If you're not a Netflix subscriber and aren't interested in becoming one, please pardon
yet another post about streaming content from the formerly DVD-exclusive renter -- but for those non-Xbox owning, non-Live subscribing readers who want to get in on some HD Watch it Now action, we have some good news for you.
Earlier indications were that other Netflix-friendly devices would see updates enabling high-def support and now, in what appears to be an official confirmation from Roku's VP of Consumer Products, that company's
little $99 box will indeed be "delivering Netflix in HD by the end of the year," complete with a tweaked interface to suit all those extra pixels. Additionally, streaming here will operate over lower bitrates than the Xbox is expecting; good for those with iffy download speeds, but perhaps coming at the cost of quality. Finally, and teasingly, Roku devs are said to be working on "another major new feature" that will blow your mind. Oh, how we do love surprises.
Update: StreetStealth wrote in to let us know that Tim at Roku posted again, saying "Using a more advanced codec, we can deliver equal or better quality at lower bit-rates." We can't wait to see for ourselves.
[Via
Hacking Netflix]
posted Nov 3rd 2008 5:02AM
Hmmmm, 'lower bitrate' hd
like watching blu ray with butter smeared on the screen
tasty
"another major new feature" that will blow your mind
Availability worldwide.....
$ony, where is your support for netflix on ps3?
Seriously, it seems like every other damn hardware manufacturer that has something hooked up to the living room tv is getting in bed with netflix but sony and their PS3. I dont feel like having a computer run playon to stream to my ps3, Ill just hook the damn computer to the tv.
I have asked this before and and the answer given was that apparently MS has an exclusivity agreement with Netflix for the home console market. So while NF can continue to license the tech to other hardware manufacturers, they can't license to Nintendo or Sony for an unspecified period of time. Here's hoping it's only like 3 months or something, although I'll probably cave and get a Roku box before then.
Of course, Sony could also be pulling a lolsony and staying away from Netflix because they don't want their users to have other options than their own overpriced movie store. Although you can buy movies from XBL too, so that would be kind of silly.
If Roku supports the netflix player like they supported their Photobride (awesome device for its time and while it was supported), I wouldn't hold my breath. They left everyone with a Photobridge hanging out to dry, hopefully they have learned from their power supply issue, so that people that have this devices at least don't have t deal with units dying and Roku do nothing about it,
Streaming from network shares would blow my mind, and make me blow another $99.
That, and/or UPnP/AV support, and possibly even iTunes support would be quite tasty indeed.
Why would they send out a lower quality stream to roku devices than the xbox 360? Hopefully they will remedy this situation soon, as it doesn't makes sense to make the two options fundamentally different.
Perhaps the CPU om the Ruku cannot handle the higher bitrate decoding. Just a thought.
Maybe. I would hope not.
RokuTim on the forums just responded:
"A quick follow-up to address the "lower bit-rate" questions. Using a more advanced codec, we can deliver equal or better quality at lower bit-rates."
Apparently this has something to do with the Roku box having a dedicated Advanced Profile decoder while the 360 will be decoding in software.
Streaming HD Video, is deffinately the best way.. Netflix has the potential to be pretty awesome :)
Though, ive been told that the Xbox Live update for NetFlix on the 19th is pretty much useless in the UK :/ something about netflix not having the rights to stream in the UK or something... so for me, its a very big tempertantrum & alot of tears.
"Finally, and teasingly, Roku devs are said to be working on "another major new feature" that will blow your mind. Oh, how we do love surprises."
Pr0ntube streaming? That would blow something.
I received a beta invite the other day to test Netflix on my Tivo. Has this made news yet?
"another major new feature" that will blow your mind
Hulu?
This was posted by a roku employee on the roku forums. Maybe this will help you understand how they can use lower bit streams than xbox live.
First, let me apologize for our delay in responding to this thread. Typically we don’t comment on unannounced products and features, but clearly this is an important topic to you, our most loyal and involved fans. So, I’m pulling back the curtain a bit earlier than usual. Here’s the scoop…
- Roku will be delivering Netflix in HD by the end of the year
- Roku will be using Advanced Profile encodes which will deliver HD at substantially lower bit-rates than what Xbox is offering
- The number of titles is up to Netflix but the library will be the same as or larger than the Xbox library
- The UI will be updated to run in 720p and more covers will be visible on the screen at a time
- And the release will include another major new feature that you’ll have to wait a bit longer to learn about Wink
All of us at Roku truly appreciate your interest and support. We build these products for you and it’s hugely gratifying to get your feedback – even when you’re unhappy with us. We will continue to do everything we can to deliver the best content at the best value in the most consumer-friendly manner possible.
Thanks for your support,
Tim
I have been thinking of getting a Roku box for a long time. The thing is, I barely use Netflix as it is, and money is tight. I would have to upgrade my monthly plan, and pay for the box. But I am considering it.
do you have cable? Do you have patience? cancel cable. that will pay for a lot. then just wait for netflix to release your shows.
So, does the Roku have downloadable firmware updates, or do I need to wait until a new box comes out?
Why won't Netflix let us stream HD right off the ol' internet? Computer to display with no other box in the middle.
Firmware updates automatically come to the roku box any time they push it out. I have had my box since around July and we have gotten 1 update since then. You can tell the box to check for an update also but it checks in like once a day to see if there are updates available.
Just spoke to Netflix Tech. For those somewhat clueless, like me, the Roku box has built-in Wi-Fi, not compatible with Wii (MS won't permit interface with Nintendo product as yet). 480i and 480p viewing just won't cut it for me. I'll just wait until the HD with 720i and 1080i are available. (I've gotten used to watching the pores, freckles, and blemishes of the actors/actresses ;>). Now is the new HD compatility comes with a bump in the Netflix subscription cost (ie Blu-Ray) then I will NOT be a user. New content and new capabilities should be value-added not ream the customer IMHO. Netflix is an awesome business. Service is super. Staff very responsive. We haven't been to an overpriced movie theater in several years. Disclaimer: I don't work for Netflix!