Netflix customers have scrambled to find a convenient way to stream videos to their big TV at home. Really, though, it hasn’t been difficult. There is no shortage of streaming video devices, from and to Internet TVs, game consoles and DVRs like .
But until now, major pay-TV providers didn’t allow Netflix onto their proprietary equipment. Douglas County’s Dish Network said Wednesday that its customers are the first. (And I checked with Comcast and no, they also don’t integrate Netflix on their box.)
The Netflix app is rolling out today to customers with the second-generation Hopper. Vivek Khemka, DISH senior vice president of product management, points out why this is a good thing for customers:
“This app integration eliminates the need to switch television inputs to access content on varying devices. It gives our customers easy access to their favorite shows and movies, on both DISH and Netflix, without ever having to leave their Hopper,” Khemka said in a press release.
Netflix confirmed that Dish is the first in the . Netflix even created a special page to welcome Dish customers at .
The announcement is interestingly timed. Just two weeks ago, CBS to Dish customers because of a contract dispute. The blackout lasted less than a day but it magnified Dish founder on why should Dish pay for TV contracts when consumers can get TV shows, news and cartoons online or on Netflix.
Dish is also Internet TV service.
For Dish users who want to start watching Netflix content, they need a second-generation Hopper with broadband. Netflix connection. (DishNET Satellite customers should be able to access this but don’t forget streaming video eats up data fast, so it’s not recommended since DishNET customers are on a monthly data allowance).
In the future, Dish will roll Netflix out to the rest of the crew, including the Joey, Super Joey and Wireless Joey clients. Also, Dish notes that it could make Netflix content searchable in Dish’s regular search function plus its forthcoming Internet TV service.
