Cox Communications has quietly rolled out the integration of Netflix into the latest generation of its Contour video system.
“Netflix TV shows and movies are integrated directly into the browse menus and search functionality of Contour 2,” reads a Cox support page. “You can now sign up for Netflix directly from your Contour 2 receiver. You will be billed by Netflix directly, charges will not display on your Cox bill.”
Contour, which is a licensed version of the X1 video platform developed by Comcast, does not support Netflix 4K streaming. Usage caps applicable to Cox broadband services also remain in effect. Content marked with an “internet” label counts against the usage cap.
Customers will continue to be billed by Netflix directly for their subscription fee.
It’s unclear as to how long Netflix has been supported through the platform—Cox reps didn’t immediately provide a response to FierceCable’s inquiry for comment. However, one Cox user emailed FierceCable with the following: “I searched for the traditional Cox Cable Christmas fireplace using my Cox Contour cable box. Much to my surprise the Cox cable box found an unadvertised Netflix fireplace. In fact Cox cable Netflix is a total surprise to Cox customers.”
For its part, Comcast integrated Netflix and YouTube into its X1 app earlier this year, making both services subject to 1-terabyte data usage limits.
Rather than compete with OTT companies like Netflix, Comcast and other cable companies are trying to leverage the demand of these programming services to augment their own connectivity products, a strategy Comcast has described as becoming the "aggregator of aggregators."