Alternatives to mini box

no

Sounds like the X1/Contour 2 app, but to use that you need to subscribe to Cox's contour package. Right now it is only available on iOS and stock Android firmware. I would suggest a android phone with chromecast to stream it to your TV. Maybe one of these, but no idea if they are compatible.

I see TWC is piloting a streaming service similar to Cox Contour 2 but they have a ROKU app to display it on a tv.  Hopefully, as Contour 2 matures, it will be available via Apple TV, ROKU, Chromecast, etc.

Currently, if you have the Contour 2 app running on an android device, you can cast it to a Chromecast device connected to a TV.  As I type this, I'm watching Grease Live cast from my phone to a TV.  You may be able to use AirPlay to stream from an iOS device to an ATV, I have not tested this but may later.

You can watch some networks, like ESPN, using any streaming device, ROKU, ATV, etc.  WatchESPN app allows you to stream all ESPN channels included in your TV subscription.

A ROKU, ATV etc app would be a natural extension to the Contour 2 platform.

I think you're confused on a few levels.

First, you can't connect a "cable line" to a Roku device.  All cable wall outlets use coaxial cable and there is no coaxial connector on any Roku device.

Second, what is a Roku app?  You can't have Roku service without purchasing a Roku device.  The Roku device contains a user interface to add, remove, configure and select channels.  I guess you could call it an app, but it's the Roku Program.  Furthermore, Roku only works with an Internet connection, either WiFi or RJ-11.  How can TWC offer a Roku app without an Internet connection?  You can't stream over a CATV connection.  "Streaming" refers to content delivered over the Internet.  Roku is a streaming service.

Yes, Roku has access to more channels...but they're Internet channels, such as HBO Go, Netflix and web-based network TV stations.

I'm sure TWC, as all providers, encrypts their programming; therefore, you'll need a TWC device (digital adapter, set-top box, cable card) to dencrypt the content.  I don't know why TWC would offer an app to do that because they'd lose money from box rentals.  Even if they did, why would they choose Roku as a decryption device?  Roku has nothing to do with cable television.

Where did you find that reference?

Bruce, see here and here  TWC is offering a streaming service over their internet using ROKU hardware.  This is in addition to their standard CATV over coax.  As I posted, similar to Cox's Contour 2 service.  No confusion, just an alternate way of delivering content.

I was confused.  However, it sounds like ripoff.  You'll replace the monthly box fee for the TWC TV Service.  I don't know what TWC charges per month to rent a box...but could it be more than $9.99 per month?  If Cox offered it, I'd pay $9.99 per month as opposed to $8.50 per month...and I'd get fewer channels.  I guess I'd also need to pay for a greater or unlimited data plan.

Bruce why are you mentioning TWC in a COX forum?

Because we are comparing the services offered by different providers. See OP:

" It seems TWC has a ROKU app which may provide access to more channels that the mini box. Is anyone familiar with this app and/or heard if COX may offer one also?"

what channels?  sounds like the contour2 app   the mini boxes were never meant to be a full digital box replacement. 

wees41, the Contour 2 app will stream to a computer or tablet, not to a smart TV or TV streaming box like ROKU.  I tested Contour 2 on my iPad, it works as it should on the iPad but gives me an error when trying to AirPlay to my Apple TV 3.  Tells me I can't use the app to play on anything but the tablet screen.  I did have success with Android, I was able to cast from my Android phone and via Chrome browser on my laptop to my Chromecast using screen mirroring without error.  But, the app doesn't have native support Chromecast either.

What would be nice to have is native Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku and FireTV support for Contour 2.  That way all you would do is go to your device, select Contour then a channel and you are good to go.  Having that ability would make Cox really "our friend in the digital age" 

AllenP said:

wees41, the Contour 2 app will stream to a computer or tablet, not to a smart TV or TV streaming box like ROKU.  I tested Contour 2 on my iPad, it works as it should on the iPad but gives me an error when trying to AirPlay to my Apple TV 3.  Tells me I can't use the app to play on anything but the tablet screen.  I did have success with Android, I was able to cast from my Android phone and via Chrome browser on my laptop to my Chromecast using screen mirroring without error.  But, the app doesn't have native support Chromecast either.

What would be nice to have is native Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku and FireTV support for Contour 2.  That way all you would do is go to your device, select Contour then a channel and you are good to go.  Having that ability would make Cox really "our friend in the digital age" 

if that this is something you would like to see Cox offer you need to let Cox know these forums are more for customers helping customers

wees41 said:

if that this is something you would like to see Cox offer you need to let Cox know these forums are more for customers helping customers

Have you even read the original post?  That's what we are trying to do ... respond to the original poster.  If you don't have anything positive to contribute .......