Cable TV and Netflix have been sworn enemies in recent years. While cable enjoyed unprecedented success on the entertainment front for many years, streaming services, led by Netflix, have created a new movement of cord cutters and show bingers. And you know what they say: if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em!
That’s right, Comcast is officially teaming up with Netflix to provide the convenient streaming service on their X1 cable package. In addition to being able to enjoy the live, on demand, DVR and web programming included with their Xfinity TV subscription, customers will be able to easily flip to their seemingly infinite Netflix catalog without changing over to a different system. Finally, everything can be in one place.
“The Netflix integration into the X1 platform means our mutual customers will no longer need to change inputs or juggle remotes,” said Reed Hastings, Netflix cofounder and CEO. “Now they can seamlessly move between the Netflix app and their cable service, enjoying all the TV shows and movies they love without hassle.”
The key is full and comprehensive integration. No more switching inputs. No more searching for that one remote that works on that part of the TV. No missing out on the last few minutes of the game because you couldn’t figure out how to switch. You’ll be able to access everything from a single system. And that’s pretty cool.
“We are excited to add Netflix to X1 and give our customers access to all the content they love in a way that has never been done before,” said Neil Smit, the CEO of Comcast Cable. “Netflix has been a terrific partner, and our incredible teams of engineers and designers have come together to create an experience that is not only seamless and intuitive, but also lets viewers search and watch tens of thousands of movies, shows, specials and documentaries with the sound of their voice.”
With the popularity of the Internet of Things and a digital push to connect everything you own, this move was necessary to stop consumers from having to choose. More and more people are cutting the cable cord and Xfinity knows that streaming services are something to embrace rather than fight. Hopefully this partnership will facilitate a new era of entertainment technology that will chance the way we watch TV forever.
Photo: Flickr / Mike Mozart