Philadelphia-based cable giant Comcast announced Friday that it will officially integrate Netflix into the X1 platform beginning next week, enabling millions of customers nationwide to browse and access the streaming service's online collection of TV shows and movies.
All Netflix media will be available alongside the live, on demand, DVR and web programming included in a customer's Xfinity TV subscription.
“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, 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."
The combined TV libraries of Netflix and Xfinity On Demand will allow X1 customers to take advantage of the following features:
• Launch the Netflix app by simply saying “Netflix” into the X1 voice remote.
• Browse Netflix content alongside other On Demand movies and shows
• Search for an actor like “Adam Sandler” or “Kevin Spacey” and see everything they are in, across both Xfinity and Netflix
• Start from the beginning of long-running shows like "The Walking Dead" or "Scandal" with all prior seasons from Netflix — and the current season from Xfinity — available 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 co-founder and chief executive officer, in a statement. “Now they can seamlessly move between the Netflix app and their cable service, enjoying all the TV shows and movies they love without hassle.”
Current X1 and Netflix customers will be prompted to sign in when accessing the Netflix service on X1 for the first time. New Netflix customers can sign up for a new Netflix membership directly on X1, have the service added to their Comcast bill and immediately explore the service on X1 or across devices.
The launch of Netflix on Comcast's X1 platform comes after an agreement between the companies — often considered archrivals — was reached in July.