Comcast Partners With NetFlicks

[Disneyhead'71]

In another powerhouse move to take on The Mouse, Comcast has partnered with Netflix to bring the streaming service to X1 Xfinity cable boxes across the country.

This is huge!

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/comcast-strikes-deal-netflix-908452

Sorry, I misspelled NetFlix in the headline.

 

[lazyboy97o]

How does this take on Disney? It is aimed at increasing Netflix subscriptions which include a big exclusivity deal with Disney that is just starting.

Keeping cable subscribers also helps Disney with their lack of control over television subscribers who get Disney's channels.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

How does this take on Disney? It is aimed at increasing Netflix subscriptions which include a big exclusivity deal with Disney that is just starting.

Keeping cable subscribers also helps Disney with their lack of control over television subscribers who get Disney's channels.

More control over the pipe into people's home and one step closer to a usable VOD platform. Which is something Disney doesn't want happening.

 

[AndrewsJ]

I also know for a fact as a former X1 customer that X1 was designed to blow Comcast's data cap out of the water therefore forcing charges for extra data each month. You can avoid it by avoiding what they call "streaming". I asked what Comcast considers streaming and the agent said and I quote "You know, watching tv in HD". So in order to avoid blowing the data cap off only watch HD occasionally. I can only imagine what watching Netflix through a Comcast device would do to that data cap and I almost guarantee that's one main reason Comcast is doing it. I love Universal Parks but this shady cash grab definitely casts negative light in that direction. Sorry for the rant but also Disney and Netflix recently signed an exclusive distribution deal so instead of going to cable channels movies will go to Netflix first. That means more Disney movies on Comcast devices so I don't really see how Disney is losing anything. Sounds more like Comcast trying to ensure Disney programming on their cash grabby devices.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

I also know for a fact as a former X1 customer that X1 was designed to blow Comcast's data cap out of the water therefore forcing charges for extra data each month. You can avoid it by avoiding what they call "streaming". I asked what Comcast considers streaming and the agent said and I quote "You know, watching tv in HD". So in order to avoid blowing the data cap off only watch HD occasionally. I can only imagine what watching Netflix through a Comcast device would do to that data cap and I almost guarantee that's one main reason Comcast is doing it. I love Universal Parks but this shady cash grab definitely casts negative light in that direction. Sorry for the rant but also Disney and Netflix recently signed an exclusive distribution deal so instead of going to cable channels movies will go to Netflix first. That means more Disney movies on Comcast devices so I don't really see how Disney is losing anything. Sounds more like Comcast trying to ensure Disney programming on their cash grabby devices.

This has NOTHING to do with getting Disney content on Comcast devices.

 

[lazyboy97o]

More control over the pipe into people's home and one step closer to a usable VOD platform. Which is something Disney doesn't want happening.

Comcast is not buying Netflix. They're just including a service in their box that people already have access to with other boxes. This is more a reaction to the FCC wanting to open up cable boxes than it is going after Disney.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Comcast is not buying Netflix. They're just including a service in their box that people already have access to with other boxes. This is more a reaction to the FCC wanting to open up cable boxes than it is going after Disney.

Right, this wasn't about going after Disney. But none the less, it gives Comcast even yet more control over media access. Which will effect Disney. Comcast wants to literally control the U.S. media market. Which will be bad for Disney.

 

[lazyboy97o]

Right, this wasn't about going after Disney. But none the less, it gives Comcast even yet more control over media access. Which will effect Disney. Comcast wants to literally control the U.S. media market. Which will be bad for Disney.

Comcast is gaining control of nothing. This is just a service being included in an existing box. A service accessed by an existing internet connection.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Comcast is gaining control of nothing. This is just a service being included in an existing box. A service accessed by an existing internet connection.

With your Smart TV, Blu Ray Disc Player or Game System.

 

[Jimmy Thick]

Netflix is worthless without content, Disney provides content.

 

[flynnibus]

I also know for a fact as a former X1 customer that X1 was designed to blow Comcast's data cap out of the water therefore forcing charges for extra data each month. You can avoid it by avoiding what they call "streaming". I asked what Comcast considers streaming and the agent said and I quote "You know, watching tv in HD". So in order to avoid blowing the data cap off only watch HD occasionally. I can only imagine what watching Netflix through a Comcast device would do to that data cap and I almost guarantee that's one main reason Comcast is doing it. I love Universal Parks but this shady cash grab definitely casts negative light in that direction. Sorry for the rant but also Disney and Netflix recently signed an exclusive distribution deal so instead of going to cable channels movies will go to Netflix first. That means more Disney movies on Comcast devices so I don't really see how Disney is losing anything. Sounds more like Comcast trying to ensure Disney programming on their cash grabby devices.

Your cable box activity does not apply to your data usage.

Now if you are using your mobile devices, web,etc access to X11 services that would be different.

 

[lazyboy97o]

With your Smart TV, Blu Ray Disc Player or Game System.

All of which will still offer Netflix. So where is the gain in control?

 

[Disneyhead'71]

All of which will still offer Netflix. So where is the gain in control?

Comcast's end goal is a monitor and one box. A Comcast box.

 

[Master Yoda]

Comcast's end goal is a monitor and one box. A Comcast box.

You mean their goal is to have that again, right?

 

[Disneyhead'71]

You mean their goal is to have that again, right?

Well, even back in the day, the cable box was cramped by the cooler sized VHS deck.

Comcast wants one box with a PS4/XBox app and a USB port. Done.

 

[Master Yoda]

Well, even back in the day, the cable box was cramped by the cooler sized VHS deck.

Comcast wants one box with a PS4/XBox app and a USB port. Done.

Doesn't everyone making a "box" want that?

Cable companies fought against streaming pretty much since day one. From the article you linked it sounds more like Comcast finally relented and took the "make some money" option over make "no money one."

 

[lazyboy97o]

Comcast's end goal is a monitor and one box. A Comcast box.

That is now a market position they are pursuing, not control they are gaining. The tactics which would make this control cannot be pursued. This is far more about maintaining the status quo, keeping existing subscribers and fending off the FCC.

 

[AndrewsJ]

Your cable box activity does not apply to your data usage.

Now if you are using your mobile devices, web,etc access to X11 services that would be different.

Actually it does unfortunately. Are you a Comcast subscriber with high speed and X1? My data usage went from 10 - 20 to over 300 once X1 was installed. Mobile devices were never used on the network. Only one desktop and X1. Any work I do from home is done on an entirely separate network installed by my employer. HD streaming(watching any channel in HD instead of the alternate SD channel) as they call it definitely applies to data usage. I have screenshots of my data activity I'll be happy to share if you'd like to see them. I work in IT and have for many many years. I wouldn't post it if it wasn't factual.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Doesn't everyone making a "box" want that?

Cable companies fought against streaming pretty much since day one. From the article you linked it sounds more like Comcast finally relented and took the "make some money" option over make "no money one."

Yes, and yes Cable companies fight streaming until there was no fighting it anymore. Now they are getting in the game. The world's largest cable/internet provider teaming up with the world's largest content streaming service is huge.

And yes, this is Comcast and Netflix being pragmatic. Comcast and Netflix historically hate each other. What with Comcast doing everything they could to kill, slowdown, throttle Netflix. But the partnership is intoxicatingly powerful.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Actually it does unfortunately. Are you a Comcast subscriber with high speed and X1? My data usage went from 10 - 20 to over 300 once X1 was installed. Mobile devices were never used on the network. Only one desktop and X1. Any work I do from home is done on an entirely separate network installed by my employer. HD streaming(watching any channel in HD instead of the alternate SD channel) as they call it definitely applies to data usage. I have screenshots of my data activity I'll be happy to share if you'd like to see them. I work in IT and have for many many years. I wouldn't post it if it wasn't factual.

Watching regular TV in HD like CNN HD shouldn't effect your data usage. That should be included in your TV Bundle. Watching Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime or YouTube Red in HD will run up your data.