#Xfinity screensaver start how to#
#Xfinity screensaver start movie#
#Xfinity screensaver start tv#

Within its movie section, for example, Comcast begins listing its “hubs:” First, a collection of movies to buy or rent, then movies available via paid subscription services like HBO.

#Xfinity screensaver start tv#

Comcast’s on-demand section breaks out TV shows and movies. What Comcast hasn’t done yet, however, is add newly added Netflix movies and shows to its on-demand “channels” or “hubs” of content. Instead of being forced to switch to the app (or to another streaming box, which will also require you to change inputs on your TV), you can simply search for your favorite Netflix shows within the context of the X1’s interface and then launch them directly.Ĭomcast doesn’t seem to immediately segue from one Netflix episode to the next, though I don’t necessarily consider this to be a bad thing. (It should go without saying that you’ll need an active Netflix subscription, purchased separately, and that you’ll need to provide your Netflix login credentials.)Ĭomcast treats Netflix content just like any other video programming. Launching Netflix itself is as easy as saying “Netflix,” which takes you directly to the Netflix app. If Netflix is available (and on), you’re good to go. Make sure that the “Netflix on X1” control is toggled on. If you’re worried you might have missed it, there’s another way to check: Using the X1’s excellent voice control, say “Settings” and then scroll down using the remote until you see “Comcast Labs.” That’s essentially the beta program for experimental features that Comcast rolls out to customers. Eventually, it will cycle through a tip or two from Comcast itself that will alert you to the new addition. Leave the X1 box unattended for a while, and the box will launch its screensaver, displaying pictures, sports scores, and local weather.

Probably the easiest way to find out if you have Netflix enabled is to look for a notification from Comcast itself.

#Xfinity screensaver start how to#

How to check if Netflix is enabled on your X1 The X1 and its voice control makes searching for content quick and easy-and without buying a Roku. You just want to get it as quickly and as cheaply as you can. Do you care whether the latest Avengers movie is on HBO, Starz, or Netflix? Of course you don’t. ( Before you leave, negotiate.) That, of course, requires investing in some sort of streaming service-Netflix and the like-as well as a device like a Roku, Chromecast, smartphone, or tablet to enjoy it. You could call this “cord connecting,” tying third-party services to the Comcast cable box to make it more valuable. Why this matters: More and more people are now cord cutters, they’re severing ties with cable providers like Comcast and looking elsewhere for entertainment. Once you’re logged in, all your favorites are immediately accessible. The Netflix app itself is virtually identical to the Netflix console experience. Netflix is another, and the actual interface looks identical to the Netflix app on my older Sony PlayStation 3. One exception, however, appears to have been Comcast’s coverage of the Olympics, which would stream content from niche sports like archery, in addition to providing curated highlights and NBC’s own coverage. Instead of a PC-like desktop, however, there’s rarely any indication that you’re being shunted onto a streaming app to receive any content. In addition to its own interface, Comcast’s X1 boxes have the ability to run apps.