Netflix Is Said to Hold Discussions About Cable Partnerships

Netflix Inc. is in talks to add its application to the set-top boxes of U.S. cable-television operators, letting customers search for Web-based movies and TV shows alongside traditional programs, three people familiar with the matter said.

Negotiations are furthest along with regional providers and smaller cable operators that use TiVo Inc. set-top boxes, including Suddenlink Communications, though the earliest announcements are weeks to months away, said one of the people, who asked not to be identified because the talks are private. Netflix, the largest video-streaming subscription service, also has held preliminary discussions with larger providers such as Comcast Corp. and Time Warner Cable Inc., the people said.