Satellite pay TV operator Dish Network has announced it will partner with video streaming giant Netflix, adding the app to its own set-top box and integrating Netflix with the various satellite TV features.

The second-generation Hopper will be the first to receive the Netflix update, followed by other Dish set-top boxes. Dish is also committed to adding Netflix's TV programs and movies to the search button, further integrating the service.

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There is good reason for Dish to partner with Netflix as the streaming service has more than 38 million subscribers in the U.S., more than HBO, and keeping customers on Dish's service instead of Roku or Apple TV is good for business.

It also has positives for Netflix, the streaming giant has been trying to get involved in the TV business for over a year now, but no other network has partnered. Time Warner Cable was reportedly close to an agreement, until Comcast announced the $45 billion acquisition. Negotiations closed afterward, showing the hostility between the two companies.

Dish currently has 14 million subscribers, a lot lower than satellite TV rival DirecTV at over 30 million subscribers. Being the underdog might have spurred them on to make the first deal with Netflix.

The question now is what other pay TV operators will partner with Netflix. Comcast is most likely off the cards, but AT&T and DirecTV - which are currently trying to complete a $48.5 billion merger - might be interested in Netflix.

Netflix is banking big on original programming, while continuing to drop unpopular content on the service to keep profits high. The streaming giant recently announced it would produce 30 original programs in the next five years.

The latest program by Netflix is Marco Polo, costing Netflix $90 million. Early reception to the 13-century drama has been negative, claiming the creators were looking for a Game of Thrones clone, instead of something original. 

TagsDish Network, netflix, Hopper, satellite TV, U.S. pay TV