Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) in a move expected to find widespread acceptance by Roku video box owners, has announced that it will allow Time Warner Inc (NYSE:TWX) HBO streaming along with Showtime.
The announcement reflects initial success in the long-drawn talks between the country’s largest pay TV services provider and Roku gadget users. On Monday, a filing before the Federal Communications Commission revealed that a deal was finalized between both parties as of November 25.
SEC filing reveals deal
Analysis of the filing implies that Comcast will authenticate HBO Go as well as Showtime Anytime apps for Roku’s video streaming boxes. Therefore, the deal is expected to allow subscribers of Comcast to be able to watch HBO as well as Showtime via Web-based Roku box. However, there is no exact date notified for commencement of these app streaming services.
For Roku, it is critical that it forges good relationship with the country’s largest video streaming and Pay TV service provider.
Why is Comcast important for Roku?
Roku, which is part of the present breed of competitors such as gadgets-based service providers Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) or Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) or Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN) is looking for a bigger debut on the scene.
Industry insiders reveal that Roku is keen to offer a public offering anytime in 2015.
As app-based video streaming becomes the mainstream services for home and retail entertainment, Roku is fledging hopes to enter the competitive space already occupied by big players- Apple Inc, and Google’s TV and other web-based streaming services.
For Roku, as a smaller player in the potentially-global reach of such services, the best option open to enter the competitive sphere is to bundle itself with bigger service provider in the traditional line such as Comcast services.
But there are questions raised on Comcast’s selective blocking of video streaming services such as Roku and Amazon Fire TV for viewing HBO programs.
