Netflix eyes move to set-top-boxes

Netflix is reportedly in talks with several US cable television companies including Comcast and Suddenlink Communications to make its streaming video service available through their set-top boxes.

Tthe negotiations are in the early stages, with no deal expected soon, according to the Wall Street Journal. One sticking point in the neogitations is reportedly that Netflix wants cable companies to adopt special technology designed to improve the quality of its streaming video.

Last month, two European cable companies -- Sweden's Com Hem and Virgin Media in Britain -- struck deals to allow their customers to access Netflix through Tivo set-top boxes.

Netflix chief financial officer David Wells, speaking at a Goldman Sachs investor conference last month, said that the company was willing to strike similar deals with US cable companies.

"We would love to reduce the friction to the end consumer, and to be available via the existing device in the home which is the set-top box," Wells said.

"But it's up to the (pay TV provider) to decide how much a competitor they view us as, or a complement."

Netflix, Comcast and Suddenlink could not be immediately reached for comment.