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Time Warner has partnered with Comcast to offer some of its television shows online for paying TV subscribers, while making it more difficult for non-subscribers to get access to programs for free.

Under the agreement Comcast customers will be able to access programming from Turner Broadcasting's entertainment networks free online and on demand. In addition Comcast said it will begin a national technical trial of its own "On Demand Online" service in July providing access to Time Warner's Turner networks TNT and TBS.

Jeffrey Bewkes

The On Demand Online trial will include about 5,000 customers and will be focused on testing new authentication technology that will allow secured access to the content.

Time Warner's "TV Everywhere" will offer access to popular TV shows on demand over the Internet as long as viewers can prove they subscribe to a Pay TV service, such as cable or satellite.

"TV Everywhere is no longer just a concept, but a working model to deliver consumers more television content over broadband than ever before," said Time Warner Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bewkes.

"This progressive approach to delivering television content online will enable the continued vibrancy and growth of distribution outlets, their content partners and advertising clients."

The move by the two companies is part of a strategy to hold onto to their existing subscription revenues while defending against the likes of Hulu.