I got my Roku Netflix today ...

[forzaroma]

Roku is a device meant to work with Netflix and your TV to stream movies from a Netflix queue to your TV (click on the Roku link for a better description from Netflix).

Installation was a breeze, but I used a cable, not a wireless connection (because the TV is right next to my cable router), however, I don't think that the wireless set-up would be a problem.

I went to Netflix and entered a code number given to me by the Roku box into a sign-up page, selected a couple of Watch Now movies, a minute or so later, I was watching my first video from the queue.

The quality depends on your connection speed. Nothing to write home about, but no worse that regular TV 10 years of so ago. Same with the sound - nothing special, but very workable.

I am watching "Tommy" as we speak (I am up to one of the good parts "The Acid Queen"), something I wanted to watch again for a while but never got to it.

The selection of movies is OK, but I see new movies coming in every week.

Here's how I would rate the Roku+Netflix combo:

Installation: 5/5 - I can't imagine it any easier
Ease of use: 5/5 - Again, could not be easier IMO
Video quality: 3/5 (with a 1.5MBs connection)
Audio quality: 3/5
Material selection: 2.5/5 (but I am hopeful to see a lot more)
Price: 5/5 (<$120 including shipping and no fees besides the Netflix I am already paying)

Bottom line: 4/5 - with the potential of being a real killer with better video quality and selection.

I am glad I got it, let's see how much use it gets in the next couple of months.

Alberto

 

[hpsenicka]

I was hoping someone would get one of these new Roku Netflix Players and post a review.

Apparently these are in such demand that Roku is having trouble keeping up with the orders.

Unfortunately they only work if you are within the continental US.

There is also info on the manufacturers web site.. http://www.roku.com/netflixplayer/

 

[soundmotor]

So basically as a Netflix member you can buy this and watch any of the 10K titles it runs for free?

 

[forzaroma]

So basically as a Netflix member you can buy this and watch any of the 10K titles it runs for free?

That's the idea. Some people think it's too good to be true, so we'll see how long this "free forever" part lasts. BTW, it's not exactly free, you need at least a $8-10 Netflix monthly subscription (which allows 1-DVD at a time I believe).

BTW, you can watch any of the 10K movies for free already, but you needed a PC + IE up to now (Mac was not supported).

Alberto