Microsoft brings Netflix to Windows Media Center

by Stevie Smith - May 20 2009, 15:15

Having already enjoyed considerable success after expanding its popular home entertainment service to Microsoft’s Xbox 360 console, Netflix is now further enriching its partnership with the American software titan by making streamed content available through Windows Media Center.

Starting today (Wednesday, May 20), Netflix subscribers who also have the Vista Home Premium or Vista Ultimate operating system installed on their computers will be granted instant access to some 12,000 ‘Watch it now’ Netflix movies and TV shows through Windows Media Center.

Unlike the Netflix delivery system utilised on the Xbox 360, which only enables users to watch movies available for instant streaming, the Windows Media Center platform will allow users to stream content and filter searches and manage the physical DVD queue they have set up via Netflix’s traditional mail-based service.

The expansion of Netflix coverage is just the latest content acquisition secured by Microsoft in recent months as it attempts to paint Windows Media Center as the online and offline entertainment hub for the home. Similar content deals established in 2009 include Microsoft partnering with the likes of CBS Sports, FOX Sports and MSNBC.

“We’re building on our broader vision to alleviate the need to jump from Web site to Web site to find TV shows, movies, sports and news,” outlined Microsoft in a statement. “With Windows Media Center, (users) can now find it in one place.”

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