Spectrum cable introduces a new souped-up ‘cable box.’ What it does, how much it costs

Read more: Review of Spectrum’s new Xumo streaming box with Cloud DVR: How to use + cost breakdown

Charter’s Spectrum Cable has announced changes for the way its customers can access video content going forward — both the shows they watch on television and the shows they stream.

Currently, Spectrum customers get cable TV access through what’s called a “set top box,” or cable receiver box. Those boxes get you access to all of the Spectrum shows you subscribe to and serve as a DVR hard drive, for those who subscribe to that service.

The company has introduced a new product called XUMO (pronounced “ZOOM-O”) and those units will act as both a cable receiver and as a streaming device, loaded with apps to platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Peacock and Paramount+ (you’ll need separate subscriptions for all of those).

Here’s what you need to know.

Will your current cable box continue to work?

The current cable box you’re using will continue to work. You aren’t required to update to XUMO.

Will the new XUMO boxes cost more?

They will cost, but not necessarily more.

The new box costs $5 per month for 12 months or you can buy it outright for $60. If you’re keeping the box longer than that, it’s smarter to buy. But if the box malfunctions, you’ll have to pay for a new one. If you’re paying by month, broken boxes are replaced by Spectrum.

Currently, the Spectrum cable receiver is $10.99 per month, so either way, XUMO is cheaper.

Does XUMO have a DVR?

Not really, but Spectrum is switching to a Cloud DVR system, which is what all of the streaming services use (and you’re less likely to lose your shows due to a hard drive crash this way). If you currently have Spectrum’s DVR service, you’re paying a monthly fee for it. That will not change with the switch to the cloud.

Do I need Spectrum internet service to use XUMO?

You actually do. This new product only works for customers who have both Spectrum cable and internet service.

What’s different about XUMO vs. my cable box?

XUMO should do everything your cable box does, but also give you a way to stream shows from other platforms without having to purchase a streaming device such as Roku, Amazon Fire Stick or Apple TV.

This story was originally published October 12, 2023 at 11:01 AM.

Brooke Cain

The News & Observer

Brooke Cain is a North Carolina native who has worked at The News & Observer and McClatchy for more than 30 years as a researcher, reporter and media writer. She is the National Service Journalism Editor for McClatchy.