CBS Corp and 17 other networks will participate in Comcast Corp.’s technical trial to offer television shows online, in an effort to give customers more options and more advertising possibilities to content owners.

“On Demand Online is a major step in extending consumers’ television experience online, and ultimately across platforms by giving any television network, including top brands like CBS, the ability to make their content available on the Web,” said Matt Bond, Executive Vice President of Content Acquistion, Comcast Cable in a statement.

The chief executive officer of CBS Interactive, Quincy Smith, said the company’s strategy “has always been about open, non-exclusive distribution of our content in a consumer friendly way, which is a core tenant of TV Everywhere and On Demand Online.”

Other networks added to the trial today include: A&E, AMC, BBC America, DIY Network, Fine Living Network, Food Network, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, History, IFC, MGM Impact, Sundance Channel, WE tv, E! Entertainment, The Style Network, G4 and FEARnet.

The trial, which begins in a few weeks, will involve 5,000 customers across the U.S. Comcast said a major focus will be testing its “authentication” technology that will allow Comcast customers to receive the same content online for free that they subscribe to on TV. The service will allow for streaming content delivery and, in the future, downloadable content.

Other content will include programming from HBO, TNT, TBS and Starz.

Broadband Comcast TV