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Netflix challenges AppleTV |
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Written by Chris Tangora
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Wednesday, 21 May 2008 |
 Netflix sent out it's first contender against the Apple TV yesterday with the Roku Netflix Player. The book sized device cost $99 and hooks directly up to your television. It streams available movies from your NetFlix account to your TV, no computer needed (except to make your queue).
The Netflix Player and the AppleTV are aiming at different markets, but they are both forerunners in the digital media delivery field. The AppleTV allows you to stream recent releases, while the NetFlix Player allows you to stream movies and shows that have been out on DVD for a while. The NetFlix Player requires a NetFlix account with unlimited playback, starting at $8.99 for the one movie plans. The NetFlix Players can also be stacked, so if you have a three movie plan you can have three separate NetFlix Players going at the same time in the house, all watching different movies.
While the Roku is the first of the NetFlix Players, it won't be the last. NetFlix's site clearly states that this is the first of the devices to come to market. Some rumors point to a co-op with LG for a high def version. Roku's version currently gives DVD quality if your bandwidth allows it. It is also rumored that the Roku device will be upgradable (it can use HDMI connections) in the future with a software upgrade.
If you were looking at an AppleTV for your streaming media, it's worth a look at the Roku NetFlix Player as a viable alternative. I know I am.
Roku NetFlix Player site
NetFlix site with details on how it works
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