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Comcast file photo

The digital streaming giant Netflix announced this week that it was teaming up with an unlikely cable partner after years of public bickering between the two companies.

Netflix and Comcast have reached a deal to offer the internet television service on the cable company's X1 set-top boxes sometime this year.

The companies provided the following joint statement to NJ Advance Media:

Comcast and Netflix have reached an agreement to incorporate Netflix into X1, providing seamless access to the great content offered by both companies. We have much work to do before the service will be available to consumers later this year. We'll provide more details at that time.

The deal would make it easier for the cable company's customers to watch Netflix's library of movies and shows by side-stepping streaming devices, such as Apple TV, Roku and Google's Chromecast. Netflix also has deals with most Smart TV manufacturers to offer its app.

The partnership is reportedly unrelated to the Federal Communications Commission's recent ruling to open up set-top box technology to third parties, according to ReCode, which first reported the announcement this week.

The two companies have been publicly at odds for years over internet data caps and poor Netflix streaming quality for Comcast subscribers.

Craig McCarthy may be reached at CMcCarthy@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @createcraig. Find NJ.com on Facebook.