Netflix Streaming Comes to TiVo Series3 HD Models Today

In a lot of gadget, gizmos and home theater circles 2008 will be noted as the year that Netflix took on streaming video content. At first just PCs, then Roku, Blu-ray, Xbox 360 and Macs and now, TiVo. Although Netflix has yet to update their site, TiVo announced today on their online pressroom that TiVo Series3 HD and HD XL models are now able to stream Netflix content, including their limited, but growing library of HD titles. Of course these HD model DVRs have a lot of high-end functionality built in and can also take advantage of the Amazon Video on demand. If you are a TiVo HD owner, or plan to be, this is the time to get into streaming. The boxes are not necessarily cheap but at $9, a monthly unlimited Netflix membership is. Engadget already has a hands-on piece up. Click here to see that.

Check out the full TiVo press release below:

Just in Time for the Holidays, Offering Brings Budget Conscious Entertainment to Consumers                       

ALVISO, Calif. - December 8, 2008 — After announcing a groundbreaking partnership in October with Netflix Inc., TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ: TIVO), the creator of and a leader in television services for digital video recorders (DVRs), today announced that subscribers to both Netflix and TiVo® Series3, TiVo HD, or TiVo HD XL can now access thousands of movies and TV episodes instantly streamed from Netflix directly to their TVs.  The service is being offered at no additional charge to customers who subscribe to both services.  This morning subscribers can browse through an expanding library of more than 12,000 movies and TV episodes at www.netflix.com, add them to their Netflix instant Queue, and then watch them on TV with just a click of the TiVo remote. The library includes titles from every genre, with a modest selection of HD content available as well.  Both standard and HD titles are expected to grow in the weeks and months ahead.          

“With so much talk focusing on the economy these days, this partnership makes more sense than ever because it brings people more movies at home, offering substantially more entertainment options than cable or satellite, said Tara Maitra, GM and Vice President of Content Services at TiVo Inc. “TiVo offers consumers everything they need from just one box.  Not only great content from Netflix, but also movies from The Walt Disney Studios and Amazon, music from Rhapsody, videos from YouTube and even pictures from Picasa Web Albums and Photobucket.  And that’s all in addition to TiVo’s core functionality that made us a favorite in the first place.  It adds up to a one-of-a-kind value.”         

“Netflix offers an unbeatable combination of convenience, selection, and value, which now extends to TiVo customers,” said Netflix Chief Marketing Officer Leslie Kilgore.  This partnership is a win-win-win for Netflix, TiVo, and consumers alike.”         

Movies are streamed from Netflix through TiVo DVRs via wired or wireless broadband connection and a Netflix Queue-based user interface.  Members visit the Netflix Web site to add movies and TV episodes to their individual instant Queues.  Those choices will automatically be displayed on subscribers’ TVs and are available to watch instantly through the TiVo service. With the TiVo remote control users can browse their instant Queue, make selections right on the TV screen, as well as read synopses and rate movies.  In addition, they have the option of pausing, fast-forwarding, rewinding and re-starting whenever they wish."

--Tom Milnes