AnnoyedinMN's profile

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4 Messages

Sunday, April 19th, 2020 6:00 PM

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XFinity Stream Irrational

I was pleased when Xfinity stream became available then I started learning all the BUTs, especially when you're away from home, which I am frequently. When I'm away from home:
- I can watch my content BUT not live and only after the recording is complete
- I can watch on my Android device BUT not if I mirror from it to a TV screen
- I can watch it on my computer BUT it plays in Adobe Flash which is insecure and and less reliable with freezing and skipping. I've heard this is a DRM issue blocking the use of HTML5, but why can my phone use HTML5 if it can't be used on my computer?
- I can watch Xfinity stream on my second home TV BUT only by manually plugging in an HDMI cable from my laptop (using the aforementioned Flash)
- I thought I could use Roku BUT the Xfinity Roku channel doesn't work unless I'm in my home. Xfinity and Roku market the availability of the Xfinity Stream channel for Roku but conveniently don't make it apparent that it only works on an Xfinity network effectively meaning I can only use it at home. I've heard this is because the device can only function on one network at a time. HUH? Why does Roku have this issue when neither the Android app or Windows have the same issue?
I know I'm going to hear much of this is just the way the legal environment is, but I CAN see the content, just inconveniently and with inconsistent legal and technical excuses for that inconvenience.

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Gold Problem Solver

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25.9K Messages

5 years ago

You’ve rattled off four different sources of the app, each have their own legal limitations.

New Poster

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4 Messages

5 years ago

Thanks for the predictable response. Not sure the legal argument was completely researched (I certainly won't waste my time proving it does or doesn't hold up for each piece of this annoying puzzle). I believe Comcast could take a different approach and solve these problems (i.e. similar to ITunes limitations on number of devices registered). I will agree that IP law has not kept pace with our current environment, but that doesn't mean I have to accept paying through the nose for content that I can't watch where I want on whatever device I want.

Regular Visitor

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1 Message

5 years ago

I'm in the same situation. Home is in Philly area and I'm self-isolating in our Poconos vacation home. I can get Stream beta on my ipads but I'm stopped from using it on my smart TV. I get so far to authorize the smart tv  device and when it tries to connect it states that I'm not on my home ( comcast) wifi network. Why can I use an ipad but not my smart tv. It makes no sense to me.

Gold Problem Solver

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25.9K Messages

5 years ago

Again, each device has its own limitations. On the tv it’s a replacement for a cable box for your primary residence, which you’re not at.

New Poster

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4 Messages

5 years ago

Again your response in defense of Comcast is useless and misses the point. The limitations you reference do of course exist. We recognize that reality, but I refuse to believe that this is a necessity, because the technology DOES exist and I believe there are ways to better navigate digital rights.

Gold Problem Solver

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25.9K Messages

5 years ago

You can believe what you wish, but it doesn’t/isn’t going to change how it actually works.
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