Netflix $99 Set Top Box Announced

[LarryFlowers]

on The Register this AM http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/20/netflix_downloads_roku/

Netflix will begin selling its set top streaming box for $99, and will start the service with 10000 titles available. The box is made by Silicon Valley start up Roku and is available on their web site. It has connections for all types of TV including HDMI and the box is "capable" of handling HD although there is no indication that this is available at this time.

There is also listing I have found yet for the 10000+ titles, If this similar to their online streaming service for the PC, there is very little I would watch through this box. On the other hand, if they start to offer new release in HD over this box then Netflix will become my new best friend.

Find the box and more information at http://www.roku.com/netflixplayer/

[turey22]

same here if they do bluray, i am getting one.

[tcusta00]

Yup, I'm with both you guys - need the HD content and I'm in!

[turey22]

but i was reading on another website that alot of these movies would be old releases. well a few of new releases

[Michael D'Angelo]

This is what I have been waiting for. I have two questions though. First can you have more than one on an account (for different TV's in the house) and the second question is will there be a limit on how many movies you can watch with it?

[turey22]

as far as what i read no limit

http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008May20/0,4670,NetflixTV,00.html

[bgartz]

I am sure once this box takes off, they will start adding better content. I think the older material was easier to get online, from a studio perspective. If this box becomes a success, then studios will be more apt to let Netflix stream their movies.

[jsmuga]

aren't they going to possibly face the same issue as with DOD if you watch a great deal of movies if Comcast moves forward on the cap or charging more for users who download over the limit.......

[LarryFlowers]

aren't they going to possibly face the same issue as with DOD if you watch a great deal of movies if Comcast moves forward on the cap or charging more for users who download over the limit.......

Yes.. there are probably going to be bandwidth issue if and when this and other similar services become really popular. It's a hurdle we will have to face somewhere down the road and there are no easy answers. I have yet to hear why the "pipes" we have in the United States are so small as compared to the pipes in other countries. The Japanese have 93,693 Mbits per second average advertised download speeds while the USA averages 8,860 Mb/sec.

Japan price per megabit per second averages $3.09, in the USA $12.6 per Mb/second.

I dont pretend to know the answer, but lets just say that the generation of Business Administration majors who are in control are incapable of seeing beyond the next quarter.

[tcusta00]

I dont pretend to know the answer, but lets just say that the generation of Business Administration majors who are in control are incapable of seeing beyond the next quarter.

You don't pretend to know because you already know it and hit the nail on the head. :D

And here is where private companies will excel and kill the competition. Look at the financial services industry turmoil. Bear, Merrill, UBS, etc, etc all hit with record writeoffs and losses... all publicly traded and beholden to the shareholder, trying to make a quick buck in the mortgage market so they won't be punished by shareholders when the competition squeaks out a penny more in earnings next quarter. Many private companies in the same industry came out unscathed. I'm not saying that there aren't public companies who don't do it right and that there aren't private companies who are perfect, but by and large, your statement is entirely accurate and sadly true.

But in this free market economy that we operate in, the cream will eventually rise. Sometimes it takes a little longer than we'd like.

[LarryFlowers]

There is some new worthwhile reading about the Netflix/Roku box at http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/21/roku-netflix-player-hands-on-first-impressions/

Some GOOD information in this about Netflix pushing for HD sooner rather than later.

[steelhorse]

I just hooked up my netflix box over the weekend. Very simple hook up. At first I used the built in wireless. Quality okay, not good. Then I decided to hardwire it. Huge improvement. Netflix claims they are going to add more selections. Hope that is true.
I have had netflix for years and think this box is a great idea, and so simple to setup.
The next hurdle will be the secret comcast limit.

[shaun-ohio]

got mine today, the pic quality is real good, the audio is good also, like the selection of movies to instant que, plus they have a good selection of series to watch, i got a 2 week trial period on mine, real simple to hook up, and the video loads superfast, looks great on my 65 in hdtv. it is well worth the $99 investment, and you can take it with you and stream things to it from others internet browsers, as long as you have an account with them set up. i got mine setup for the wireless and the pic quality is still awesome, depends on your internet speed and your provider.

[turey22]

when will they have the bluray box out?

[LarryFlowers]

when will they have the bluray box out?

This box was built to handle HD from the start, as yet though Netflix has not activated the feature nor are they providing any HD material.

That being said, Netflix's CEO stated that they were moving to HD delivery as quickly as possible because they fell that is the future and rightly so.

[Greg Alsobrook]

I'll let you guys in on a little secret...

Shhhhh!

Apple TV

:lol:

[steelhorse]

I'll let you guys in on a little secret...

Shhhhh!

Apple TV

:lol:

The apple tv box is over twice the money up front. Then a per movie fee.
Let's give netflix a little time to see how their box is going to work out.
Netflix has unlimited rentals for one price. If they kick in hd and more titles, which is what their plan seems to be, it will be hard to beat.

[tcusta00]

The apple tv box is over twice the money up front. Then a per movie fee.
Let's give netflix a little time to see how their box is going to work out.
Netflix has unlimited rentals for one price. If they kick in hd and more titles, which is what their plan seems to be, it will be hard to beat.

Apple-shills don't mind spending twice the amount for the same or less technology, right AirRocker? :D :p

[Greg Alsobrook]

Not quite tcusta... The Apple TV has a 160GB HD... i can rent OR buy movies... I can buy TV shows... I have every episode of HIMYM stored right there on the device... I can also browse the itunes store... save my music and photos on it... or stream them over my network from another computer...

Now explain to me how that's the same or less technology?? :D

I was just kidding though... The netflix box could be a decent solution for people not wanting all of the bells and whistles... I'm betting it will fair pretty well...

[tcusta00]

Not quite tcusta... The Apple TV has a 160GB HD... i can rent OR buy movies... I can buy TV shows... I have every episode of HIMYM stored right there on the device... I can also browse the itunes store... save my music and photos on it... or stream them over my network from another computer...

Now explain to me how that's the same or less technology?? :D

I was just kidding though... The netflix box could be a decent solution for people not wanting all of the bells and whistles... I'm betting it will fair pretty well...

Aww shucks, I was just kidding buddy.:sure: I want to be an Apple Fanboy, I do, but I just don't buy into the hype. :lol:

Apple's offering seems to be a hybrid of a full-service DVR and a movie delivery service. You're right, Netflix is just providing a movie delivery service with none of the bells and whistles. It would seem that once DirecTV gets their ducks in a row the HR2x could replace most of the extra functionality you say AppleTV has - of course that would require a lot of what's in CE testing plus a slew of other wishlist type items to go live...

[Chris Blount]

I have an Apple TV but am very interested to see what happens with the Netflix box. Sounds like a simple solution for Netflix renters.

Be aware though that the Apple TV is really not the same thing. It's much more robust and there is no monthly fee to own one. Also, with the internal hard drive, you can rip your rented or purchased DVD's to the box for later viewing.

As far as HD, true, renting on the Apple TV is expensive but there are HD movies available in iTunes that are not available on Blu-Ray.

Either way, the Netflix box sounds cool and I just might get one to try it out. :)

[Sirshagg]

Just what i need - ANOTHER STB. I'll pass, thank you

[Bobby H]

Just my opinion, but I think HD downloads from the Internet isn't going to be worthwhile in the United States for at least a few more years. Right now the "HD" from providers like Apple (via their AppleTV) device is just not very good at all.

When I checked into it Apple was charging $5.99 for a 24 hour window on viewing a HD rental movie. That movie is encoded in 720p MPEG-4 AVC with lossy DD 5.1 audio. A 2 hour movie fits in about 4GB of hard drive space. That's a little over half the space required by the average MPEG-2 based 480p DVD movie. That's really severe data compression.

At the same time, I can rent a Blu-ray movie from Hastings for $5.99 and keep it for 7 days. Or $3.99 if I bring back the video the next day. Our local Blockbuster and Hollywood Video locations charge $4.99 for Blu-ray rentals.

Obviously the 1080p video and lossless or uncompressed audio on Blu-ray runs at bandwidths far above anything any download-based provider can match. I think it's going to be 7-10 years before Internet connections in the United States provide bandwidths of 30 million bits per second or better in most cities and towns.

[Chris Blount]

I have rented many HD movies on the Apple TV. I also have Blu-Ray. While Blu-Ray is obviously superior, the Apple TV HD movies are really not all that bad. I shoot them up on a 106" screen and they look quite good. Definitely better than an upconverted DVD but not as good as Blu-Ray.

The Apple TV is all about convenience. There are times when I want to watch the movie now and not wait for a few days to get the movie from Netflix or have to leave the house to run to a rental store. I for one like the convenience. BTW, the HD movies are $3.99 and $4.99 to rent on the Apple TV.

As far as the original topic, my Netflix box will be arriving on Wednesday. :) Looking forward to seeing how it works out.

[Chris Blount]

OK so I'm officially impressed.

I received the Netflix box today and hooked it to a 32" LCD 720p HDTV.

Setup was easy and the internal wireless in the box did not have any trouble finding my network. Signal strength is good.

The quality? Not bad at all. At normal viewing distance it looks almost as good as DVD. The interface couldn't be simpler.

The only thing I had to do was go into the settings on the Netflix box and change it to 16X9. It defaults to 4X3.

Also, good news. Harmony remotes will work. Just select up Roku under DVR and use the model number N1000. My Harmony 880 has no issues controlling the box.

IMHO, this is a steal for $99. Now I'm looking forward to seeing what Netflix has planned for this thing.

[Chris Blount]

The Netflix box is turning out to be a hit. I placed about 40 movies in the queue and noticed that my wife and kids are all using the box. Why wife hates it when I buy new toys but she is actually enjoying this one. She says she like the fact that it's basically "on demand".

Just for kicks I hooked the box up to my 106" front projection system. PQ was about the same as a standard definition movie on the Apple TV. Not great for a very large screen but good enough as long as you are not sitting too close to the screen.

[turey22]

Has anyone heard about the LG box that they are suppose to launch for bluray?

[kevhow]

The Netflix box is turning out to be a hit. I placed about 40 movies in the queue and noticed that my wife and kids are all using the box. Why wife hates it when I buy new toys but she is actually enjoying this one. She says she like the fact that it's basically "on demand".

Just for kicks I hooked the box up to my 106" front projection system. PQ was about the same as a standard definition movie on the Apple TV. Not great for a very large screen but good enough as long as you are not sitting too close to the screen.

How is the selection using the box? I know it says 10,000 movies, but do they have some new releases on it too?

I'm thinking $8.99/mo, 1 DVD at a time and unlimited movies on the Netflix box seems like a pretty good deal.

[Chris Blount]

How is the selection using the box? I know it says 10,000 movies, but do they have some new releases on it too?

I'm thinking $8.99/mo, 1 DVD at a time and unlimited movies on the Netflix box seems like a pretty good deal.The selection isn't really that great. Lots of older movies but very few newer ones. No new releases from what I can see. There are some movies that are less than a year old.

For right now the box is great for access to older titles. Maybe titles that you haven't rented yet because you don't wish to clog up your main Netflix queue. I have found that it's best just to load up the instant access queue with a bunch of movies. That way when you turn the box on, you have a large selection to choose from.

This thing has potential. Right now I wouldn't recommend it to someone who only rents newer titles but for someone who wants quick access to catalog stuff, it's wonderful.

[cebbigh]

I've had mine for a few weeks now and am VERY pleased with it. Pretty much the same reaction from my wife. She's always skeptical when I get anything new for the TV but she thinks this was a good deal. As they build their database I see this really taking off. This thing is really a good value, especially if you have a decent speed connection. If Roku partners with Lulu in addition to Netflix it will even get better. It's great as it is at 480p. Once they bump up to hi-def LOOK OUT!!

[tonyd79]

I love my Roku box. I eagerly await HD for it. For SD, though, it is very good. Some stuff looks like good DVD, some is about like watching SD on an HD channel.

I am currently using it to catch up on old stuff. There is quite a bit of British TV on it (many old Doctor Who episodes and a lot of Brit Coms) and lots of older movies. I think I have about 80 things in my queue right now.

And I am very pleasantly surprised at the dependability. Very few glitches with lots of watching.

They can improve things and there is a forum on Roku's website that discusses issues. Things like better organization of the shows you have access to (and I personally hate the big display Netflix-style, preferring nice neat lists) but for a one time fee of $99, this is a great addition if you are already a Netflix customer. A no-brainer, really.

[Chris Blount]

I've had mine for a few weeks now and am VERY pleased with it...

I love my Roku box...Thanks for the reports. I ended up getting a second box for another TV. I found out that you can have as many boxes as your plan allows (2 out - 2 boxes, 3 out - 3 boxes, etc). Both are working well. When they get HD for this thing, it will shine!

[NickFluth]

The Xbox 360 will soon have this same functionality (Fall 2008). Can the Roku box not do HD, or are they just not pushing HD at the moment. Was thinking of signing-up with my Xbox, but was hoping for HD.

[Michael D'Angelo]

The Xbox 360 will soon have this same functionality (Fall 2008). Can the Roku box not do HD, or are they just not pushing HD at the moment. Was thinking of signing-up with my Xbox, but was hoping for HD.

The Roku player will be able to do HD but Netflix is not offering HD yet for it.

[Steve615]

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/99078

[Pink Fairy]

AirRocker - What is HIMYM?

[dbconsultant]

AirRocker - What is HIMYM?

"How I Met Your Mother"?

[Michael D'Angelo]

I ordered a Netflix player on Thursday and receiver it a little while ago and I must say they PQ is as good or maybe even better than I thought it would be. I personally see myself using it a lot.

I would like to see some more current content added to it. It does not need to be new release stuff, but things that have been out on DVD for a few months would be great IMO.

The only question/problem I am having is does it do Dolby Digital and if so does it work through HDMI?

I have it hooked up via HDMI and I am not getting Dolby Digital so I am wondering if the unit can even do it before I pick up a digital optical cable if it will not work through HDMI.

Thanks,
Mike

[Chris Blount]

No, I don't think it does Dolby Digital yet.

[Michael D'Angelo]

No, I don't think it does Dolby Digital yet.

Thanks Chris. I figured, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't doing something wrong.

[turey22]

when do you guys think it will be able to show hd content?

[Michael D'Angelo]

when do you guys think it will be able to show hd content?

Yes. It has HDMI and component and I believe it has already been announced that there will be HD content available at some point for it.

[turey22]

Yes. It has HDMI and component and I believe it has already been announced that there will be HD content available at some point for it.

yeah i know at some point but i just didnt know if this year or next but thank you. i want to get one but the turn off is the no hd part and as what ive read no new release.

[turey22]

so i am thinking about getting this box today...i was wondering how you guys like it?

[shaun-ohio]

it is very nice, well worth the 99 investment, the faster your internet connection is, the better video quality is, you can stream a entire movie in less then 2 mins, i love it !!! :)

[photostudent]

Maybe a little off topic but I heard from a good source today that Blockbuster is putting planned download schemes on the back burner and is going to push more into the $.99 Kiosk rental business. They got on the mail rental market late and don't want the same thing to happen to them with the rental boxes. This seems logical to me as downloading is a hassle. I get all my movies from REDBOX.

[tcusta00]

I'm on the fence about all this stuff. I love movies but I want high quality and I want to be able to watch at the last minute. The Netflix box is interesting if it delivers HD-quality at some point, but now there's the possibility that Comcast will cut me off if I watch too many movies.

At this point I think I'm leaning to the BluRay player and hope that RedBox stocks them. Blockbuster is so inconvenient to me. RedBoxes are everywhere here.

For the time being I think we'll continue to use our current method of subscribing to one premium movie channel and renting an HD PPV when the urge hits.

[joshjr]

Maybe a little off topic but I heard from a good source today that Blockbuster is putting planned download schemes on the back burner and is going to push more into the $.99 Kiosk rental business. They got on the mail rental market late and don't want the same thing to happen to them with the rental boxes. This seems logical to me as downloading is a hassle. I get all my movies from REDBOX.

Thats great for you but you can not get TV shows on DVD in REDBOX. Shows like the Wire from HBO are typically $70-100 for one 12 episode season. Netflix is well worth the money. Besides what better 80,000 titles or 50 in a box? I am sure it works well for some. I mean the idea of renting a new release on Tuesday for $1 is great and I use REDBOX some but I will not cancel Netflix reguardless.

[shaun-ohio]

just checked out the new movies added on netflix this morning, looks like they have added a bunch from 2007 now, also some of them are being shown on the premium movie channels this month, i love it!!! keep up the good work netflix. :)

[Chris Blount]

just checked out the new movies added on netflix this morning, looks like they have added a bunch from 2007 now, also some of them are being shown on the premium movie channels this month, i love it!!! keep up the good work netflix. :)Agree. The selection is much better now.

[lee635]

I don't have netflix at present. Is the box required to DL movies or can you use your pc as well?




Agree. The selection is much better now.

[LarryFlowers]

PC will work just fine... just visit the netflix web site.

[shaun-ohio]

Starz, Netflix Team Up For Online Content
Movie rental service Netflix and Starz Entertainment on Wednesday announced an agreement that will make content from the "Starz Play" broadband subscription service available for instant streaming at Netflix. The deal adds some 2,500 movies, TV shows and concerts to Netflix's online library and makes Starz Play available to all unlimited Netflix subscriptions.

"The coupling of Starz Play with our growing library of streaming content is an important step forward for both companies and for consumer choice," said Ted Sarandos, chief content officer for Netflix. "Our deal reflects the creative ways we are working with content partners to expand the profile and the number of choices our subscribers can watch instantly over the internet."

To date, about 1,000 Starz titles are currently available for instant streaming from the Netflix web site, with more set to be added in the coming weeks, the companies said. The Starz collection of programming for online distribution includes first-run movies ("Spider Man 3" and "Ratatouille"), independent films, sports and concert footage as well as original content like the Starz series "Crash."

[LarryFlowers]

The upgrade for HD that Netflix/Roku box owners have been waiting for is finally here in time for Christmas.

So now we have the XBox360, Samsung Blu-Ray players, Netflix/Roku boxes, etc., capable of delivering HD the question now will be can the Netflix delivery system take the load? Will we see a rapidly expanding selection of titles? Will ISP's be able to take the load...?

Time will tell.

[Michael D'Angelo]

I seen the reports saying by the end of the year and have been waiting for it but I just checked mine and no new update available.

[sigma1914]

Where can I get a Roku HD box?

[Michael D'Angelo]

Where can I get a Roku HD box?

You just have to go to roku.com and order a Netflix player. But as I said above the update is not available yet, at least not for me. I know it is suppose to be out by the end of the year.

[LarryFlowers]

Engadget reports the update is being pushed out "in waves" http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/20/roku-v1-5-firmware-update-brings-hd-netflix-streaming/ right now... As I have the Samsung Blu-Ray and the XBox 360 I cant verify, but that is what they are reporting as 12-20-2008.


You just have to go to roku.com and order a Netflix player. But as I said above the update is not available yet, at least not for me. I know it is suppose to be out by the end of the year.

[Michael D'Angelo]

Thanks Larry. I can't wait to get the update.

[Steve615]

Where can I get a Roku HD box?

http://www.roku.com/netflixplayer/

[Chris Blount]

I got the update on both of my Roku boxes last night. So far so good.

The HD PQ is good but definitely not Blu-Ray. I would say it is about half way between a good upconverted SD picture and Blu-Ray. Kind of like what a Apple TV does. The added benefit is that the Roku box now does an excellent job upconverted non-HD movies to 720p. Also, like the Wii, the main screen contains "channels". None are available right now but according to a text statement after upgrading, channels are coming in early 2009.

No bad and I'm sure over time things will improve.

[tonyd79]

I have Netflix on my HD Tivo and on the Roku. HD came on the Tivo earlier than the Roku. I am going to play with both to see what I like about each (so far, I like the Tivo GUI better...it is not Tivo-like at all, BTW) but the Roku seems quicker and does a better job of FF/Rewind. The PQ seems equal (they are both hooked up via component but the Tivo is set at 1080i and the Roku at 720p).

I have had the Roku for several months now and have been quite happy with the performance. Very few dropouts but this release seems to have improved PQ (which makes sense since it now upconverts all to HD) and loading speed. The Tivo is a bit balky getting into the programming (which Tivo seems to be overall these days...they are really pushing those boxes with stuff including at least three different GUI styles).

The Roku may find its way into the bedroom but for now it stays in the living room along side the Tivo waiting to see what the new content (Hulu?) will be.

For me, the PQ for SD is better than most SD (including OTA) but varies per program (naturally). The HD looks HD but has a slighly strobing look on motion (not huge but noticeable often). That may improve as Netflix is using a new compression scheme.

[Chris Blount]

Netflix box owners will soon be receiving an upgrade for access to Amazon video on demand titles:

http://www.cinemablend.com/dvdnews/Roku-Player-Upgrades-To-Netflix-HD-And-Beyond-14630.html

[Chris Blount]

Did anyone get the new software with Amazon video? I still don't have it on either of my boxes.

[LarryFlowers]

Chris.. I understand the software for the Roku boxes is still being tested "in several limited geographic areas" one of which I believe is Seattle and it isn't ready yet... but I also believe their goal is the first quarter.


Did anyone get the new software with Amazon video? I still don't have it on either of my boxes.

[Grentz]

I would love to see a download only netflix subscription, I would probably go for that. I dont have much interest in doing the by mail DVDs though right now.

[Michael D'Angelo]

I would love to see a download only netflix subscription, I would probably go for that. I dont have much interest in doing the by mail DVDs though right now.

As long as you have the one DVD at a time unlimited plan (which I believe is $7.99 am month) you can download as much as you want. The selection is limited but for $7.99 a month you can't beat it. And you can you have a few movies a month sent or leave your que empty if you don't want any sent.

[Grentz]

I guess that is not too bad. Would prefer something like $4.99 for the current selection.

Hopefully in the future things will improve, though I know the studios are not all loving downloadable formats as first releases as it hurts disc sales.

[dpd146]

1. Does anyone know the size of the movies? Curious how many movies/shows I could watch with Comcast bandwidth limit.

2. Does the video quality change based on your connection speed like it does watching on the computer?

[Hutchinshouse]

1. Does anyone know the size of the movies? Curious how many movies/shows I could watch with Comcast bandwidth limit.

2. Does the video quality change based on your connection speed like it does watching on the computer?

Here's some cool details on Netflix: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/19/do-not-time-netflix-hd-streaming-shootout/

I have the Samsung BD-P2550. Netflix "HD" is slightly better than a good DVD. Connection speed does play a big part. Checkout the link for details.

[jadebox]

1. Does anyone know the size of the movies? Curious how many movies/shows I could watch with Comcast bandwidth limit.

2. Does the video quality change based on your connection speed like it does watching on the computer?

The quality does depend on the connection speed. I use a HomePlug AV (2.0) connection between my cable modem and my LG Blu-Ray player that I use to stream video from Netflix. I don't know what speed I'm getting through the connection, but it's a fraction of the speed of a typical cable modem or DSL connection. Nevertheless, I have no problem streaming the HD content at it's highest quality.

Previously, I used an 802.11g Wi-Fi connection and, most of the time, it also was able to stream at full HD quaility.

So, I think the bandwidth requirements for Netflix streaming are not very great.

-- Roger

[dpd146]

The quality does depend on the connection speed. I use a HomePlug AV (2.0) connection between my cable modem and my LG Blu-Ray player that I use to stream video from Netflix. I don't know what speed I'm getting through the connection, but it's a fraction of the speed of a typical cable modem or DSL connection. Nevertheless, I have no problem streaming the HD content at it's highest quality.

Previously, I used an 802.11g Wi-Fi connection and, most of the time, it also was able to stream at full HD quaility.

So, I think the bandwidth requirements for Netflix streaming are not very great.

-- Roger

When I watch online the image quality definately fluctuates depending on my current connection speed.

I can not get consistent connection speeds with my Windows machine. I think it something in my set-up (bad cable, bad switch etc...) because when I speed test my Linux machine which is hooked right to the router I get 5mbps consistently and the Windows machine jumps between 2.5 and 4.

But I am rambling. I will probably get the Roku and give it a shot. It's not that expensive.

[Chris Blount]

I just got an e-mail from Roku. It looks like the Amazon movies will be available via a firmware update within the next 5 days.

[Chris Blount]

Well, I downloaded the Amazon update last night to my Roku box. Seems to work fairly well. During setup, they give you a web address and a code so you can attach your Amazon account to the Roku box.

It was actually kind of interesting. A few years ago I purchased a couple of TV episodes on Amazon and forgot about them. They popped right up on the Roku box once my account was active. Kind of cool actually.

I plan on playing with it more tonight.

[dpd146]

I figured out my problem when watching online is the Comcast speedboost which gives you a jolt at the begining of a download but slows after so many MB's. This was causing the online Netflix player to adjust speed and sometimes start buffering again.

While researching the problem I found out that you can hit Shift+B when the Neflix player is first starting and adjust the bitrate. I found the sweet spot for me is 1600Kbps. Get decent picture and no re-buffering.

Gonna get the box and see how it does with the shifting connection speeds.

[wakajawaka]

I just ordered the Roku player today. Can't wait to try it out. It was an easy sell to my wife. If it works out, I'll be getting another one for the bedroom. From all the comments so far, I think we'll be happy with it.

[Chris Blount]

I just ordered the Roku player today. Can't wait to try it out. It was an easy sell to my wife. If it works out, I'll be getting another one for the bedroom. From all the comments so far, I think we'll be happy with it.Great!

Just be aware that you can only stream to as many boxes as your subscription allows. For instance, if you have the "one out" plan, you can have one Roku box, "two out" plan...two Roku's...and so on.

[Michael D'Angelo]

Great!

Just be aware that you can only stream to as many boxes as your subscription allows. For instance, if you have the "one out" plan, you can have one Roku box, "two out" plan...two Roku's...and so on.

Chris, I believe that has changed. My plan now is 2 at a time and I can use up to 6 (at least that is what it says when I check on their site).

[Chris Blount]

Chris, I believe that has changed. My plan now is 2 at a time and I can use up to 6 (at least that is what it says when I check on their site). Yes but I was walking about simulatneous streaming. You can have multiple devices you just can't stream to them all at the same time.

[Michael D'Angelo]

Yes but I was walking about simulatneous streaming. You can have multiple devices you just can't stream to them all at the same time.

ok thanks :) I actually did not know that. I thought when I heard that a while back you could only have two units. Now I know.

[Chris Blount]

ok thanks :) I actually did not know that. I thought when I heard that a while back you could only have two units. Now I know.I should have been a bit more clear about that. You can have six devices but if you have the "two out" plan, you can stream to only 2 of them at the same time.

[Michael D'Angelo]

I should have been a bit more clear about that. You can have six devices but if you have the "two out" plan, you can stream to only 2 of them at the same time.

I don't see that being a problem, at least not for me. I have two players so far but have never used more than one at a time.

[Chris Blount]

I don't see that being a problem, at least not for me. I have two players so far but have never used more than one at a time.I know what you mean. I also have two Roku boxes and the "two out" plan. I think both boxes have concurrently streamed maybe 2 or 3 times since I've had them. When they did stream at the same time, I had no issues at all. One of them was even streaming HD.

[wakajawaka]

I've been trying to connect my Roku box through my HR20-100 DTV DVR in the bedroom with no luck. I've tried two different cables that I know work. WHen I connect the Roku box directly to the network it works fine, when I connect it to jack 2 on the HR20, no luck. Any ideas? I'd really not have to buy a LAN switch for the bedroom.

[Michael D'Angelo]

I've been trying to connect my Roku box through my HR20-100 DTV DVR in the bedroom with no luck. I've tried two different cables that I know work. WHen I connect the Roku box directly to the network it works fine, when I connect it to jack 2 on the HR20, no luck. Any ideas? I'd really not have to buy a LAN switch for the bedroom.

The second ethernet connection on the HR20-100 does not work. It only works on the HR21, HR22, HR23, and R22.

[wakajawaka]

The second ethernet connection on the HR20-100 does not work. It only works on the HR21, HR22, HR23, and R22.

Darn! Oh well, NewEgg here I come!

[brant]

My computer has high-def outputs to connect to my television.

Can you stream netflix HD titles to your computer for viewing on your TV?

[joed32]

You can do that if you don't want to buy the Roku. But that little box works really good and I would recommend it. I have never streamed from the PC to the TV but I see no reason why you couldn't.

[brant]

You can do that if you don't want to buy the Roku. But that little box works really good and I would recommend it. I have never streamed from the PC to the TV but I see no reason why you couldn't.

My PC is already connected to my HDTV, so I figured if its possible, it could save $100. And its one less thing to connect to the AV receiver.

[TSR]

on The Register this AM http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/20/netflix_downloads_roku/

Netflix will begin selling its set top streaming box for $99, and will start the service with 10000 titles available. The box is made by Silicon Valley start up Roku and is available on their web site. It has connections for all types of TV including HDMI and the box is "capable" of handling HD although there is no indication that this is available at this time.

There is also listing I have found yet for the 10000+ titles, If this similar to their online streaming service for the PC, there is very little I would watch through this box. On the other hand, if they start to offer new release in HD over this box then Netflix will become my new best friend.

Find the box and more information at http://www.roku.com/netflixplayer/


Almost seems kind of foolish to me for them to do this given the way technology is headed right now with HD and Blu-ray, etc...

But there are people out there that don't have Netflix or an HD TV and will see this as an option for watching movies, possibly cheaper than the theater I suppose, also must keep in mind that the movies they offer online right now really isn't a varied choice unfortunately.

[Chris Blount]

Amazon Video on Demand goes HD.

It's been a long time in coming, but Amazon Video on Demand is finally available in high-def. Owners of TiVo HD/Series 3 DVRs, the Roku Digital Video Player, the Sony Bravia Internet Video Link, and Panasonic VieraCast TVs (and, presumably, VieraCast-enabled Blu-ray players) will be the first to enjoy Amazon's content in HD (software updates to enable HD viewing on those products should be available imminently).

More...
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10224250-1.html

[dmaintenanceman]

Amazon Video on Demand goes HD.

It's been a long time in coming, but Amazon Video on Demand is finally available in high-def. Owners of TiVo HD/Series 3 DVRs, the Roku Digital Video Player, the Sony Bravia Internet Video Link, and Panasonic VieraCast TVs (and, presumably, VieraCast-enabled Blu-ray players) will be the first to enjoy Amazon's content in HD (software updates to enable HD viewing on those products should be available imminently).

More...
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10224250-1.html
I have the Panasonic TH-58pz850u with Viera-Cast. The GUI is nice, fast, and easy to use. There are jacket/DVD/Show covers and trailers. The trailers loaded very fast for a wireless connection. I will test hardwire at a later date. Picture quality on the HD Trailer is not as crisp and clear as DoD. Sound is ok. Unfortunately there is a price for everything. I have a Netflix account with Instant Watch enabled and HULU. The same TV shows found on Amazon.com, can be found on HULU for FREE.

Does anyone else have any user experience they would like to share?

[man_rob]

HD movies are only $4.99. I bought a friend the Roku box for his birthday. It's a great thing. My computer has HDMI out, so I use that, but there is something so convenient about this tiny box. I think I'm going to get one.

[brant]

So what speed do you need for HD?

I'm logged in at my office w/ 6Mbps connection and 1500 is still the fastest stream I can connect to.

My monitor is a 42" LG LCD. Its far from HD quality. Its not bad, but its not HD.

Or does it possibly have something to do w/ how the monitor is connected?

At home, I'm using a component video connection.

At the office its DVI-VGA.

[Ken S]

I purchased one of the Roku boxes for my wife last week ($99 + shipping). Setup was as easy as plugging the HDMI cable into the box and TV, Plugging the network cable in (it also has wireless in the box), plugging the box into the outlet and turning on the TV.

The picture quality is great, interface is very nice and easy to use. I only wish we could separate our instant view queue so if we wanted a box like this for the kids it would only show the kid's movies that are in our queue.

All in all, if you want a very nice on-demand movie option...the Roku box is a great solution.

[HiDuck]

I only wish we could separate our instant view queue so if we wanted a box like this for the kids it would only show the kid's movies that are in our queue.

Ken, My work around to this has been in organizing the instant que at netflix .com. I four year old that can't read (but definateley can distinguish movie covers for ones he can watch) so I have those all at the top of the que. The que for my wife and I follow his movies. My son knows that when he chooses the Roku (he even refers to it as that :D ) from the remote, all he has to do is hold the left key and it takes him to the top of the list where all his movies are.

[Ken S]

Ken, My work around to this has been in organizing the instant que at netflix .com. I four year old that can't read (but definateley can distinguish movie covers for ones he can watch) so I have those all at the top of the que. The que for my wife and I follow his movies. My son knows that when he chooses the Roku (he even refers to it as that :D ) from the remote, all he has to do is hold the left key and it takes him to the top of the list where all his movies are.

That's not a bad idea until my son sees the movie cover with an attractive woman on it and starts watching that one instead of Kipper :)

[SayWhat?]

What do these do to your web bandwidth?

[jeffshoaf]

What do these do to your web bandwidth?

The Roku provides feedback to NetFlix so that NetFlix can adjust the bitrate to account for bandwidth issues, so if you are using lots of bandwidth for some other purpose, the stream continues at a lower bitrate (and corresponding lower picture quality). If the Roku doesn't have enough available bandwidth, it'll stop displaying whatever you're watching and re-buffer - it's buffer is pretty small, so if the condition is more than momentary, it'll drive you nuts!

When buffering, the Roku provides a bitrate meter of dots 0 to 4, plus HD. I have 3mb DSL and I consistently get 4 dots and approx. DVD quality, even while casually browsing the web. I have had a couple of occasions where I had 2 or 3 dot bitstreams; during those times, I didn't have any re-buffering issues, but did notice picture quality degradation. I wouldn't want to do a major download or upload (or use bit torrent) while streaming a movie unless I had a faster Internet connection.