Xfinity VOD app

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What I really don't get here is why XOD is going away in a month (that I'm sure you knew about long ago) without a Tivo app replacement. Y'all have had PLENTY of time to get this done, but yet again Tivo apps are MIA. Now you just say sorry, go buy Rokus.

My guess is that the lawsuits have had something to do with Tivo not having access to Comcast IPTV. Failing that, it's the usual Tivo way late to the party nonsense.

 

... or if it ever will. There’s no certainty that a replacement will make it to our TiVo boxes.

 

I would think they are required if it is part of the features of the TV package.

Here are the details for digital starter, preferred and premier that Comcast offers.

 

Anyone else try activating the HBO Go app on xfinity after getting the pop up about VOD being discontinued? On a whim I thought I would try again just for the hell of it, and suddenly it went through and paired my Bolt with the device code just the way it should. Been enjoying the much nicer interface to HBO content for a few hours now.

 

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This is a bummer. Hopefully they will have a better app come back to TiVo boxes. So much more convenient not to have to flip over to a different device for the Xfinity VOD.

I do have 2 Roku sticks that I haven't used much lately as well as a TCL 55" with Roku built in. Sounds like I may be able to use that (what used to be buggy) Xfinity Stream Beta app for VOD and it will NOT count against my 1 TB monthly data cap? If so, I'd be willing to try that as an alternative.

 

This sucks.
I use On Demand all the time and just came here after seeing the message on my Tivo.

On Demand is especially useful when you hear about a new show and want to marathon past seasons. It's also helpful when your Tivo guide data messes up and cuts off a show short, or the cable acts up and digitally goes on the fritz (rare but happens) or doesn't record a show altogether due to a foul up in the guide data. I would then use On Demand as a backup to view something that was missed, etc.

So users who only have Tivos can't access On Demand and the excuse is that the software is too old, yet they have no replacement?
This answer seems fishy to say the least.

So if one doesn't want to buy a Roku, what is another solution for Tivo customers to view On Demand content?
Is there a way to do it with Apple TV?

This also means more of an effect on network traffic and data caps when watching "TV" if we're forced to use a streaming app. Argh.

Again, this sucks and the explanation seems incredibly fishy.

 

I tried right away after getting the message, does not work for me in MN. Tried again a few minutes ago just in case, and same thing. What part of the country are you in so I can have that information next time I call.

 

Tried and would not activate.

Device Not Supported
Sorry, your TV provider doesn’t support HBO GO on this device

 

No go here.



This is with my Tivo Premiere XL4

 

The FCC CableCard mandate only includes linear channels, not VOD, but when the Roku app comes out of Beta, Comcast becomes exempt from the CableCard mandate altogether.

Another observation: if you've been able to avoid paying Comcast's $10 HD fee, the Roku app will only get SD channels, even though your TiVo will tune HD channels. If you do pay the HD fee the Roku will receive HD and SD channels. I haven't looked at what Comcast VOD you can get with the Roku.

 

I'm real interested in the details of the last post. The only reason I would consider buying a ROKU would be to continue getting HD content on VOD, but I have to ask is it only HBO or any of the premium channels you currently subscribe to that you'd have access to?

 

This is interesting, can you explain further? Thanks!

 

Chicago seems to be where Comcast "tests" things first. When they were moving to MPEG4 Chicago was the first I think, they did NBC, my HD recordings went from 7-8GB per hour to under 2GB per hour. I checked here, most still reported NBC was MPEG2 and still 7-8GB at the time. Most channels are MPEG4 now in Chicago and I think only one 1080i left, CBS, it is one of the few MPEG2 stations left. Now the VOD going away on June 26th I think, at least in Chicago. But even worse, if you try to order new service you can no longer order digital starter, the 140 channel package with a DVR. They have a "new" package with 120 or so channels and I think it is strictly IPTV. I don't THINK you can order new service with a cable card or even hard drive type Comcast DVR. A relative who took a 2 year cable card/Tivo "digital starter" package has been getting offers to "upgrade" to X1. The no cable card type, ie no more Tivo. So we shall see, as I said I think Chicago first for Comcast testing, wonder if my relative's 2 year package will hold up, I think any cable card device with Comcast will be gone fairly soon, maybe less than 2 years, maybe sooner. I would not be buying any lifetime cable only Tivos if I was a Comcast customer.....................

 

Give me a minute, I'll look it up (I should bookmark it). The CableCARD mandate starts by saying that if a cable company makes their programming available on a customer-owned device not sold by the cable company without use of a CableCARD they don't have to support or issue cable cards, they're completely exempt from the requirement. I interpret the Roku beta as potentially meeting that requirement.

Edit: OK, the interesting language is in 47 CFR, par 76.1204, titled "Availability of equipment performing conditional access or security functions."

The first paragraph in this regulation is the "CableCARD mandate."

(a)
(1) A multichannel video programming distributor that utilizes Navigation Devices to perform conditional access functions shall make available equipment that incorporates only the conditional access functions of such devices.
​

The second paragraph provides the means for a waiver:

(2) The foregoing requirement shall not apply to a multichannel video programming distributor that supports the active use by subscribers of Navigation Devices that:

(i) Operate throughout the continental United States, and
(ii) Are available from retail outlets and other vendors throughout the United States that are not affiliated with the owner or operator of the multichannel video programming system.​

If you're into it, the detailed requirements for CableCARD support appear in the next section, 47 CFR par 76.1205, CableCARD support (which begins by saying in essence, if you're subject to 1204, here are more details about how you need to make it easy for a customer to obtain and use cableCARDs). Also dictates a discount for renting just a cableCARD if the subscription fee normally provides a STB.

 

We're neighbors. ;-)

 

To be absolutely clear, that is by channel, or by show.. Some things DO/did let you FF/REW in VOD. Even past commercials. (The latency is so bad it's a pain to use.) A&E is one I seem to remember you COULD FF, even past commercials.

Though there also were bugs.. on some network shows, it seems like you could FF at the VERY beginning, even past commercials.. but it would kick you out of VOD or not work the next time you tried to VOD (telling you the normal FF not supported message).

 

Umm, ads already can't be skipped on a LARGE portion (e.g. broadcast network shows) of shows.. yes, I did post another message here about some shows that do let you skip ads.

again, I am not happy either, and I *do/did* use it mostly for a preempted/delayed/etc. show (I wish it also had Jeopardy!, one of the few shows that IS preempted/moved a lot)... just trying to correct the situation a bit.

 

HBO Go Airplayed to an Apple TV.. (or did they turn off AirPlay)?

 

Really? This person made people go on a wild goose chase? ME TOO. Come on...

So if any of you believe that there will be a replacement "soon", I got a bridge for you.

When I got my Tivo years ago and they went to the "new" XOD interface, the PG UP/DN did not do a back or forth 5 minute skip, like the Comcast boxes always did for years. I talked to L2 support and they did report it to L3, but it was between Tivo and Comcast. Anyway it was useless. Nothing got done. I never found out if their interface was dropping out the remote code or what (as if it matters, but that was one of my theories). Such A SIMPLE thing to find and fix (former programmer here).

So I am not happy about this either. I use it in emergencies (maybe like when the Guide F's up or live event delays, etc) or just to troll around HBO and the free movies.

BOO-HOO.

PS...and if anyone thinks they can get Comcast to listen to you, they will first have to find the department you could complain to WHICH DOES NOT EXIST...

Oh, I should also say that people who have TV's that can support Screen Mirroring from their phone, well they are lucky. Now that would work.

 

Not true in all areas, we don't pay the fee here and get all HD.