Netflix is introducing a new service that will allow subscribers to receive 18 hours of free video content streamed to their personal computers every month, according to The New York Times.

The story was interesting for me since -- against the wishes of friends -- I switched to Blockbuster's Total Access online movie rental service last month. At dinner on Sunday night, I was just discussing what Netflix might do to counter the new Blockbuster threat.

The Netflix service is different from Amazon.com's new movie download business -- Unbox Video -- in that the programs are streamed.

That made me think of Seattle startup GridNetworks, which has developed technology to stream DVD-quality video to PCs by taking advantage of multiple users who have downloaded its software. Netflix appears to be employing a similar approach, though The Times story does not list if it is working with an outside technology provider.

The new Netflix service sounds pretty interesting, though not sure it would be enough to beat the free movie I now get every time I turn in a Blockbuster Total Access movie. (After all, I have a Blockbuster about three blocks from my house).