Netflix Comes to TiVo…with HD

As promised, Netflix subscribers can now tap into streaming movies with TiVo Series3, HD, or HD XL DVRs...and some high-definition content is now part of the deal.

Back in October, movie rental outfit Netflix announced a deal with TiVo that would enable owners of TiVo HD, Series3, and HD XL DVRs who are also Netflix subscribers to stream movies and programming directly to their DVRs. Now, the companies have made good on the promise, announcing that, as of today, that folks with appropriate DVRs who subscribe to both services can now tap into thousands of TV episodes and movies instantly via their broadband Internet connection. And there’s an extra bonus: Netflix is also making a selection of HD content available.

Previously, Netflix and TiVo had not discussed whether HD content would be available via TiVo set-top boxes. Netflix did announce it would offer high-definition content to Xbox 360 owners as part of last month’s “New Xbox Experience” dashboard update.

“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 TiVo’s VP of content services Tara Maitra, in a statement.

The companies describe the selection of HD content available to TiVo subscribers as “modest,” but promise the selection of both HD and standard definition content will expand.

TiVo now enables users to tap into services like Rhapsody, Picasa, and PHotobucket, as well as content from Amazon Video-on-Demand and Walt Disney Studios. Netflix, meanwhile, has streaming partnerships with Microsoft, and consumers can pick up the Roku set-top box to steam Netflix content directly or Netflix-enabled Blu-ray players from LG or Samsung.

The Netflix service for TiVo owners is available at no additional charge.