[mythtv-users] Comcast Equipment Update

[Michael T. Dean]

On 09/09/2016 01:45 PM, Michael T. Dean wrote:
> On 09/09/2016 11:51 AM, Tom Bongiorno wrote:
>> It will be interesting to see what finally comes out of the open set 
>> top box initiative of the FCC. My guess is that set top boxes may be 
>> phased out in favor of apps that run on your favorite streaming device.
> ...
>> At least there will be no set top box rentals.
>
> Exactly.  You'll be able to celebrate your/the FCC's victory over the 
> evil cable monopolies when you get a bill that no longer charges you a 
> STB rental fee.  Of course, that bill will probably be for the same 
> amount as before due to "increased licensing costs" raising the rates 
> for your subscription and/or (just a guess here--not based on any 
> information or rumors) the "app access fee"*** they'll be charging...
>
> "How many devices will you use to access your TV service?"
> "4 iphones, 2 ipads, 3 Rokus, and a smart TV."
> "OK, the app access fee is $4/device/month, but we give you one device 
> for free, so that's $36/mo.  And don't forget to deregister your old 
> iphones when you upgrade or the new one will be another $4/mo."
>
> Wait a minute... Does it seem like the cable companies could contort 
> this idea to make them even more money than STB rentals, or am I just 
> being foolish?
>
> Mike
>
> *** Of course, their marketing geniuses will be able to come up with 
> better words for it... Something that makes you (or at least most of 
> their customers) feel good about it.

Well, the FCC's initiative may have failed, but it seems that Comcast 
was inspired by the FCC's idea.

http://corporate.comcast.com/comcast-voices/xfinity-tv-app-for-roku-devices-begins-beta-trial

They're offering a beta of their Roku app for their customers, allowing 
them to use the Roku to access their cable TV service.

Note, too, their FAQ:

https://customer.xfinity.com/help-and-support/xfinity-apps/xfinity-tv-app-on-roku-faqs
-----
Is there a charge for using the XFINITY TV Beta app on Roku?
Customers will not pay equipment charges with respect to their use of 
Roku devices. All other fees associated with a customer's service will 
apply, except that, during the Beta trial, additional outlet charges for 
services to outlets connected to Roku devices are being waived. On 
conclusion of the trial, you will be informed of the charges that will 
apply for connecting this device with your XFINITY TV service and will 
have the opportunity to opt in.
-----

So, you won't have to pay any STB rental fee/hardware fee!  However, 
there will be a fee to connect the device to your service.  The amount 
of the fee will be announced at some time in the future.

Corporate America is so predictable.  Or is it just the cable industry?

Then again, my prediction wasn't fully correct.  Since the FCC's 
initiative failed, you'll still get to pay an STB fee, as well as the 
Roku "app" access fee:
-----
What is required to use the XFINITY TV Beta app on Roku?
To use the XFINITY TV Beta app on Roku, you must currently subscribe to 
XFINITY TV and XFINITY Internet service, have at least one 
Comcast-provided TV box, a CableCARD and have a compatible IP gateway in 
your home. ...
-----

So, best of all possible worlds for Comcast.  Force users to pay for an 
STB (or CableCard) rental and charge them an app fee for Rokus (and, 
eventually, maybe for each iPhone, iPad, Android, ...).

Mike

(Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but just thought of the thread when I 
saw the announcement from Comcast.)