The ability to stream full movies and concerts on the PS3 and PS Vita systems is included as part of the EPIX premium subscription service available through cable, satellite and telco distributors.

ENGADGET: Epix heading to PlayStation 3 and PS Vita HD

By the same token, the streaming service further threatens the model on which premium cable is built, no doubt cause for worry at outlets like Showtime.

FORBES: Netflix's Billion Dollar Bet

Service expansion like cable and satellite was funded by premium subscription fees.

FORBES: Why The Future Of Video Depends On The Mobile Carriers

The company could, for example, start offering an a-la-carte service, on a premium tier to customers, pitting it against traditional cable companies.

FORBES: Aereo: The future of TV is here today

The most likely outcome: a permanent stratification of Internet access into full-service, low-budget and no-cost tiers, similar to premium and basic cable.

FORBES: Free For All

"Today, we have millions of set-top boxes deployed capable of delivering content to DLNA premium content products using our Signature Home Service, " said Mike LaJoie, EVP and CTO of Time Warner Cable.

ENGADGET: DLNA already in use by TV providers, but not exactly what we had in mind