The Seattle-based online retailer Amazon. com Inc Tuesday launched its first 500 HD movies and TV shows for its video-on-demand service. With the addition of high-definition to its service, Amazon has made it possible for consumers to rent movies and procure TV episodes shown in HD.

Customers can now watch the Amazon HD movies by paying between $3.99 and $4.99 per movie, and TV episodes by paying $2.99 each!

Most of the titles being offered by Amazon are Titles are from foremost networks and studios, including Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, and Showtime Networks. The initial offer also includes new-release movie titles like 'Twilight' and 'Frost/Nixon;' as well as TV shows like 'The Tudors' and 'Smallville.'

Talking about the most recent release from Amazon, Bill Carr, the company's VP of music and video, said: "Our customers have been asking us for two things - HD and the ability to watch movies and TV shows instantly on their television.

Trying to keep pace with Netflix, with regard to home theater devices that can stream the videos to TV, the specific devices on which Amazon's HD videos will be available include - Panasonic HDTVs offering the Viera Cast connected platform; Sony TV sets with the Bravia Internet Video Link; Roku's set-top video player; and TiVo's Series
3/HD/HD XL devices.