As per the Sony-Netflix deal announced Thursday, the online movie rental company Netflix will begin streaming movies to the internet-connected, high-definition (HD) Sony Bravia TV sets this fall onwards.

While the streaming of movies to the Sony's PS3 gaming console is not a part of the initial deal, the range of the high-end Bravia HDTVs include the XBR9 series, Z5100 series, and W5100 series. Meanwhile, the service for the other Sony HDTVs will be accessible either with the help of the Sony Bravia Internet Video Link for $200, or by paying $99.99 for a Roku set-top video player.

The deal with Sony is Netflix's most recent step in the direction of expanding its streaming service to a wide array of devices - which include the Roku player, Microsoft's Xbox 360 video game console, and recorders made by TiVo Inc. In addition, Netflix has streaming partnerships with Samsung and LG Electronics too.

Terming the Sony-Netflix deal as "encouraging," analyst Tony Wible - of Janney Montgomery Scott - said that the agreement would "soon pave the way for Netflix to make an appearance on the PlayStation 3, which has blocked access to Hulu a couple weeks ago. While a PS3 deal would be strategic positive for Netflix, we believe investors are anticipating the news and it remains uncertain that a deal will ultimately improve Netflix's financial outlook."