Rumor: Xbox as Comcast, Verizon Cable Box Imminent

[Ironman273]

Rumor: Xbox as Comcast, Verizon Cable Box Imminent

Microsoft has been saying for months, for years, that they're in talks with folks at cable companies about using the Xbox 360 as a cable box, but Digiday reports today that the company is close to signing deals with Comcast and Verizon.

Citing multiple sources, digital media site Digiday reports that Microsoft is exploring a parnership with Comcast and Verizon Fios. According to one source, the Comcast and Verizon Xbox deals are "imminent," Digiday reports.

If an agreement is reached Xbox 360-owning customers would be able to subscribe to Comcast or Fios TV packages directly through their consoles without the need to install a set-top box. The deal could also lead to expanded services, programming guides and more targeted advertising.

The story also reports that separately, Microsoft is reaching out to television makers to incorporate the console in some televisions. Sony has already done something similar with the PS2.

Reached for comment Monday by Kotaku, both Verizon and Comcast declined to comment on this story.

Source: Kotaku

[Rudy]

Telus in Canada had something like that going, you could use it as an extender

[George P Global Moderator]

I know Comcast charges you for their silly boxes which, lets be honest, if you are on comcast you know that they're not that great anyways. So if you can just use your 360 then that should save you some money in the long run. Also switching out of a game and over to TV will feel better now, no need to turn off the system, change tv input, find comcast remote etc etc.

[BajiRav]

I know Comcast charges you for their silly boxes which, lets be honest, if you are on comcast you know that they're not that great anyways. So if you can just use your 360 then that should save you some money in the long run. Also switching out of a game and over to TV will feel better now, no need to turn off the system, change tv input, find comcast remote etc etc.

I think we are going to end up with at least one provider box + 360 :/ and then they will charge your $10/mo for using your own Xbox. :laugh: (not to mention XBL gold)

If this completely replaces my FiOS box, I am all for it. I sincerely doubt though.

[George P Global Moderator]

We'll have to wait and see, if you can just have the 360 and not one of their crappy boxes then it's worth it imo.

[Ironman273]

Still a rumor, but...

Bloomberg: Xbox Live getting Comcast, Verizon access; expects HBO, Crackle, Bravo, Syfy, Lovefilm, and more

by Christopher Grant on Sep 29th 2011 11:38AM

A report earlier this month said that Microsoft's upcoming "Live TV" service -- part of the Xbox 360's upcoming Dashboard refresh -- would feature pay television service from the likes of Comcast and Verizon, who have 22.5 million and 3.8 million TV subscribers, respectively. Now, the far more reputable Bloomberg is reporting the same, citing "people with knowledge of the situation."

"Microsoft [...] is in talks with almost two dozen providers of music, sports, movies and TV shows in the U.S. and Europe, and may announce an expanded Xbox Live streaming service as soon as next week, said one of the people, who weren't authorized to speak publicly," Bloomberg reports. But it's not just Comcast and Verizon. Microsoft also "expects to sign deals with Time Warner Inc. (TWX)'s HBO cable channel, Sony Pictures Entertainment's Crackle streaming service, NBC Universal's Bravo and Syfy channels and Lovefilm UK, a subsidiary of Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN)," one of Bloomberg's sources says.

Overall, Microsoft is "in talks with almost two dozen providers of music, sports, movies and TV shows in the U.S. and Europe" and it could announce the fruits of those negotiations "as soon as next week." Two of Bloomberg's sources say that existing customers of both Comcast and Verizon will only need to prove they are pay-TV customers to gain access to the services on the Xbox.

Source: Joystiq

[jerzdawg]

would Love if my xbox could be used as a box for fios (as well as a DVR)... in fact.. id buy another xbox and then return one of my cable boxes to Fios that they over charge me for each month..

[Dane]

This would be nice for some areas around here. You CANT get comcast, or any other cable provider except one, or satellite.

Where I moved from you only had a choice of one cable provider which was crap, or satellite.

You had ONE choice for home phone. Unless you had a cell phone.

[Dirk]

I would love for them to add HBO Go. I need my Deadwood and Rome fix in HD.

[akav0id]

I bet it will just be the same kind of deal that they have with 'Sky' in the UK

[DR3AMxCATCHER]

I have a cable box for my comcast and honestly if I can just get it out and put it away, I'll be happy. I rather just use an "all-in-one" but if they force you to pay for using the 360 as your cable box, I'll be very very upset. Here's to hoping and finding out.