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 .)

For more

• Cablevision to Deliver Live TV & VoD to iPad
• Netflix Cheers Cablevision’s PC-to-TV Play
• Cablevision's Ready for Streaming & Slinging
• Cablevision Launches iPad App With 280+ Channels
• TW Cable, Viacom Take iPad Fight to Court
• Cablevision's Ready for Streaming & Slinging
• Cablevision's Network DVR Branches Out
• Cablevision's Network DVR Debuts in the Bronx

— Jeff Baumgartner, Site Editor, Light Reading Cable