Spectrum cable users just got some new options when it comes to accessing content from their cable boxes.
Today, Charter, Spectrum’s parent company, announced that HBO Max and YouTube (not YouTube TV) will be accessible from the Spectrum Guide on eligible devices. Both services are now automatically available to customers with eligible devices and Spectrum Internet. Customers can tune directly to channel 2003 for YouTube or 2004 for HBO Max, use the guide’s search function, or look for the logos in the Apps menu within Spectrum Guide.
“As the video landscape continues to change, we are evolving our products and making it easier for our customers to watch what they want by providing access to streaming apps from convenient launch points within the Spectrum TV experience,” said Elena Ritchie, Group Vice President, Video Experience. “We look forward to growing this library and expect to launch more streaming video apps in the coming months.”
Adding streaming services to existing cable platforms is a win for customers, as it makes life easier for those who hate switching devices to watch different streaming services. Other providers like Comcast Xfinity and Optimum offer services like this, and now Spectrum joins them with additional options (instead of just Netflix.)
Oddly enough, this new upgrade doesn’t include Paramount+, at least for now. Earlier this year, Charter and ViacomCBS reached an agreement that would allow for the “continued carriage of ViacomCBS’ leading portfolio of broadcast, entertainment, news, and sports networks, in addition to licensing ViacomCBS’ suite of streaming services, including Paramount+, Pluto TV, BET+, and Noggin, for future distribution to Spectrum customers.” It remains to be seen if Paramount+ will be a future addition to the Spectrum Guide, or whether it will be limited to the selection of content made available through this existing deal.