Oct 14, 2013 12:19 PM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

Imagine a remote control button like the one that loads the on-demand menu in seconds, only this one would bring you straight to Netflix, well that seems to be on the horizon.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Netflix is working on an agreement with television providers like Comcast Corp. and Suddenlink Communications Inc. to develop an app for cable boxes.

Citing sources close to the matter, the Journal reported this would be the first deal of its kind in the U.S., but stressed no deal is expected any time soon. The negotiations are premature, but the online movie and TV show streaming service has precedent in the recently announced deal with U.K. cable provider Virgin Media Inc.

Although Netflix is often viewed as the remedy to frustration with growing cable bills, there may be a way for the two to work together. Netflix allows subscribers to watch episodes from all past seasons of a TV show and certain movies months after their home media release. On-demand does not come close to this kind of catalogue of content and often costs more on top of the cable bill.

But with cable, customers can watch their shows (and sporting events, etc.) the night they are scheduled. Together, the two could help customers catch up on a show before the season starts, or even midseason and could also bring past seasons and movies to Netflix quicker. The package would have to be affordable enough to get customers to buy in instead of keeping their Netflix account connected to their smartphone, video game console or other Internet app.

Determined to make its own Internet-connected service work, Comcast launched its X1 platform recently. But Comcast and other cable providers are warming up to the idea of partnering with Netflix because it could attract consumers to spend more on fancier set-top box technology. It also provides users with a convenient alternative to channel blackouts.

Netflix has already made waves in television by releasing their own original series like "House of Cards" and "Orange is the New Black." The shows have even gained critical acclaim at the Emmy Awards.

As Netflix continues to grow, the nation's largest pay-TV operators will be forced to upgrade their cable boxes to Internet-connected devices with up-to-date gadgets.

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