Spectrum customers in NY: New streaming devices coming. How they could save you money

Emily Barnes, New York State Team
·2 min read

Attention Spectrum TV customers: Your digital cable boxes are getting an upgrade, and it could be cheaper than your current Spectrum set-up.

The Xumo Stream Box, which will become Spectrum's primary video device, is a joint venture between Charter Communications and Comcast bringing customers access to live, on-demand or streaming content, Charter Communications announced Wednesday.

"Xumo is streaming simplified, bringing a live TV experience together with all the top apps," says president of product and technology for Charter, Rich DiGeronimo. Customers will have access to an aggregated search across apps, and curated content offerings based on the customer's interests and subscriptions, he added.

Spectrum TV customers can now purchase the Xumo Stream Box, which will become Spectrum's primary video device.
Spectrum TV customers can now purchase the Xumo Stream Box, which will become Spectrum's primary video device.

What the Xumo Stream Box includes

In addition to the video lineup based on the type of service you're currently subscribed to, the Xumo device includes access to more than 250 apps and free ad-supported TV apps, like Apple TV+, Disney+, Hulu, Max, MLB.TV, Netflix, Paramount+, Peacock, Pluto, Amazon Prime Video, Tubi and Xumo Play.

The device includes a voice-controlled remote and can be taken with you when you travel but can only be used on one TV at a time.

The Xumo Stream Box includes a voice-controlled remote and customers can purchase up to four devices per transaction.
The Xumo Stream Box includes a voice-controlled remote and customers can purchase up to four devices per transaction.

How much could you save switching to a Xumo device?

You can purchase the Xumo device for $60 outright or a $5 per month equipment installment plan for 12 months.

A typical "set-top" cable box from Spectrum costs $10.99 per month (on top of cable and internet costs.) For example, a customer with two set-top boxes may pay around $22 per month, whereas someone with two Xumo boxes might pay $120 up front for the boxes themselves, without a monthly cost.

Non-Spectrum customers can get Spectrum Internet for $49.99 per month, plus free Xumo for the first year if they add Spectrum TV.

Here's how to make the switch

In order to purchase a Xumo Stream Box, you must be a Spectrum Internet customer. Current Spectrum video customers can return or exchange their set-top box if they intend on replacing it with a Xumo device.

The devices can be purchased at Spectrum stores, Spectrum.com or through calling and speaking with a Spectrum customer service representative. Up to four devices can be purchased per transaction and you can obtain more if needed.

Comcast plans to expand the offering to Xfinity customers as well.

Emily Barnes is the New York State Team consumer advocate reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Barnes at ebarnes@gannett.com or on Twitter @byemilybarnes.

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This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Spectrum TV unveils new streaming devices. They could save you money