Comments on: Netflix’s First Set-Top Box http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/ Blogging the Reel World Sat, 6 Sep 2008 21:36:50 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: /gamer » Blog Archive » Video of Xbox 360 Using Netflix http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-437789 /gamer » Blog Archive » Video of Xbox 360 Using Netflix Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:53:48 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-437789 [...] subscription. A few months ago, I debated on buying the new hardware from Netflix called “Roku.” It was a device that you hooked up to your TV and streamed movies from your Netflix [...] [...] subscription. A few months ago, I debated on buying the new hardware from Netflix called “Roku.” It was a device that you hooked up to your TV and streamed movies from your Netflix [...]

]]> By: Floppy http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-345636 Floppy Thu, 22 May 2008 15:37:43 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-345636 The other reason I like using my laptop to stream Netflix to my TV is the ability to store something to my HDD if I like it for later viewing which comes back to the digital storage versus physical ownership debate. The other reason I like using my laptop to stream Netflix to my TV is the ability to store something to my HDD if I like it for later viewing which comes back to the digital storage versus physical ownership debate.

]]> By: face02 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-345600 face02 Thu, 22 May 2008 15:11:25 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-345600 I'll buy one now, then sell it on eBay as the HD model comes out. I've been looking forward to either this or the presumed 360 compatibility. I’ll buy one now, then sell it on eBay as the HD model comes out. I’ve been looking forward to either this or the presumed 360 compatibility.

]]> By: ANALRAPIST http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344749 ANALRAPIST Thu, 22 May 2008 02:07:57 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344749 i ordered one of these. in my queue of 120, 18 are avalable for instant viewing. thats not a great selection, but its not bad either. 18 movies for instant playback. while its not the newest releases, it is a pretty decent selection of stuff you normally wouldn't see, some of it pretty good. for 99 bucks and the box being ready for firmware updates for hd when they come out, plus more movies constantly being added, this has potential to rule. i ordered one of these.
in my queue of 120, 18 are avalable for instant viewing. thats not a great selection, but its not bad either. 18 movies for instant playback. while its not the newest releases, it is a pretty decent selection of stuff you normally wouldn’t see, some of it pretty good. for 99 bucks and the box being ready for firmware updates for hd when they come out, plus more movies constantly being added, this has potential to rule.

]]> By: Captain Awesome http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344661 Captain Awesome Thu, 22 May 2008 00:47:32 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344661 some_dude, That's pretty much what's going to help this box, it's the overall convenience. some_dude,

That’s pretty much what’s going to help this box, it’s the overall convenience.

]]> By: some_dude http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344633 some_dude Thu, 22 May 2008 00:26:49 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344633 Netflix said the reason more movies were not available was because of long delays of ondemand rights (someone probably knows more about that than me). Also the box only does 480P and Netflix has openly said that this is the first of many products they will be launching like this and most likely the cheapest since they are working on getting full HD (1080P) into the future boxes. As far as using a laptop, this solution is much more cost effective for them as well as consumer friendly. Most people are just not capable or care to hook up their computers to their TV's and with the box Netflix does not have to worry about what OS, AV, firewall, permissions ...etc that people have .. just plug in the box and go Netflix said the reason more movies were not available was because of long delays of ondemand rights (someone probably knows more about that than me).

Also the box only does 480P and Netflix has openly said that this is the first of many products they will be launching like this and most likely the cheapest since they are working on getting full HD (1080P) into the future boxes.

As far as using a laptop, this solution is much more cost effective for them as well as consumer friendly. Most people are just not capable or care to hook up their computers to their TV’s and with the box Netflix does not have to worry about what OS, AV, firewall, permissions …etc that people have .. just plug in the box and go

]]> By: Captain Awesome http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344575 Captain Awesome Wed, 21 May 2008 23:44:18 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344575 Gerball, I'm pretty sure this was taken into consideration when they came up with this. At the moment Netflix is in talks with Microsoft in testing out a program to bring their catalog to the 360. They'll probably have some sort of set-priced packages for different bandwidth needs. Gerball,

I’m pretty sure this was taken into consideration when they came up with this. At the moment Netflix is in talks with Microsoft in testing out a program to bring their catalog to the 360.

They’ll probably have some sort of set-priced packages for different bandwidth needs.

]]> By: fakename311 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344524 fakename311 Wed, 21 May 2008 23:09:28 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344524 I am rarely an early adopter, but with this I ordered mine yesterday. I am rarely an early adopter, but with this I ordered mine yesterday.

]]> By: Gerball http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344511 Gerball Wed, 21 May 2008 23:04:19 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344511 Doesnt matter how cheap it is with them capping your broadband... u'll be paying for extra bandwidth anyways..... Doesnt matter how cheap it is with them capping your broadband… u’ll be paying for extra bandwidth anyways…..

]]> By: Captain Awesome http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344485 Captain Awesome Wed, 21 May 2008 22:45:41 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344485 The price is definitely perfect for the giant market they plan to hit with this. Looking forward to messing around with one. The price is definitely perfect for the giant market they plan to hit with this. Looking forward to messing around with one.

]]> By: oopsi8abug http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344479 oopsi8abug Wed, 21 May 2008 22:38:40 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344479 Man, that's cool. I was so disappointed that the Netflix instant movie feature wasn't available for Macs, and have been anxiously waiting for them to sort that out. I don't think there's really a comparison between the AppleTV and this Roku thing. They serve entirely different purposes. One is for selling you lots of stuff and the other is to give you faster access to the stuff you are already paying for, at no extra charge. Anyways, I'm getting one :) Man, that’s cool. I was so disappointed that the Netflix instant movie feature wasn’t available for Macs, and have been anxiously waiting for them to sort that out.

I don’t think there’s really a comparison between the AppleTV and this Roku thing. They serve entirely different purposes. One is for selling you lots of stuff and the other is to give you faster access to the stuff you are already paying for, at no extra charge.

Anyways, I’m getting one :)

]]> By: Floppy http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344450 Floppy Wed, 21 May 2008 22:14:56 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344450 @ Peter I have a streamlined setup where everything is out of sight so even if I used the most gawky old school computer ever streaming the video to my TV you wouldn't know it. @ Peter

I have a streamlined setup where everything is out of sight so even if I used the most gawky old school computer ever streaming the video to my TV you wouldn’t know it.

]]> By: mike http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344448 mike Wed, 21 May 2008 22:10:36 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344448 Yawn, let me know when this device or similar is offering full 1080p videos... (I think that can handle it, but not sure Netflix will ever offer). Also, can't wait when the broadband companies put a cap on your download limit or charge more becuase you are using too much bandwidth streaming this videos (esp 1080p, but be a huge impact on the networks). Yawn, let me know when this device or similar is offering full 1080p videos… (I think that can handle it, but not sure Netflix will ever offer).

Also, can’t wait when the broadband companies put a cap on your download limit or charge more becuase you are using too much bandwidth streaming this videos (esp 1080p, but be a huge impact on the networks).

]]> By: Peter Sciretta http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344435 Peter Sciretta Wed, 21 May 2008 22:04:38 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344435 Floppy: I can also record television shows with a VCR, but a DVR is more elegant, easier to use, and doesn't look stupid in your home theater set-up. Besides, I have a MacBook and none of the rental services, including netflix's instant stream work on a mac.But aside from that, I don't think most of america wants to hook up their laptop to their big screen. They want to have a set-top box that just works. Awesome: They were trying to make people pay $300 bucks to have the ability to pay money to rent movies? Thats why the AppleTV didn't work out. The Roku Box is $100 and all you can eat (as long as your a netflix subscriber). I think that's a huge difference, not only in price, but also value. And like AJ said, I'm sure in due time all the features will be ironed out. This is more like a beta unit than a final release in my mind. This is more like a demonstration of what could be possible. But even with the problems I stated in the article above, $99 is not a huge investment, and will probably attract a lot of NetFlix subscribers. Floppy: I can also record television shows with a VCR, but a DVR is more elegant, easier to use, and doesn’t look stupid in your home theater set-up. Besides, I have a MacBook and none of the rental services, including netflix’s instant stream work on a mac.But aside from that, I don’t think most of america wants to hook up their laptop to their big screen. They want to have a set-top box that just works.

Awesome: They were trying to make people pay $300 bucks to have the ability to pay money to rent movies? Thats why the AppleTV didn’t work out. The Roku Box is $100 and all you can eat (as long as your a netflix subscriber). I think that’s a huge difference, not only in price, but also value.

And like AJ said, I’m sure in due time all the features will be ironed out. This is more like a beta unit than a final release in my mind. This is more like a demonstration of what could be possible. But even with the problems I stated in the article above, $99 is not a huge investment, and will probably attract a lot of NetFlix subscribers.

]]> By: Captain Awesome http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344410 Captain Awesome Wed, 21 May 2008 21:45:35 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344410 Yeah, but Apple was marketing theirs with the main power of renting film and tv from the box too. That was until people hacked it the first day it hit the streets. Now people are using it as a multi-box to do just about everything else. The queue option from your computer to this Roku box sounds like an easy fix that can be adjusted in a future patch or something. Yeah, but Apple was marketing theirs with the main power of renting film and tv from the box too. That was until people hacked it the first day it hit the streets. Now people are using it as a multi-box to do just about everything else.

The queue option from your computer to this Roku box sounds like an easy fix that can be adjusted in a future patch or something.

]]> By: Floppy http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344407 Floppy Wed, 21 May 2008 21:44:09 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344407 I do this now with my laptop because it has an HDMI output so isn't that accomplishing the same thing just without purchasing this box? I do this now with my laptop because it has an HDMI output so isn’t that accomplishing the same thing just without purchasing this box?

]]> By: A. J. http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344406 A. J. Wed, 21 May 2008 21:43:38 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344406 Once they iron out all the bugs and have it where you can select movies like indemand without using the computer this will be perfect. No wonder Blockbuster is having a heart attack. They've been trying to expand their stores for retail items and trying to buy Circuit City. Once they iron out all the bugs and have it where you can
select movies like indemand without using the computer
this will be perfect. No wonder Blockbuster is having a heart attack. They’ve been trying to expand their stores for retail
items and trying to buy Circuit City.

]]> By: Dan Taylor http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344405 Dan Taylor Wed, 21 May 2008 21:42:57 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344405 The other big difference is that the Apple box is (I believe) $299. I'm surprised at the low cost of this and I'm ready to take the plunge. The other big difference is that the Apple box is (I believe) $299. I’m surprised at the low cost of this and I’m ready to take the plunge.

]]> By: giantman http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344403 giantman Wed, 21 May 2008 21:42:09 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344403 granted. course you don't get any of the other cool stuff, like synching to your iTunes library. but as an entry level sorta thing, it is interesting. granted. course you don’t get any of the other cool stuff, like synching to your iTunes library. but as an entry level sorta thing, it is interesting.

]]> By: J.D. http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344401 J.D. Wed, 21 May 2008 21:41:23 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/21/netflixs-first-set-top-box/#comment-344401 But if the quality is LOWER than a DVD or BluRay, then why not just hop over to Blockbuster? And if it's the SAME quality or higher, then why invest in BluRay at all? "TV-top Box" vs. "Movies on Disk" seems to be the fight of the near future. And because humans have a tactile desire to own physical objects, the disks win out every time. But if the quality is LOWER than a DVD or BluRay, then why not just hop over to Blockbuster?

And if it’s the SAME quality or higher, then why invest in BluRay at all?

“TV-top Box” vs. “Movies on Disk” seems to be the fight of the near future. And because humans have a tactile desire to own physical objects, the disks win out every time.

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