It’s about time. Samsung just announced that Amazon Instant Video streaming is now available for its 2012 line of smart TVs

The app will is available for download from Samsung’s app marketplace, and apparently is completely redesigned from earlier Amazon apps available on other devices. This is good news for Amazon Prime members who get access to a ton of movies and TV shows. It’s also good news for potential cord cutters, because in addition to Amazon, Samsung TVs now have all the premium video streaming apps available including Hulu Plus, Netflix, Blockbuster, YouTube, Vudu, AOL On, Vimeo, BBC News and others.

The app is free.

“Our goal is to provide consumers with the best video content on a large amount of connected devices and we are very excited to offer our customers the ability to rent, purchase or subscribe to movies or TV episodes directly through their Samsung TV,” said Anthony Bay, VP of Worldwide Digital Video for Amazon.com. “Amazon Instant Video looks fantastic on Samsung TVs, and this new version of the app makes it a delight to lean back and enjoy videos with ease.”

Here’s the bad news: Amazon’s streaming service is not going to be a download option for any 2011 TVs or for any of Samsung’s internet-enabled Blu-ray players. If you’re an owner of one of those products, you either need to get a new Samsung TV or some other streaming device (such as a Roku player) to get your Amazon fix.

Check out this recent EH review of a Samsung plasma smart TV.

Grant Clauser - Technology and Web Editor, Electronic House

Grant Clauser has been covering home electronics for more than 10 years with editorial roles in several consumer and trade magazines. He's done ISF-level damage to hundreds of reviewed products and has had audio training from Home Acoustics Alliance and Sencore. He's also the author of the book The Trouble with Rivers. Follow him on Twitter @geclauser.