Comcast
Netflix is launching on Comcast’s X1 set-top boxes nationwide this week, as two companies that were formerly bitter enemies have found a way to make money together.
“Netflix content will be fully integrated into [Comcast’s] Xfinity On Demand,” the companies said in an announcement Friday. The companies’ mutual customers will be able to “seamlessly move between the Netflix app and their cable service” without having to “change inputs or juggle remotes,” Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said. Comcast’s voice search will work with Netflix, and customers will be able to “browse Netflix content alongside other on-demand movies and shows.”
The Netflix/Comcast integration was reported in July, though it’s just making its way to customers now.
Netflix and Comcast previously fought over several issues. After demanding a free connection to Comcast’s network, Netflix relented in early 2014 when it decided to pay Comcast for network interconnection. Netflix later opposed Comcast’s attempt to buy Time Warner Cable, which was blocked by federal regulators because of concerns that a bigger Comcast would squash competition from online video providers like Netflix.
Netflix has also criticized Comcast‘s data caps and asked the Federal Communications Commission to take action against home Internet data caps in general. Despite being integrated into the Comcast set-top box, Netflix video will continue to count against Comcast’s 1TB-per-month cap.
“Video in the Netflix app on Xfinity X1 is streamed over the Internet,” a Comcast FAQ says. “For this reason, usage of the Netflix app on X1 and all other programming and content from the Internet on X1… are subject to Xfinity Internet data usage policies.” Netflix standard definition video usually uses up 1GB per hour while HD video uses 3GB per hour.
Comcast expanded its data caps to a bunch of new markets last week, but it still hasn’t implemented them nationwide.
Exact details of the financial arrangement between Netflix and Comcast haven’t been released. Customers will be able to sign up for Netflix through the Comcast interface and pay for Netflix on their Comcast bills.
from Ars Technica http://ift.tt/2exp7oZ
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