• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, February 20, 2007

In a potential distribution boon for Showtime, an initiative with satellite operator Dish Network will allow its subscribers to order the pay-cable network at will, via the remote control.

Viewers can press a "Get Showtime" button and shows such as "Weeds" and "The L Word" will be available in minutes.

The option is part of "Showtime Interactive 2.0," a new interactive TV venture on Dish, which has 13 million subscribers nationwide.

The service also has other marketing relevance for Showtime. It offers a long-form video touting the network that is targeting non-subscribers.

Subscribers are met with a range of video options from behind-the-scenes videos to celebrity interviews.