Comcast is making its Xfinity TV service available to subscribers with Roku Inc. set-top players via a new app, paving the way for customers of the nationÂ’s largest cable provider to watch live programming without the cost or hassle of a cable box.
Roku is the first set-stop box to offer the Xfinity TV service, Comcast said in a statement Tuesday. During a test period, subscribers will have to hang on to their cable devices. When the app formally rolls out later this year, theyÂ’ll be able sign up without renting a cable box.
While Comcast expects the majority of its customers to opt for the typical setup, traditional pay-TV providers are trying to be more flexible about where and how people can watch TV given the popularity of streaming services like Netflix and Amazon and the boxes that offer them. Customers with Roku players will be able to watch live TV, browse on-demand libraries and record shows, just as they can with ComcastÂ’s boxes.
Those who use the Roku as their primary device instead of ComcastÂ’s X1 device will receive a $2.50 monthly credit, the company said.
Roku is the first set-stop box to offer the Xfinity TV service, Comcast said in a statement Tuesday. During a test period, subscribers will have to hang on to their cable devices. When the app formally rolls out later this year, theyÂ’ll be able sign up without renting a cable box.
While Comcast expects the majority of its customers to opt for the typical setup, traditional pay-TV providers are trying to be more flexible about where and how people can watch TV given the popularity of streaming services like Netflix and Amazon and the boxes that offer them. Customers with Roku players will be able to watch live TV, browse on-demand libraries and record shows, just as they can with ComcastÂ’s boxes.
Those who use the Roku as their primary device instead of ComcastÂ’s X1 device will receive a $2.50 monthly credit, the company said.