It needs internet access via either a network cable or Wi-Fi (I used Wi-Fi) so that it can download the movies from Netflix. The quality of the picture is determined by your download speed - the faster the connection, the better the picture quality. I have a cable modem at home and using a wireless connection I achieved 4 out of 5 dots for picture quality. One thing I like about the box is that it has connections on the back for every sort of TV: Everything from the old composite white/yellow/red video/left/right connectors of older TV sets, to S-video, component, HDMI and optical audio connections.
I watched Logan’s Run, and while the picture wasn’t that great due to my testing with the oldest possible connection (composite), there were no pauses for downloading while viewing the movie. You can watch movies uninterrupted. You can also pause, fast forward and rewind. I also tested a more recent film, Trade for a few minutes to see what the picture quality would be like and considering the connection I was using I was very impressed. I look forward to viewing films with an HD connection between the Roku Box and my receiver.
The only downside is that while Netflix has an inventory of over 100,000 unique films, only about 1/10 of those are available yet for instant watching, and you can’t browse by new releases. They have a “newly added” section but that’s a hodge podge of older and newer movies and TV shows. You pretty much need to narrow your selection down by genre and dig through to find something you’re interested in.
The Roku retails for $100 and you do need a Netflix account. The nice thing about instant viewing is that there is NO limit: you can watch as many downloadable movies as you like.
News also just came out today that Netflix has an agreement with Microsoft to allow this same functionality with the Xbox 360, although it requires a Xbox Live Gold account (whatever that is, I don’t own a game box).
I’ll definitely continue to use the Roku Box and look forward to Netflix making their entire library available for instant viewing.
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5 Comments
I’ve been curious about this for a while, but lately we’ve been too busy to watch the movies we do get from Netflix. We put the account on hold for now, since we’ve got Blockbuster and Red Box right across the street from us. But I will definitely consider the Roku when we get the subscription back, because it sounds really cool.
This market is heating up. ClickStar will be open for business soon with from computer to home theater viewing. VUDU and a plethora of other services are already competing, it will just be a matter of “letting the horses get to the hay” as the old saying goes.
I agree. I love the Roku, find it user friendly and so does an elderly parent. We both like it and the price is definitely right.
It’s pretty funny that you wrote about this, Vic. I just heard about it yesterday (before I saw your review) and I thought it was a pretty neat gadget. I’ll probably end up getting one! There are alot of older movies that I haven’t watched, and this seems like it would be a good way to check ‘em out.
Vic
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