Watch Netflix on computer using Microsoft Media Center

Microsoft and Netflix are partnering to allow Windows Vista users to watch Netflix movies on their PC using Windows Media Center. If you are a Netflix subscriber, you can start watching movies today.

Previously, Netflix movies were available via set-top boxes like Boxee; they were available online; and in Xbox gaming consoles. Now, thanks to a partnership with Microsoft, PC users can also watch Netflix movies using Media Center.

Starting Wednesday, PC users with Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate can watch Netflix movies. Microsoft also has similar content deals with CBSSports.com, Fox Sports and MSNBC.com.

With Media Center, users can use all the different functions, including fast forward, pause and rewind, which were not possible online with a remote control.

Ben Reed, the senior product marketing manager for Windows Media Center, told paidContent:

“The use of familiar controls, of pause, fast forward, rewind. That’s one of the pain-points we hear from consumers about the myriad ways you can consume TV shows and movies online. Each one has a different search and discovery experience; each one has a different player; some work great full screen; some don’t.”

Microsoft will also be adding a new search feature to search for movies and TV shows from Netflix.

Netflix and Microsoft have worked together in the past to provide movies on the Xbox video game console, as well as through Microsoft Silverlight media player. More than one million Xbox owners watch Netflix movies online according to Microsoft.