Roku originally told us its
new Netflix channel would roll out in June, but it looks like things are actually happening a little early -- the updated interface will go live starting tomorrow, and it'll be rolling out to everyone over the next week. As promised, the new interface lets you search the entire Netflix Watch Instantly library directly from your TV, and you'll be able to browse through Netflix categories like New Releases, Action, and Comedy as well, which definitely makes the casual turn-on-and-watch experience far easier and nicer. We do wish there was a filter for HD content, though, and we noticed some lag as titles and artwork loaded in when we clicked around a little too fast, but there weren't any major hassles apart from the general annoyance of trying to type on an on-screen keyboard with a remote control. A little Bluetooth integration in the next revision would be nice -- or hey, why not a smartphone app? Overall, though, the new channel is a nice solid update for Roku owners, and we certainly can't argue with free.
posted May 27th 2010 6:06PM
District 9 was great
@Drago Saw it a few nights ago. GREAT movie.
All 5 of those a pretty damn good movies ... But District 9 was the best of the bunch.
@Drago i agree. LOVE that movie. i think i heard they are doing a sequel.
@Drago
It was brilliant. How it didn't win a single award was beyond me.
There is already an iPhone app that let's you type on a keyboard for the roku box. I've used it for months. Just search for roku. It's an unofficial app but available from the app store.
@Tryptic Says it's for the Roku Soundbridge.
Netflix is "free" now? Sweet! :P
And the Tivo interface to Netflix slowly recedes into the background.
is it just me or has the instant play selections have been great lately?
@iName
You can probably thank the 28 wait on shipping new dvd's for that.
@admlshake
That's exactly what you can thank. Their deal with the studios to delay new releases for a month is what gave them access to more streaming studio content as far as I understand it. It's also why I switched to Blockbuster Online though so I could watch new releases when they come out and not a month later.
Nice television. 5020fd? That's what I have.
I'm updating my Android app "Roku Remote" to let you enter text from your phone keyboard into the Roku search box. I'll release it as soon as my Roku box is updated and I can test it out.
-Gregg Reno
I'm updating my Android app "Roku Remote" to let you enter text from your phone keyboard into the Roku search box. I'll release it as soon as my Roku box is updated and I can test it out.
-Gregg Reno
Finally! I'm looking forward to more content as well.
I love the Roku for Netflix and MLB, but my hearing impaired mom got one recently and didn't realize that captioning was not available for any movie, TV show, etc. Would love to see this feature soon for my mom's sake.
This is a welcome change! The existing UI is terrible.
Awesome! I use your app all the time on a moto Droid. Can't wait for the update!
@texaspi I've got the text entry mostly working for my Roku Remote app, but it's a bit of a hack. Roku doesn't actually provide any means to enter text from a remote device. I'm getting around it by automating the arrow and select keys. You'll find it a little odd when the cursor is moving all over the place for what seems no good reason. But it's to make sure I always know where the cursor is on the screen since I can't query the Roku for that.