Xumo, Comcast and Charter’s Streaming Venture, Launches Boxes on Spectrum With Xfinity Internet to Follow
04.10.2023 - 23:27
/ variety.com
Todd Spangler NY Digital Editor Can Xumo help cable companies grab a new foothold in the streaming space? Xumo — the joint venture of Comcast and Charter Communications, the two biggest cable operators in the U.S. — is launching its first streaming set-top boxes for new video customers of Charter’s Spectrum this week. The partners say they plan to bring it to Comcast’s Xfinity Internet customers “soon.” The JV, which the companies formed in 2022, was established to build out “an entire entertainment ecosystem” that includes streaming devices, content and a platform for media and advertising partners.
New Spectrum video customers will get one free Xumo Stream Box per Spectrum household for 12 months. After that, they can either pay $60 for an outright purchase of the device, or lease it for $5/month. Existing Spectrum TV subscribers can also buy or lease a Xumo box for the same terms.
While Charter is positioning the Xumo box as a cord-cutter deterrent — as a value-add to its cable TV offering — Comcast is looking to use it as a way to enhance the value of its consumer broadband service. Comcast will offer the device at no additional monthly cost to Xfinity Internet customers as part of their service. The Xumo Stream Box will replace Comcast’s Flex streaming device; customers also will be able to sign up for (and watch) the operator’s $20/month Now TV package via the Xumo box.
The Xumo Stream Box is powered by Comcast’s Entertainment Operating System. On startup, customers will see live video playing from the device’s primary video service app such as Spectrum TV, Xfinity Stream or Xumo Play. The interface includes a built-in channel guide designed to make browsing through subscribed channels simple.
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