It looks like Comcast has taken the route of partnering with Apple TV and ignoring us Roku fans: http://forums.comcast.com/t5/XfinityTV-Website/HBO-Go-via-Apple-TV/m-p/1724093#M25092
Comcast absolutely sucks, they have ZERO customer service skills and that is what its all about in this competitive consumer world. I loathe Comcast, and definitely make sure to tell everyone this, all because of this Roku issue. I also bought it mainly for HBOGO, and think its massive bullsh*t to make us now get an Apple thing to watch HBOGO. What makes this suck the most is the monopoly they have in my area, either them or Dish, and unfortunately my TV addiction outweighs my righteous indignation and need to cancel on principle.
I just received an HBO Go promotional email to my comcast.net email address which stated the following: "HBO GO is available to you as part of your HBO subscription from Comcast's XFINITY TV." I couldn't find the part which says, "unless you use Roku, in which case you're screwed."
@SJ2360 wrote:Comcast absolutely sucks, they have ZERO customer service skills and that is what its all about in this competitive consumer world. I loathe Comcast, and definitely make sure to tell everyone this, all because of this Roku issue. I also bought it mainly for HBOGO, and think its massive bullsh*t to make us now get an Apple thing to watch HBOGO. What makes this suck the most is the monopoly they have in my area, either them or Dish, and unfortunately my TV addiction outweighs my righteous indignation and need to cancel on principle.
Dish is working pretty good for me. Better programming, significantly cheaper, and wayyy better customer service. And they install free.
@Zordar wrote:
I'm on the cusp of calling my local Dish installer. Could you tell me why "pretty good" as opposed to "great" or excellent?
Cons:
Pros:
1. With the Sling adapter (built into the Hopper DVR), I can truly stream live or recorded programming to my iPhone, PC, or tablet anywhere I can get an internet connection, including 3G. When I say live programming, I mean exactly that--the app or browser is connected to the DVR via the internet, and I am streaming live television on the iphone while riding (not driving) in the car down I95 on the way to or from my son's house.
2. Whole home DVR is exactly that. I can pause, rewind, set recordings, manage recordings, and view recordings from any television in the house that is hooked up to either a Hopper or Joey (linked to the Hopper).
3. While HBOgo is available on the Roku, unless I am travelling, I don't need it. The entire HBOgo library is available through On Demand.
4. Addressable remotes. We have two televisions in the living room (think hubby and sports and car/motor shows). Each remote is addressed to the appropriate receiver, and when changing the channel on one device, only that device is affected. (With Comcast, when he would change channels, mine would change too).
5. I currently have over 290 HD recordings on one of my Hoppers (the entire season of several series, and a dozen or so movies, we like to "marathon" them when the season is over--and the drive is only 58% full. I can also put an external drive on it if I want, and probably will this fall, JUST in case of equipment failure--I'll move my recordings that I need to "save" onto the drive.
There are many, many more things I could list about what I like about it. Other things to be aware of:
1. Each Hopper has three tuners and can be connected to a maximum of 2 Joeys. With the exception of the Prime Time Anytime recording, which uses one tuner to record the "big 4", leaving 2 others available during prime time. Multiple televisions can be watching the same show at the same time using a single tuner, but if you have more than 2 televisions (or have 2 and are DVR hogs as my husband and I are), you may want to get 2 Hoppers (we did) for a total of 6 tuners. Every television can access recordings on any of the Hoppers or Joeys in the house. The only limitation is that I can view or delete recordings on the second Hopper while using the first one, one Hopper can't set a recording on the other Hopper. (BTW, some installers are not aware the Hoppers themselves can "talk" to each other.)
2. I would call Dish directly to see what kind of deal you can get. I don't know if they are still offering it, but they were just recently offering a iPad to new Hopper customers (you can download recorded shows to the iPad for offline viewing, not available on droids yet, dangit). My installation was free, and to upgrade to a second Hopper does incur a one time fee (worth it to us).
If you want any more info, let me know.
HBO Go has been available on Apple TV for less than a month and Comcast is already allowing authentication. Oh how I wish they did not have a monopoly in my City.
@CyberDorkster wrote:I am screwed as well.
HBOGO from my laptop works, and that has an HDMI port, but the clarity is poor and it's a pain. I figured I'd buy a new Roku for 1080p.... well, it is not supported with Comcast. Showtime works no problem, but HBOgo is a noGo.
How could a company this large, be this bad and inept.
And why does it take so long for FIOS to get to my house.
Can you tell me what channel you are using to get Showtime Anytime on the Roku? When I search the Channel Store all I see is the Preview channel
Everyone wants HBO/GO for Roku.
Watch how fast it gets offered if everyone on here would say they are willing to pay an additional $5.00 per month for the access.
Comcast would even offer to rent you the Roku for an additional $5.00 per month.
Face it. They have a monopoly right now and offering this would cut into their profits.
IT AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN PEOPLE.
I just looked into Dish and I think I'm going to pull the trigger. It seems it would be about $40/month cheaper ($65/month cheaper for the 1st year), and that's for more DVRs with more capability and capacity including muti-room. It also has a much better interface- Comcast's looks like it's from the 90s. I'll keep the phone and Internet until FIOS comes to the neighborhood. They already are on the other side of town.
@SillyGod wrote:It's an issue with Playon - they are working on it. What a pain..
I googled Playon, and it looks like another company offering Roku services. Are you saying that once the Playon issue gets resolved, HBO Go on Roku will get the green light?
Thanks
I too would LOVE it if Comcast stepped into this century of technology and I was able to watch HBO Go on the Roku box... 😞 Sad that Comcast is dragging its feet...
I just saw a TV ad about a new interface for Xfinity. Anyone know about it? I'm sure it will turn out like their TIVO thinkg which was tested in a bout 100 homes then failed.
I originally had luck watching HBO GO on the Roku3 with the PlayOn app but that hasn't been working the past two weeks either. However, I did watch the live Atlanta Braves/Phillies game this evening on the new Aereo live TV/internet service in the Atlanta area. Outstanding picture quality (maybe not technically HD but pretty close to it...definitely a ton better than Comcast SD on the same TV) and yet another variable threatening the vaunted Comcast monopoly...
In the Atlanta area we can now get live TV broadcast over the Internet for all OTA channels in your local area for $8/month - no blackouts or anything - everything you'd get with an HD attenna (more actually if you live in a marginal rooftop antenna area like me). Pretty cool brand new technology - once I find a way to watch the live ESPN channels without a dependency on Comcast I'll cut the cord...
Randerto
You need to update your Playon Server software and redo your HBOGO set up in the Channels section of the server,
I just had to do the same and it;'s working fine again
There is ZERO reason that you can give me an iPad app to watch Xfinity but cannot authorize the same for the Roku. Except for the $$$$ .... So get a deal struck with Roku. You guys look like idiots with people doing PlayOn workarounds to deliver what a major technology company like Comcast should be able to do 10x better.
Step up. Have some corporate pride in the products you deliver. This multi-year Roku issue does not reflect any drive for corporate excellence.
Hi Jhusosky - thanks for the advice and glad to hear you got your HBOGO working again with Playon on the Roku. I've updated my PlayOn server (version 3.7.6.5398) and removed and readded the PlayOn channel to the Roku3 and still no luck. Comcast is my cable provider and the PlayOn Support people are indicating it appears to be related to the combination of Comcast and HBOGO (on the Roku) but haven't figured it out yet. What Roku device do you have and is Comcast your cable provider?
Dear Sirs - I am a subscriber through Comcast for HBOGO. Comcast is one of the only major cable providers currently not supporting HBOGO on the Roku3 device (see weblink below). Why is this and when can I expect Comcast to begin supporting this device? My continued business depends on your answer. Thank you.
http://support.roku.com/entries/23281953-Does-my-television-provider-offer-HBO-GO-on-Roku-devices-
For what it's worth, I had an online chat session with a Comcast rep today who indicated they had received quite a few requests to add Roku support for HBO and will be supporting it (as they do with Apple TV) but they couldn't tell me when. Given the track record of Comcast reps I don't really ever believe what I'm told but thought I'd pass that along. I also sent them a list of all the other major cable providers supporting Roku pointing out the lack of Comcast support.
It's just a matter of time right now, maybe another year from now? Look at the track record Xbox 360 was added on April 2012, Apple TV was added on June 2013, Roku sometime 3rd quarter 2014? I don't think they are forgotting about Roku. They know it's a popular device but also know it can be link up many HBO accounts as one Comcast acount. Honestly all they have to do is lock HBO Go on one Roku device. To prevent family members using the same account or something on different devices. Pluis Roku would have to pay a contract fee, which is probably in the millions. Hense why Apple TV and Microsoft have made deals so far.
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I bought a Roku so I could legally watch all the content I already pay for and do it one place. I watch Netflix and Amazon on the Roku over cabe internet that I pay Comcast for. Can Comcast/Xfinity please not be the only major cable provider to provide HBO GO access on the Roku? I see from this thread that is a multi-year issue. This is really kind of ridiculous.
Well, it appears that I am not the first to question why Comcast in it's wisdom doesnot allow HBOGO on the Roku. You know if we could get HBOGO on the Roku you might have more customer retention.
Why does Comcast authorize HBO GO for all other devices, but ROKU??? So disappointing when I tried to activate this morning to find out I can't, but just on my ROKU. Come to find out it has been an issue for years! Come on Comcast!
But it has NOTHING to do with whether one turns on their cable box or not... we've all PAID already for HBO... and that includes HBO-GO. And they allow such paid subcribers to watch HBO-GO on every freakin' device except Roku... So this is completely ridiculous.
I'm on a contract with these jokers. But can I use this to get out of it? Seems like a breach to me. I paid for HBO and am supposed to get HBO-GO.... I don't recall it saying only on certain devices and not others...
I understand that. I'm with you on your argument for having HBO GO available to Roku users. When I made the statement I was pointing out the obvious logic behind blocking HBO GO. With my experience, the only way of getting Xfinity to change their minds is with our wallets. In areas like where I live, it's easy to describe their business model as monopolistic. The only other alternative is expensive 10 mbps dsl and crazy fee heavy dish service.
We're stuck and Comcast knows it. Why offer us an alternative to extra over priced cable boxes?
I was looking at getting a good but cheap 7in tablet and found the Hisense Sero 7 Pro at walmart and it has HDMI out could be interesting.
What I don't get it why is it only the Roku? We have a basic cable box and an xbox in our living room and get the best of both worlds. HBO Go on the xbox, plus the xfinity app. Also can get HBO Go on the tablet and computers from xfinity. Now in the bedroom we have a roku and can't get either. Why does Comcast allow HBO Go on everything BUT ROKU?
For the people out there still asking why we still want it on a roku when we have a cable box: If you had a roku, then you would understand. You can search all of your applications for movies and tv at the same time. If I am searching for a specific movie, I don't have to search through the cable box and then through netflix and then see if it is on another app, Roku will give me all of my options at once, paid or free. Also when we go away and cannot bring the cable box with us, we can hook the roku up anywhere and still have stuff for the kids to watch in the room without having to pay premium hotel prices for movies or games between outings.
I don't understand why Comcast would allow use of hbo go with apple tv or xbox 360, but not with Roku. That seems a little stupid seeing as Roku is more versalitle and user friendly than either of those platforms. Sometimes convenience is everything. Have you ever watched a movie on tv with commercials even though you own the DVD and it is sitting 10 feet in front of you? I use my roku more than the cable box even though there isnt always the same quality of material and I pay for the cable service. I use it more because it is simpler to navigate. Maybe you are not as lazy as I am, but after a long day if I get the chance to sit in front of a television for 30 mins or an hour, I want simple.
@hussman wrote:"The only other alternative is expensive 10 mbps dsl and crazy fee heavy dish service. "
Actually, that "fee heavy dish service" is cheaper than the promo price I was paying Comcast with far better service and programming. Right now I am paying 134.00 a month for the full programming package including all the programming channels, 2 Hopper DVRs each of which holds 250 hours of HD programming and 2 Joeys for the other 2 televisions. When my promo period ends in October, I will pay another 30 dollars a month unless I drop some of the premium channels (I'll keep HBO and Showtime). I kept my internet through Comcast, since I have no alternative. The level of programming and functionality that I have with Dish is so far above what Comcast has that it is amazing.
How many subscribers have to want something before you will actually make it happen? I don't understand the difference between allowing apple tv and xbox 360 to stream hbo go to your tv, but not Roku or Samsung. It seems oddly prejudicial.
Even better how many subscribers that are paying a premium for something and only want to get what they would from any other provider, for which comcast hast to litterly check a box on a website to allow us to get what we already pay for. This is not an issue of legistics or support, it clicking a check box that is right next to other check boxes they have checked.
@ArthurHammer wrote:It's just a matter of time right now, maybe another year from now? Look at the track record Xbox 360 was added on April 2012, Apple TV was added on June 2013, Roku sometime 3rd quarter 2014? I don't think they are forgotting about Roku. They know it's a popular device but also know it can be link up many HBO accounts as one Comcast acount. Honestly all they have to do is lock HBO Go on one Roku device. To prevent family members using the same account or something on different devices. Pluis Roku would have to pay a contract fee, which is probably in the millions. Hense why Apple TV and Microsoft have made deals so far.
I wish I had hope but I do not. It's not about when Comcast starting supporting devices. It is about when HBO Go became available on those devices and how long it took Comcast to allow them. HBO Go became available on the 360 on April 1st, 2012. Comcast began allowing it on April 9, 2012. It became available on the Apple TV on June 19th and Comcast allowed it same day. I do not have an exact date for the Roku but it was before Feb. 10th, 2012. So we have gone over 18 months with no Roku support and other devices have obtained it within a week. Comcast clearly has no plans to allow it. Comcast has a monopoly on cable TV and high quality broadband in my city or I would have switched years ago. I really do not want to buy an Apple TV just for HBO Go but I am seriously considering it.
works with apple tv. comcast hate roku so we pay
To all of you who are asking "why dont you just use the on demand feature on your box?" HBO go allows you to access way more material, for starters you can watch every episode of nearly every series HBO has ever broadcasted, and access to more movies and specials. I just switched from Uverse to Comcast and found out you cant get HBO go on your Roku. Im about to cancell my comcast and switch back solely because of this!
I subscribe to HBO and have ROKU. HBO Go is No Go with Comcast. This original post is approaching two years old and this is still not addressed by Comcast. You [Comcast] obviously know how to ignore your customers needs and wishes.
We have a secondary residence in OH. I currently subscribe to Time Warner Cable there (Xfinity is not available). I would like to drop the Time Warner Cable to save cost and purchase a Roku to watch HBO GO and streampix. FIOS and Time Warner Subscribers can use the ROKU for HBO GO and On Demand features of their cable company. Xfinity is one of the very few companies that does not participate. Therefore, as a triple play customer at our primary residence, I cannot take advantage of streaming through the ROKU. Is anyone aware of any plans for XIFINTY to join the rest of the world in allowing its customers to watch HBO GO and streampicks on the ROKU? I am very frustrated and entertaining the idea of switching to another carrier.
Not only do they ignore, they mislead/lie.
From online chat inquiring about an xfinity mailer I recieved (Digital Starter TV, HBO, Streampix for $29.99 for 6 months).
You: If I get HBO, will I have access to HBO Go?
Chris: Yes, you definitely can access HBO Go if you have HBO.
You: I have a Roku and have seen the app on there. Will it work on that?
Chris: Yes, as long as you have HBO service.
You: Well I know that is not true, so you'll want to correct that in your script.
Chris: With HBO, you also get our HBO multiplex that comes with HBO East , HBO West , HBO 2 West , HBO Signature West, HBO Family West, HBO Latino, HBO Comedy and HBO Zone.
Chris: And yes, you will get HBO Go.
You: http://www.hbogo.com/activate does not list comcast (nor xfinity) for Roku.
Chris: You may call our Customer Service Team for more information on how to activate that.
You: Thanks for your time. I will not be ordering any TV service from comcast, because it is missing Pac 12 Networks and Roku HBO Go access.
I was giving consideration to getting HBO just to use HBO Go for this season of Newsroom but opted to get my parents to subscribe down south and opted to use their Brighthouse account instead - not surprisingly, Brighthouse supports the Roku. But it is Comcast's call and if they don't want my money that's their choice.
It's ridiculous, but if Comcast just has to be stubborn, there are always workarounds. Their loss is Brighthouse's gain.
Things like this, along with their "no to Netflix Open Connect, get Streampix!" stance, makes me a bit embarassed to be a paying customer. Stupid lack of options.
With the added expense of HBO as well as the size of a company such as Comcast, I'm pretty stunned that I am unable to use HBOGO on my Roku. The majority of the larger cable providers as well as several smaller ones have access to this feature. I tend to watch more movies on Roku than on my cable box so it would be a huge help (especially when considering maintaining service)