Netflix App Updated with Retina Images for New iPad

Netflix on Wednesday released an update to its iOS app that includes improved artwork for the new iPad's "resolutionary" Retina display.

But Netflix subscribers who just bought one of Apple's shiny new tablets shouldn't get too excited just yet. The updated Netflix iOS app includes high resolution icons and images — optimizing menus and movie thumbnails for the Retina display — but movies and TV shows are still being streamed in standard definition. Netflix on Wednesday via Twitter said it plans to begin streaming HD video at a later date, but did not provide a time frame.

"The @Netflix iPad App now has high resolution icons and images, enhancing Netflix on the new iPad, HD video to follow later," Netflix Tweeted. "Enjoy!"

The update also brings improved playback and includes numerous stability fixes, Netflix said. The app Netflix iOS app is free to download, but users need a Netflix account to use it.

Netflix earlier this month began . With the new Apple TV, users can watch "thousands of hours of great movies and television streaming on Netflix in 1080p high definition."

Netflix began certifying devices for "Netflix HD" last year. Netflix movies encoded in standard definition are streamed in that format, but other content can be provided in 720p and up to 1080p, depending on the available bandwidth and the end device. One exception? The RIM Blackberry and the PlayBook tablet, which Netflix has said it will not support.

Meanwhile, cable subscribers could soon see Netflix as an add-on option. Netflix chief Reed Hastings is reportedly in talks with U.S. cable companies to add the movie-streaming service to their cable packages.

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