How to move from Xfinity XB7 to XB8 Gateway.

How to move from Xfinity XB7 to XB8 Gateway.

It’s easy. Move the Coax cable from XB7 to XB8. Add power to XB8. In the Xfinity App, choose to Activate xFi Gateway. Follow the steps including, Scan the QR code at the bottom of the XB8.

You will also have an opportunity to copy over your existing Username and Password.

Setting up Comcast Xfinity Voice Remote

When setting up a new Comcast Xfinity Voice Remote, the instructions tell you to hold XFINITY and INFO for 5 seconds until the RED light TURNS GREEN.

What it should say is, “Hold the XFINITY and INFO for about 5-6 seconds until the RED light CHANGES TO BLINKING GREEN."

Cutting the Cord 2021: How to Live Stream Local TV Stations

I'll be cutting the cord in 2021 and am researching How to Live Stream Local TV Stations on my Android TV.

My local stations are ABC, CBS, NBC, 7 News, NECN, and Fox 25. I'd also like HGTV. ;-)

Here are the options that I am considering and will update this post as I learn more about each option.

Note: This is a working document with changes and updates being made as I do more research and talk with some of the providers. Please look at the provider's site to see CURRENT plans and rules. I need to determine if I would be getting LOCAL news with each package too.

I will probably be getting an Internet package from Xfinity.

1. Digital Antenna

ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox.

2. YouTube TV $64.99/month

ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, HGTV.

3. Hulu + Live TV $64.99/month

ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, HGTV.

4. Tubi TV FREE

Fox local depending on where you live

5. Philo $30.00/month

HGTV

6. Sling $30/month

HGTV

7. Pluto TV Free

CBSN, CNN, NBC News Now, Sky News

8. Locast Free

ABC, CBS, NBC, 7 News, and Fox 25.

9. Xfinity Flex + Limited Basic/Choice 10+ TV $30/month 

ABC, CBS, NBC, 7 News, NECN, Fox 25, and PBS.

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. New residential customers only. Limited to Choice Limited TV. Equipment, installation, taxes and fees, Broadcast TV Fee (up to $19.45/mo.), Regional Sports Fee (up to $14.45/mo.) and other applicable charges extra. Pricing subject to change. Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. Limited Basic service subscription required to receive other levels of service. On Demand selections subject to charge indicated at time of purchase. Not all programming available in all areas. 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee applies to one month’s recurring service and standard installation charges up to $500. ©2021 Comcast. All rights reserved.

(Add 100 Mbps Internet - Total $54.99/month)

Limited time offer. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. New residential customers only. Limited to Choice Double Play. Offer requires enrollment in both automatic payments and paperless billing. Must enroll within 30 days of placing the order. Without enrollment, the monthly service charge automatically increases by $10. The automatic payment and paperless billing discount is for a period of 24 months and will appear on the bill within 30 days of enrolling. If either automatic payments or paperless billing are subsequently cancelled during the 24-month term, or services are reduced to Xfinity TV Limited Basic service only, the $10 monthly discount will be removed automatically. Kit offer for kit serviceable locations only. Limit one kit per customer. Equipment, installation, taxes and fees, Broadcast TV Fee (up to $19.45/mo.), Regional Sports Fee (up to $14.45/mo.) and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after the promo. After promo, or if any service is cancelled or downgraded, regular rates apply. Comcast's monthly service charge for Choice Double Play is $89.99 and for upgrading from Performance Internet to Performance Pro Internet service is $15.00 more per month (subject to change). Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. TV: Limited Basic service subscription required to receive other levels of service. On Demand selections subject to charge indicated at time of purchase. Not all programming available in all areas. Internet: Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. For factors affecting speed visit www.xfinity.com/networkmanagement. 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee applies to one month’s recurring service and standard installation charges up to $500. ©2021 Comcast. All rights reserved.

10. Xfinity Flex + Preferred 220+ TV  $69/month

ABC, CBS, NBC, 7 News, NECN, Fox 25, HGTV, and PBS.

Limited time offer. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. New residential customers only. Limited to Digital Preferred. Offer requires enrollment in both automatic payments and paperless billing. Must enroll within 30 days of placing the order. Without enrollment, the monthly service charge automatically increases by $10. The automatic payment and paperless billing discount is for a period of 24 months and will appear on the bill within 30 days of enrolling. If either automatic payments or paperless billing are subsequently cancelled during the 24-month term, or services are reduced to Xfinity TV Limited Basic service only, the $10 monthly discount will be removed automatically. Kit offer for kit serviceable locations only. Limit one kit per customer. Equipment, installation, taxes and fees, Broadcast TV Fee (up to $19.45/mo.), Regional Sports Fee (up to $14.45/mo.) and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after the promo. After promo, or if any service is cancelled or downgraded, regular rates apply. Comcast's monthly service charge for Digital Preferred, ranges based on area, from $76.70 to $85.20 (subject to change). Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. Limited Basic service subscription required to receive other levels of service. On Demand selections subject to charge indicated at time of purchase. Not all programming available in all areas. 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee applies to one month’s recurring service and standard installation charges up to $500. ©2021 Comcast. All rights reserved.

Additionally, I am researching the iOS news apps for the local stations. 

11. Don't Cut the Cord:

Xfinity Flex + Select + 205 + TV + Internet up to 300 Mbps $89.99/month

ABC, CBS, NBC, 7 News, NECN, Fox 25, HGTV, and PBS. Plus more including AMC, BBC America, BBC World News, Bravo, CNN, CNBC, ESPN, Food, NESN, SYFY, and lots more cable channels...

Requires xFi Gateway

Available for $14/mo at checkout.

• A modem + router in one that delivers our best home WiFi experience, xFi
• Reliably fast speeds, consistent coverage, 24/7 tech support
• FREE Advanced Security helps protect connected devices from online threats

First TV Box

$7.5/mo

Additional TV Box

$7.5/mo

Cloud DVR Service

Included when you get an X1 TV Box

Limited time offer. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. New residential customers only. Limited to Select+. Offer requires enrollment in both automatic payments and paperless billing. Must enroll within 30 days of placing the order. Without enrollment, the monthly service charge automatically increases by $10. The automatic payment and paperless billing discount is for a period of 24 months and will appear on the bill within 30 days of enrolling. If either automatic payments or paperless billing are subsequently cancelled during the 24-month term, or services are reduced to Xfinity TV Limited Basic service only, the $10 monthly discount will be removed automatically. 2-year minimum term agreement required. Early termination fee applies if all Xfinity services are cancelled during the agreement term. Kit offer for kit serviceable locations only. Limit one kit per customer. Equipment, installation, taxes and fees, Broadcast TV Fee (up to $19.45/mo.), Regional Sports Fee (up to $14.45/mo.) and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after the term agreement. After first 12 months, monthly service charge for Select+ increases to $109.99 per month for months 13-24. After term agreement, or if any service is cancelled or downgraded, regular rates apply (subject to change). Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. TV: Limited Basic service subscription required to receive other levels of service. On Demand selections subject to charge indicated at time of purchase. Not all programming available in all areas. Internet: Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. For factors affecting speed visit www.xfinity.com/networkmanagement. 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee applies to one month’s recurring service and standard installation charges up to $500. ©2021 Comcast. All rights reserved.

89.99

14.00

7.50

7.50

------

118.99

=====

Equipment, installation, taxes and fees, Broadcast TV Fee (up to $19.45/mo.), Regional Sports Fee (up to $14.45/mo.) and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after the term agreement.

12. Fubo.tv $64.99/month

ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX 25, HGTV, and PBS.

HOW TO: Use Xfinity xFi Gateway with Orbi Mesh Router and Satellites in AP (Access Point) Mode

Xfinity xFi Features with Orbi

I've had the Orbi mesh WiFi system for a long time, and up until now, the only way to use it on an Xfinity network, as far I knew, was to put the Xfinity Gateway into Bridge Mode. By doing that, you loose many of the neat Xfinity network management and virus protection features. 

But now I've found a way to Put the Netgear Orbi into AP (Access Point) mode. 

Note: You loose some Orbi features by doing this. 

From a web browser, you go to orbilogin.net and then go to ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Router/AP Mode, and SELECT the AP Mode radio button.

After that, Reboot the Gateway, then, from a computer connected the the Xfinity Gateway, via a hardwired cable, Go to 10.0.0.1 in a browser, Login to the Xfinity Admin page, and DISABLE Bridge Mode.

Then, reboot all your Orbi's. 

After a while everything will come back. If your speed does not improve, reboot the Gateway.

Results:

First test on Fast.com was 100 Mbps, and that still wasn't right, so I rebooted the Gateway, and when it came back up, I was at 270 Mbps down, 37 Mbps up. 

That was better. 

Now I had the Orbi's using AP (Access Point) mode. The Xfinity iPhone App worked too. I also had my laptop computer directly connected to the Xfinity Gateway.

I also found xfinity.com/myxfi which showed me:

Gateway Test:

Plan Speed: 1,000 Mbps

Speed to Gateway 1,074,3 Mbps

Upload Speed 41.5 Mbps

Latency 9 ms

Test Speed to this device:

Download speed: 477.1 Mbps

Upload Speed: 37.9 Mbps

Latency: 11 ms

Protocol: IPv6

Host: Boston, MA

Speed Test Lookup Device

My MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2011) Expected WiFi Speed is 150-500 Mbps.

I'm going to be getting a new MacBook Air, depending on what is released on November 10th. I think that will help. ;-)

Internet Cable:

I looked up speed ratings on Internet cables and found how the categories of cables are rated:

Category	Max speed transmission	Max bandwidth
Cat 5	100 Mbps	100 MHz
Cat 5e	1,000 Mbps	100 MHz
Cat 6	1,000 Mbps	250 MHz
Cat 6a	10,000 Mbps	500 MHz

I had a Cat 5 cable, so I switched to a "Cat 7", which is listed at 10,000 Mbps, and is shielded. I think Cat 6, rated at 1,000 Mbps would be enough.

Here's the Fast.com speed test, with the "Cat 7" cable:

Download speed: 280 Mbps

Upload Speed: 36 Mbps

Latency: 9 ms

Xfinity.com Test Speed to this device:

Download speed: 752.2 Mbps

Speed test from Xfinity iPhone App:

Speed test to iPhone 11 Pro Max: 

Download Speed 177.9 Mbps

At what speed and bandwidth can my Orbi system transmit data?

The Orbi WiFi System’s Tri-band WiFi technology includes a dedicated 5 GHz (866 Mbps) band for communication between an Orbi router and satellite. The remaining WiFi bands are used to connect devices to your Orbi system.

The performance you experience depends on the devices, WiFi interference, and the construction materials in your home. In most circumstances, you can expect the following speeds:

• Up to 400 Mbps for older devices that support 2.4 GHz and 256 QAM
• Up to 866 Mbps for newer devices that support 5 GHz and 802.11 ac

Conclusion:

I think I'm on the right track, and am glad to have the Xfinity network management featured available. 

Update:

I presented at a conference and got good upload and download speeds, 429/33.

Update 11/7/20:

Now getting download speeds of 270/450/510/540/260

Review: Xfinity xFi Pods increased my dead spot coverage, but decreased overall speed

When I upgraded to the new Xfinity xFi Gateway (3rd Generation), the WiFi speeds in my house increased in speed and range.

There were a few 'dead spots' that needed a boost, so I got a 3-pack of Xfinity XFi pods to test, to see if they could help increase speed to those areas that were farthest away from my Xfinity gateway.



Setup was easy. The xFi smartphone app guides you through placement of hte xFi pods, and automatically recognizes them as you go from room to room to install them. The app allows you to add a descriptive name to help you monitor each xFi pod after installation.

My first test installed xFi Pods in the Livingroom, Kitchen, and Den, all are one floor below the Xfinity xFi Gateway (3rd Generation). For my second test, I removed the Livingroom xFi pod and moved it to the third floor bedroom, to be closer to the Xfinity xFi Gateway (3rd Generation). When researching online, I read that the WiFi signal hops from one xFi pod to the other, so having one on the third floor closer to the modem improved my performance.

In my testing, I found that although the xFi pods did increase the speed available at the farthest point from my modem, they decreased the speed in the rooms that are closer to the modem.



xFi Pods Frequently Asked Questions:

Pods will not exceed the maximum provisioned speed of your Xfinity Internet tier of service. Pods have a maximum throughput of 200 Mbps over a WiFi connection in laboratory settings. Other factors can affect speeds.

SPEED TESTS:

CONFIGURATION Prior to xFi Pod Installation

LIVINGROOM
Xfinity xFi Gateway 3rd Generation 120 Mbps

KITCHEN
Xfinity xFi Gateway 3rd Generation 100/110 Mbps

DEN
Xfinity xFi Gateway 3rd Generation 100 Mbps

FRONT DOOR
Xfinity xFi Gateway 3rd Generation 23 Mbps


xFi CONFIGURATION #1

LIVINGROOM
xFi Pod Livingroom 66/78 Mbps

KITCHEN
xFi Pod Kitchen 85/48/24 Mbps

DEN
xFi Pod Den 60/38/38/31/81 Mbps

FRONT DOOR
16/12 Mbps


xFi CONFIGURATION #2

BEDROOM
xFi Pod Bedroom 290 Mbps

KITCHEN
xFi Pod Kitchen 51 Mbps

DEN
xFi Pod Den 85 Mbps

FRONT DOOR
65 Mbps

How To: Getting Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube and CBS All Access on Sony Android TV

I'm planning for the imminent installation of my SONY A9G Master SERIES OLED 4K ULTRA HD HDR 65” TV.

Here's how to get Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube and CBS All Access through the Android TV apps on the TV. HBO and Starz will be through Comcast Xfinity, and Apple TV+ will be through my Apple TV box.

Over time the majority of these apps will be available via the Comcast Xfinity X1 box, and not require separate apps.



NETFLIX
Some of the Netflix ready devices include a NETFLIX button on the supplied remote that can be used to launch the app. If the remote for your Netflix ready device doesn't include a NETFLIX button, the app can be accessed by pressing the HOME button, and then navigating to the Netflix app. I am subscribing to Netflix through a Comcast Xfinity package.

AMAZON PRIME VIDEO
The Android TV™ supports 4K streaming of the Amazon® Instant Video app. To enjoy 4K streaming of the Amazon Instant Video app, download and install the latest software update for the Android TV. Amazon Prime Video is included with Amazon Prime.

HULU
There is one Hulu app on all of our Android TVs. The service you receive will depend on your Hulu subscription plan. I am paying for Hulu without commercial.

Disney+
The Disney+ Android app can be installed from Google Play™ Store or Sony Select on your Android TV. I bought a three year subscription to Disney+.

YouTube
You can play 4K movies on the YouTube® app with a compatible Android TV™. Free.

CBS ALL ACCESS
If you own an Android TV you can use the official CBS All Access app from the Google Play Store. I will be subscribing through the CBS All Access app.

COMCAST Xfinity Box
- HBO
- STARZ

Note: To make things easier, bundled in with the Comcast Xfinity interface, you can also get these streaming services via the X1 box:
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video
- YouTube

Coming Soon:
- Hulu
- CBS All Access

APPLE TV Box
- Apple TV+

More:
Setup and Troubleshooting Video Streaming Services
This page provides common Setup and Troubleshooting information for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and YouTube.

I’m reverse-cord-cutting, saving $20.94/month

I’m reverse-cord-cutting, saving $20.94/month.

XFINITY with NETFLIX included.



I just signed up for a new Xfinity plan where Netflix is included.

No more monthly payments to NETFLIX for their Standard plan with HD quality, saving $12.99/month.

REMOVE Cable card

Just removed the monthly fee of $7.95 for my Xfinity cable card that was supporting my Tivo.

I've switched over to Xfinity X1 as my DVR.

Goodbye TiVo. It was nice.

You don't need a cable card to watch your recorded programs.



One thing that kept me from getting rid of TiVo was the accumulation of unwatched shows I have on there. Good shows.

So after watching our last, TiVi recorded, must see episode of that lawyer show Carol likes, and confirming that a good amount of the other shows are available ON DEMAND at Xfinity, I canceled the cable card.

I removed the cable card to drop it off at an Xfinity store. The TiVo then said, "Hey. You removed my cable card! How are you going to watch TV?"

The TiVo then asked me how I wanted to proceed, so I selected to get my program information from the INTERNET, and my TV SOURCE would be from an OVER THE AIR ANTENNA.

The TiVo then scanned for available stations, and downloaded program information for those that it found.

NOTE: I don't have an antenna, and I'm not going to get one.

After TiVo did all this, I clicked over to my recorded programs and they were still there, and I have access to them.

So the answer to the question is: YOU DON'T NEED A CABLE CARD TO WATCH YOUR RECORDED PROGRAMS.

Extending Xfinity Gigabit Internet Wi-Fi with Netgear Orbi

I just installed Xfinity Gigabit Internet at home. Disclosure: Upgrade cost for me is $17/month, difference between Blast! and Gigabit Internet today, covered by Xfinity for one year trial.

Brought this old school desk up from the basement to be a platform for my new @xfinity xFi Gateway, along with my @netgear #orbi and @amazon #Echo #Dot. #ad

A post shared by Steve Garfield (@stevegarfield) on Sep 20, 2017 at 11:59am PDT

Initial wired speed tests show a big difference. 700 Mbps DOWN, 41 Mbps Up.


Image: Speed Test Results

Results vary depending on your hardware configuration. I have a MacBook Air circa 2011, which I am told cannot support 1 Gig speeds, with a Thunderbolt monitor that has a gigabit ethernet port.

The new modem comes with WiFi built in. I compared it's 5G network to extending the Wi-Fi with the Netgear Orbi System. (Orbi - Two free review units, one purchased)

Here's my earlier review of the Orbi system, Review: Installing Orbi Home WiFi System by NETGEAR, and one of it's competitors eero, eero 2nd Generation installation at Loring Greenough House.

Wi-Fi SPEED TESTS:

OFFICE - 3rd Floor
ORBI (Wired Base orbi) 420 Mbps
Xfinity 5G (Modem sits here) 420 Mbps

LIVING ROOM - 2nd Floor
ORBI 210 Mbps
Xfinity 5G 170 Mbps

KITCHEN - 2nd Floor
ORBI (Wi-Fi Satellite Orbi) 310 Mbps
Xfinity 5G 86 Mbps

DEN - 2nd Floor
ORBI (WiFi Satellite Orbi) 330 Mbps
Xfinity 5G 120 Mbps

FRONT DOOR - 1st Floor
ORBI 250 Mbps
Xfinity 5G 26 Mbps

The new Xfinity Gigabit Internet modem/router coverage is impressive.

In Boston, a current 3 or 2 product customer could get it added to their current suite of services for an additional $15-30/month depending on their package or if they were Internet only it’s $79.99/month for 24 months.

Read more here: Comcast Introduces Gigabit Internet Service in Boston.

New and current customers can visit Xfinity.com/gig to learn about the new service and request additional information.

Later this year Xfinity will be coming out with their own mesh network, Comcast is trying to get in on the mesh router hype

Later this year, Comcast will put out mesh-creating “Wi-Fi pods” that were designed in collaboration with Plume. These pods will plug into customers’ home power sockets and auto-configure to the network, similar to how Plume’s own product works.

XFINITY TV anywhere in your home via WiFi

Xi5-P allows you to put XFINITY TV anywhere in your home via WiFi, without a a cable connection. Powered by USB-C and connects to TV via HDMI. Supports High Dynamic Range (HDR), but not 4K/UltraHD, that will come in a future device.

Requirements: "To have a Wireless TV box in your home, you'll need XFINITY TV service, at least one additional X1 TV box to act as the primary X1 device on your account and XFINITY Internet with a Wireless Gateway 3 (with RDK-B firmware) to stream video over the Xi5's WiFi connection."

Update: This mini box currently has a $9.95 monthly charge.

Xi5 TV Box FAQ

Xfinity Customers: Restart your Modems, Test your Speed

Speed Test from XFINITY®

Yup, 176 Mbps download speed is fast. Thanks Xfinity!



Earlier: Comcast adds faster Internet:

To keep pace with customer demands for faster Internet speeds, Comcast is boosting its most popular 50 megabits-per-second Internet plan to 75 megabits-per-second at no added charge – and adding a new speed level, 150 megabits-per-second...

How to Fix: Comcast Xfinity TV Go Video Loading Adobe Flash Problem

It's cool that you can watch live video via Xfinity TV Go, but sometimes the videos don't play, and you're stuck on a VIDEO LOADING page.

You might have brought this on yourself by changing a setting in Google Chrome that keeps videos from automatically playing.

You thought it was a good idea at the time, because it sped up the browser, but then when you wanted to watch some live video, you had NO IDEA how to make it work.

I went over to the ADOBE web site, looked around at a message board where a lot of people were complaining, some even saying to DELETE Chrome and reinstall.

Well, sometimes that works, and in this case it probably would, by resetting all the settings, but I figured out how to get videos to play again on Xfinity TV Go, but just changing one setting in my browser settings...

Hope this can work for you.

Here's how I did it.

Here you are seeing 'LOADING VIDEO...'



CLICK THE 'TOP RIGHT MENU ICON'
SELECT 'SETTINGS'



UNDER PRIVACY
CLICK 'CONTENT SETTINGS'



UNDER PLUGINS
CLICK 'RUN AUTOMATICALLY'

The Comcast Xfinity TV App doesn't work with a Comcast DVR with the TiVo Upgrade

Photo Courtesy Comcast: The Comcast Xfinity TV App

The Comcast Xfinity TV App doesn't work with a Comcast DVR with the TiVo Upgrade.


Comcast DVR with the TiVo Upgrade

You'd think that early adopters of an advanced user interface would get Xfinity iPad/iPhone App support.

You can schedule recordings online for the Comcast DVR with the TiVo Upgrade. What's the difference between using the Comcast Xfinity TV App?

Customer support told me that I'd have to downgrade my Comcast DVR, removing the TiVo Upgrade to allow the Comcast Xfinity TV App to work.

Seems like a programming issue to me.

Can I get some clarification? A timetable?

TWITTER UPDATE:

When will it work with TiVo? Thanks. RT @ComcastBill: @stevegarfield Correct it does not work with Tivoless than a minute ago via Tweetie for MacSteve Garfield
stevegarfield

@stevegarfield I can honestly say I'm not sure.less than a minute ago via TweetDeckComcastBill
ComcastBill

Comcast Chat:

Ashley > Is there anything else that I can help you with?
Steve_ > when will Xfinity TV App work with a Comcast DVR with the TiVo Upgrade
Ashley > Let me check on this.
Ashley > You may check this link www.xfinitytv.com for updates.
Ashley > I apologize but there's no update yet here.
Steve_ > Please find out and email me the status. Is thre a timeframe? Are people wrking on this?
Steve_ > Please do some research and get back to me rather than asking me to check the website.
Ashley > Please wait, I am checking this further.
Ashley > You may check is it is available now on your area by checking fancast.com/mydvr
Steve_ > No. It is available in my area. It just doesn't work with the Comcast DVR that's been upgraded with TiVo interface.
Ashley > Oh, I am sorry to know that.
Ashley > You may swap your cable box Steve.
Steve_ > Can you pass this along to someone who can answer me and email me back?
Steve_ > No. The BOX is not the problem.
Steve_ > Please, the box is fine. It's the TiVo upgrade that is the problem.
Ashley > Sure! You can send an email here http://www.comcast.com/Corporate/Customers/contactus/ContactUs.html
Steve_ > I want a timeframe whe Xfininity app will be supported on Comcast TiVo DVR.
Ashley > This is within 2 to 3 months.
Ashley > Is there anything else that I can help you with?
Ashley > It has been my pleasure to have assisted you today . I'm happy you contacted Comcast.