Comcast (xfinity) streaming video support for Linux
 

So, there is currently no linux support for comcast customers that want to use their streaming video service. Bummer. Good thing is, they'll give you a credit if you call and complain about it. They gave me $20, results may vary I guess.

Here's the site with a link to their live chat:
http://www.fancast.com/help/contact-us/

Here's the transcript from my recent conversation with them:

LiveAssist Transcript

Problem : xfinity streaming - Linux

Matthew > xfinity streaming - Linux

Rico > Hello Matthew_, Thank you for contacting Comcast Live Chat Support. My name is Rico. Please give me one moment to review your information.

Rico > How are you doing today?

Matthew_ > I'm doing well thanks

Rico > Glad to hear that you are doing well Matthew, I understand that you are having trouble watching videos on fancast

Matthew_ > Actually, I'm not sure it's my trouble. I want to watch them and I don't think you support linux due to your DRM

Matthew_ > I think I should be able to watch content I pay for however I want.

Rico > Yes unfortunately, fancast is not yet watchable with a Linux operating system, due to compatibility issues, but not to worry Comcast is already working on that and it will be in the future.

Matthew_ > Well, right now, I can't use it, and I pay for it, what can you do to help me then? I want some sort of discount if I can't take advantage of the full service due to your lack of support for my OS.

Rico > I will need to pull up your account for this.

Rico > Can I have the account holder's name, phone number and account number or the last 4 of your ssn please.

Matthew_ > Sure, Matthew, blah blah blah personal info.

Rico > Great thank you for that information.

Matthew_ > Is this DRM new? I feel like I didn't have to install your bloatware before in order to watch them...

Rico > Yes that is correct Matthew, we have made some changes in the site.

Matthew_ > Only days ago...

Matthew_ > Ahhh...for the worse in my opinion.

Matthew_ > At first I was impressed, it rivals my netflix subscription. I went to watch something today and was like, wtf?

Rico > Alright Matthew, to sum things up, I have successfully applied a $20.00 credit on your account, not to worry we will be sending you a notification once we have full support for the operating system.

Rico > Rest assured that we can have you watching videos on the site as soon as possible.

Matthew_ > Any eta?

Matthew_ > And thank you also for the credit.

Rico > Unfortunately, I do not have an estimated time we would have support for the OS, but I will personally make sure that you will be notified.

Matthew_ > I see you have support for mac os w/ firefox, which isn't muuuch different.

Rico > Yes as of the moment we only have support for Mac and windows users.

Rico > But it won't be long until we have support to more operating systems

Matthew_ > Alright, thanks,

Rico > Your most welcome.

Rico > Just to make sure we have everything covered would there be anything else I can help you with?

Matthew_ > No thanks, I'm gonna post this chat on linuxquestions.org and let linux users with comcast know that you are working on this. Hopefully the more ppl contacting comcast about a credit the sooner you will get support for linux.

Rico > Alright it was a pleasure helping you resolve your issue, please do not hesitate to contact back with us if you need further assistance.

Matthew_ > Thanks again. Take care.

Rico > You have a nice day now Matthew!

Rico > Analyst has closed chat and left the room


So there you go, give 'em a call. I hope they get their crap together.

GOOD LUCK! :)

I really doubt Comcast is actually going to add Linux support anytime soon, as a company they are known to do the absolute minimum amount of work to get your money. I am surprised they even had Mac supported out of the gate.

I doubt it too, I thought though that they might do it faster if a bunch of linux users called them and received a $20 credit. Usually all we have is a petition or something to ask for linux support. With this we can hit 'em in the pocketbook (if enough people actually do it).

works just fine in Firefox with Adobe flash. Depends on where the shows are streaming from, the ones from hulu works.

Mozilla/5.0 (X11; U; Linux i686; en-US; rv:1.9.2.4) Gecko/20100527 Firefox/3.6.4
Shockwave Flash

Filename /usr/lib/flashplayer-mozilla/libflashplayer.so
Plugin Version:
Plugin Description: Shockwave Flash 10.1 r53

Just spent the last 2 hrs watching Family Guy.

Maybe they haven't launched their DRM in your area? Or maybe try and watch something that requires a more premium comcast subscription? I was trying to watch 'Spartacus Blood and Sand' on Starz when it began blocking it if I didn't install their software.

I hate to revive old threads, but, Xfinity/Comcast still has no Linux support...I should contact them again and try to get another $20...lol

Andy

Emailed Comcast Re: lack of support
 

I just sent them a stern email regarding this issue and stated that if they are not going to support my OS I may have to look for a different ISP. Too soon for any reply.