Subscribers to Dish’s satellite TV service can now access Netflix right from their set-top box, the companies announced on Wednesday. The partnership is a major strategic coup for the online video service, and reflects a new level of integration between online and traditional TV.
According to a news release, Netflix will now appear for all Dish customers using a second-generation Hopper box, and will feature the same user interface as on other platforms:
“The app is easily accessible from any channel by clicking the blue button on the DISH remote and selecting the Netflix icon, or from the Netflix icon on the Hopper main menu.”
This is significant because, until now, Netflix users have had to switch to another input on their TV, or use another device to access the service. Netflix will now be available to millions of customers who want to access it through the same box where they get their existing TV.
