Netflix Launches Movie Streaming Set Top Box
The Roku box is about the size of a paperback book, has no hard drive, and simply streams video through an ethernet or Wi-Fi connection. For the best possible viewing experience, Netflix recommends an Internet speed of at least 1.5 Mbps.
There is no additional monthly fee for use beyond Netflix's usual monthly charge (minimum $9/month) to have unlimited access to Netflix's 10,000 streamable movies.Comparisons have already been made to the Apple TV, which offers a $229 set to box which allows you to purchase or rent movies on a per item basis. Forbes directly compares the two devices which appear to be targeting different markets. Apple's solution provides fewer (~1000) movies, but offers new-release titles and high definition content. Netflix's 10,000 titles consist mostly of older library titles and presently offers only standard definition video and stereo audio. Netflix's box, however, is said to be upgradable to High Definition and surround sound through a future software update. Like the Apple TV, Netflix is also planning to allow their device to accept non-Netflix content in the future. Gizmodo provides an early review of the unit.
Some of these differences are likely related to movie studio's willingness to license specific content in certain ways (sales, rentals, vs unlimited subscription model).
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Netflix's first streaming box is finally here and it's pretty damn brilliant of a set up. First of all, the box is 99 bucks, and designed by Roku. It's fanless and quiet; has HDMI and optical outputs; and is about the size of 5 CD cases stacked together. Any Netflix disc mailing plan over $9 gets you unlimited streaming of almost 10,000 titles. Unlimited! 10K titles! Take that Apple TV and VuDu!
It's going to be interesting to see how Apple and Vudu respond.
I dont think that my parents would get it. I wonder if it has HD movies? We wouldnt unless it does, cause we havent gotten a blue-ray player yet. If it does, we will get it in an instant.
No HD Content at all. 0.
No purchases at all. 0.
No new "blockbuster" movies, except through the normal DVD rental.
Picture quality: "not great, even at 2.2 Mbps"
Still, it beats driving to the nearest brick & mortar store.
No, this device is just a slapped together panic response to the :apple:TV and XboX 360 rental services. It won't last very long.
Regards,
Michael
Paying the $400 entry fee for apple tv, plus the relatively poor selection of rentals makes that a less appealing option than this.
Paying the $400 entry fee for apple tv, plus the relatively poor selection of rentals makes that a less appealing option than this.
Just curious, but where are you getting with the extra $170?
Just curious, but where are you getting with the extra $170?
Oops. I mean the $229 entry fee. Still quite a bit more than $99.
Reading over that review I don't see any reason for Gizmodo to be getting all excited about this device. In addition to the list that one poster has already pointed out you can't choose what entertainment to watch directly from the device. You have to start the stream from your computer. How lame is that?
No, this device is just a slapped together panic response to the :apple:TV and XboX 360 rental services. It won't last very long.
Regards,
Michael
This is just the entry level for Netflix. There are more advanced units coming. One step at a time. I would imagine eventually users will be able to view all of Netflix's library and do it from the unit without having to start the stream on the computer. The more options we have, the better things are.
Stereo only -- no 5.1
No HD Content at all. 0.
No purchases at all. 0.
No new "blockbuster" movies, except through the normal DVD rental.
Picture quality: "not great, even at 2.2 Mbps"
Still, it beats driving to the nearest brick & mortar store.
This is just the entry level for Netflix. There are more advanced units coming. One step at a time. I would imagine eventually users will be able to view all of Netflix's library and do it from the unit without having to start the stream on the computer. The more options we have, the better things are.
read about this in the NY Times this morn.... it's just an other example of how netflix just doesnt "get it" as a company. this things a toad, i was SOOOO excited when i heard about it i could drop my movie channels etc! yeah!!! but NO, it sux limited selection ok for now, no widescreen?, no HD maybe these are ok for some... BUT NO 5.1? what????, and Less than DVD quality?? these are deal breakers. Why even release it? it's obviously not ready and is gonna make them look silly(er).
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