Dish Adds Netflix Streaming to Second-Gen Hopper Boxes

In its first move to reach the cord-cutter generation, Dish Network said it began rolling out the Netflix app in a software update, becoming the first major U.S. pay TV provider to integrate the Netflix app into its set-top box. The app is available on Dish’s second-generation Hopper DVR, enabling subscribers to instantly stream Netflix content from the same platform as linear TV channels without having to switch sources, Dish said Wednesday. Users can access the Netflix app via the blue button on the Dish remote or by clicking the Netflix icon on the Hopper’s main menu, it said. Dish will extend the Netflix app rollout to Joey, Super Joey and Wireless Joey set-top boxes in “coming months,” it said. Netflix titles are expected to be integrated into the search function across live, recorded and video on demand programs, Dish said. Meanwhile, Fox could disappear from the Dish guide this week as the two sides haven't come to an agreement on a new contract after the current contract expires Saturday at midnight. Media reports said Fox Sports ran commercials during NFL games last week urging viewers to contact their satellite provider about a pending channel blackout of Fox News and Fox Business Network this weekend. Some 20,000 people called the number provided by Fox and 75,000 visited the website, said reports.