contract no hd  channels and no roku app!!!!!!! 

[egnlsn]

I was just told that this app would be out by the end of this year (in 2016 were the exact words), and that it would include the 4K content that is in the UHD Sampler app that is in Samsung and LG Smart TVs. We'll see...

[Froid]

I am also waiting impatiently as I went out and purchased 4 more Rokus on top of the 2 I already owned. Looks like I jumped the gun assuming Comcast would keep their word for once. I've grown tired of waiting and plan on cancelling the TV portion of my service. I honestly just need my local channels and I can stream the rest. Comcast is good for one thing and that's fast broadband. All of my experiences with them have been poor. Claiming now that the app is still in development and then it will need to be beta tested is nonsense. If this is true, then you have a few paying customers right here that would be happy to beta test for you if given the chance. It's the least Comcast could do for most of us...

[easyace]

I volunteer to beta test the Roku app.

[CCRick]

I'm a field tech for Comcast and I just bought the roku ultra plus just so I'm ready when the app is released. I have been asking management leaders to see if they can get a update from corporate. If I get a date I will be sure to share it with everyone.

I do want to mention that the nvidia shield is another device that will recive the app. If you sideload the app into the shield it does work now.

And if you didn't know the x1 cable box will soon have the Netflix app on it. Some customer may already have it.

[egnlsn]

I was told a few days ago that this app would be out by the end of this year (in 2016 were the exact words), and that it would include the 4K content that is in the UHD Sampler app that is in Samsung and LG Smart TVs.

We'll see...

[Chrisecho]

Told by who?  someone at Comcast?  Why is there ZERO information about this online?   All the news is from Aug. and Sept.   They have about 2 months left in the year at this point.  Time to speak up COMCAST

[Lonniew]

Another squeaky wheel. I thought about getting dish or direct TV so I could watch in different rooms without paying for the Xfinity box but was happy to hear that there would be an Roku app but I am tired of waiting. I put two kids through college since it was first announced and grew and shaved five beard's...I will give them till Thanksgiving if nothing by them I will give up and get direct TV  <Edited for violating forum guidelines>

[egnlsn]

Yes, it was someone at Comcast. Like I said, We'll see...

[mastercoin]

Just curious:

Will X1 be necessary once the Comast/Roku app is released?

[CCRick]

I don't believe so but I'm not 100% sure. Comcast is working to get x1 in every house and will do away with the legacy devices.

[ComcastDan]

I can confirm that the Roku app is really in active development and is planned to release before the end of the year. Roku is an entirely new platform which does not repurpose any existing code except backend systems. Please be patient while we develop, test and get this app ready for you to enjoy.

[Dlaney35]

Thanks for the update ComcastDan, I'll hope and hold you to it that it launches by then. Winter does start on Dec 21'st however, so theoretically, comcast still can honor the initial announcment assuming it launches by then.

[easyace]

Thanks for the update Comcast Dan.

[CCRick]

What programming and features will be available with the XFINITY TV partner app?
XFINITY Guide
Live and On Demand programming, including:
Local broadcasts
Cable programming
Premium networks
Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) Channels
Cloud DVR recordings

What customers will be eligible for the app?
At this time, we are still determining eligibility for the XFINITY TV partner app. More information will be available later this year when we are ready to launch the app.

Will customers still need a TV box to access the XFINITY TV partner app on Roku devices and 2016 Samsung Smart TVs?
No, the XFINITY TV partner app will provide access to the channels and features listed above without the need for a TV box.

Do you plan to partner with other companies to expand the offering of the XFINITY TV partner app to other devices?
Yes, we continue to explore and discuss opportunities with other companies to hopefully expand this offering to other devices in the future.

[leanar1]

OK - I get it.   COMCAST cares about its customers.  So for those us who have bought the smart (ROKU) tvs, what about some goodwill for our patience and give us a "loaner" box for free until the app is available?  Maybe that will move the production date forward with some sense urgency...  After the app comes available, anyone who has not returned the borrowed equipment could be charged a fee for the cost.  You could even loan them and charge a refundable deposit up front so you know you wouldn't lose out.  Win-win, if you ask me.

[betolley]

Will usage of the app count against our data cap?

[CCRick]

That is a very good question. I just got out of a meeting with our regional manager and I did get a chance to ask him about the app. He seems to think that Roku will stream the channels through the X1 box but from what I'm reading it will be an app. If it is a actual app then I would assume it is using the Internet only. That could explain why we just recently added data caps for Internet usage.
At this time I cannot find any solid information. But if I do get more information about this product I will share it with you.

[HowAboutThisOne]

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@ComcastRick wrote:
That is a very good question. I just got out of a meeting with our regional manager and I did get a chance to ask him about the app. He seems to think that Roku will stream the channels through the X1 box but from what I'm reading it will be an app. If it is a actual app then I would assume it is using the Internet only. That could explain why we just recently added data caps for Internet usage.
At this time I cannot find any solid information. But if I do get more information about this product I will share it with you.

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You have got to be kidding me?  It should work similar to how I presently stream from my PC using the Xfinity TV portal at home, as well as use a smart device at home using the Xfinity TV app, and be using Comcast's proprietary network (and not the Internet). If it used data, that would make it a useless app. It would also make it impossible to stream ALL my linear LIVE TV channels while at home, since a majority of them are NOT allowed to be streamed through the Internet.

Roku is just another IP device on my network, that gets it data through my modem/gateway.  Comcast should most definitely be able to figure out that I am on my home network streaming Xfinity TV though a Roku device, and not count that as data.