Netflix hire reveals "Internet TV" division: downloads coming to living room

We're still not so sure how this newfangled "internets" thing is going to work out, but Netflix seems enamored with the technology, and has set up a whole Internet TV division to push movies and TV shows over that series of tubes. Today Netflix appointed ReplayTV founder Anthony Wood to the VP position of the group, whose "invented the DVR, founded Roku" and "good written and verbal communication" resume items make him a natural choice for freeing those media downloads from PC shackles to make the trek into the living room and onto your television. "The company has taken the first step -- and an innovative one -- in offering online video to its members," said Mr. Wood, "and I'm here to work with a range of partners to get that video to the television, where consumers watch most of their movies." We knew Netflix had a good bit of this stuff in the works, but it's nice to see 'em come clean and take a proactive stance on this, especially since this war for PC-to-living room supremacy is sure to be a bloody one.

[Via Zatz Not Funny]

[Tommy Suriwong @ Apr 16th 2007 12:39PM]

I remember way back when, Netflix tried this gambit and the movie companies shut them down quick. Now that Amazon has gotten onto Tivos, Netflix should really have no problem with this. Let's hope Tivo did NOT sign an exclusive deal with Amazon. If they did, let's hope that it only lasts a few months and Netflix can get in there quick.

[Rick Lyon @ Apr 16th 2007 12:46PM]

Make those HD movie downloads and allow for me to store it on a HDD and you'll get my money.

[Cappuccino Kid @ Apr 16th 2007 12:51PM]

Please Netflix, partner up with Apple on this one. Netflix has the content, Apple the hardware and portal (iTunes).
I have a feeling that's a pipedream though and will never happen.
Ahh well, it's back to ripping movies for me.

[Galley @ Apr 16th 2007 1:03PM]

D'oh! I just signed a two-year contract with DirecTV. At least I'm getting four local networks in HD, and all of the other HD channels that they carry. If only Apple offered 720p TV Shows...

[Ken @ Apr 16th 2007 1:23PM]

With both the XBox 360 and PS3 both having hard drives, I'd love to see Microsoft and Sony get into digital content distribution. Let us download HD movies direct, either as "rentals" or purchases.

With the "theater" in PlayStation Home, I half-suspect Sony is playing with the idea. We can already download HD movie trailers from the PlayStation Store, how soon will it be before its movies? Maybe Netflix ought to approach Sony & Microsoft?

[Eric V @ Apr 16th 2007 1:39PM]

The Xbox Live Marketplace has been offering SD and HD movies for some time now. They also have movie trailers and music videos. You should check it out!

[Patrick @ Apr 16th 2007 1:46PM]

All I want is a damn Watch It Now app for Media Center. Is that too much to ask???

[aegies @ Apr 16th 2007 2:19PM]

Hmm, didn't the Chief of Netflix just join Microsoft's board of directors? And doesn't Microsoft have the most popular content downloading service for video behind Itunes with the 360 Video Marketplace? Gee, I wonder what they could be working on.

http://eat-sleep-game.com/news

[Z @ Apr 17th 2007 2:24PM]

Indeed. And let's hope it happens.

The same Netflix rental business model, with both SD and HD content, but in downloadable form, coupled with the Xbox 360? This is what I've been wanting for a LONG time.

Screw iTunes and Apple TV. If Netflix and Microsoft manage to do this, then I don't see how they could lose.

[paul @ Apr 16th 2007 2:48PM]

How about if Netflix fixes their god-awful "Watch now" service instead? Y'know, so it works with Firefox or - God forbid - Mac computers.

[Mlknez @ Apr 16th 2007 6:23PM]

You folks are missing the point of this post. Anthony Wood is the one that messed up the wonderful Roku HD1000 with bad customer service and not standing behind their product. Seems that is one thing that netflix is no longer interested in... customer service!