Cablevision Systems Corp. (NYSE: CVC) has launched Optimum Link, a new service that lets customers relay content from their PCs -- even videos from Hulu LLC and Netflix Inc. (Nasdaq: NFLX) -- to their TV screens.

As reported by Multichannel News, Cablevision launched Optimum Link on April 1 on the East Coast; the MSO hasn't introduced any Optimum-branded services to the systems it recently purchased from Bresnan Communications LLC . (See Cablevision Goes Country With Bresnan Buy.)

The Optimum Link service costs $4.95 a month, but it's free for "Optimum Ultra" subscribers. (See Cablevision Debuts 101-Mbit/s Wideband Service.)

The fine print
After a software download, Optimum Link customers can start showing their PC content on their TVs. The service does not support playback of Blu-ray DVDs and some content-protected DVDs. Customers are allowed to stream to channel 641 on one digital cable box at a time, and only one PC can stream at a time. Also, customers can use Optimum Link only on a PC that's connected to a cable modem in their homes.

Why this matters
Optimum Link makes Cablevision more competitive with Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ)'s FiOS service, especially following the recent launch of Cablevision's network DVR and its live TV app for the iPad.

Cablevision's approach lets customers enjoy content that previously would have required a special broadband-connected device from Boxee or Roku Inc. Also, it helps consumers get around Hulu's ability to block its content from showing up on TVs. (See Hulu Blocks Hillcrest Again .)

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— Jeff Baumgartner, Site Editor, Light Reading Cable