Posted Wed Apr 20, 2016 at 05:30 PM PDT by Steven Cohen
Customers will soon be able to access their Xfinity TV service without a cable box.
Comcast has announced the launch of the Xfinity TV Partner Program. Using open standard technologies, the program aims to expand the Xfinity TV service beyond standard set-top boxes, allowing users to view their cable subscription directly through smart TVs and other IP-enabled devices. Initial partners in the program include Samsung and Roku.
"Samsung is excited to collaborate with Comcast in new and innovative ways to deliver content into the homes of our customers," said Won Jin Lee, Executive Vice President, Samsung Electronics. "Samsung is focused on delivering the highest quality experience to our consumers while providing them with a variety of choices to access their favorite content. This year, with our new Smart TV interface, it’s easier than ever for Comcast subscribers to find and enjoy their favorite TV shows, movies and on demand services."
With the Xfinity TV Partner app for 2016 Samsung Smart TVs, Comcast subscribers will soon be able to watch their cable service directly through their TVs without the need to lease a separate box. Likewise, a version of the app is also set to launch on Roku TVs and streaming media players. The apps will use Comcast's Emmy Award winning guide to offer access to live and on demand programming, including local broadcast content, cable and premium networks, Educational and Governmental (PEG) channels, and cloud DVR recordings.
"Roku customers enjoy the ability to access their pay TV subscription using their Roku player or Roku TV without the need to lease a set-top box. These types of channels are very popular on Roku and offer a lot of convenience to our customers," said Steve Shannon, GM of Content at Roku. "Comcast is one of the most popular pay TV operators in the U.S. and since many Roku customers are also Xfinity subscribers we believe the new Xfinity channel will be very popular when it launches this fall."
An exact release date for the Xfinity TV Partner App has not been announced yet.
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