Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[LG BD690 is the first Blu-ray player certified for Wi-Fi Direct, keeps Bluetooth paranoid]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/24/lg-bd690-is-the-first-blu-ray-player-certified-for-wi-fi-direct/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/24/lg-bd690-is-the-first-blu-ray-player-certified-for-wi-fi-direct/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/24/lg-bd690-is-the-first-blu-ray-player-certified-for-wi-fi-direct/#comments The possibilities teased in 2009 by Wi-Fi Direct have probably kept Bluetooth up at night, and we're sure the commencement of device certification last month hasn't helped, either. Now the LG BD960 has emerged as the first Blu-ray player on the Wi-Fi Direct certification list, hinting direct P2P communication in our home theaters among WiFi devices (without the need for a routing middleman) could soon go from fiction to fact. Unfortunately, mum's still the word on shipping and pricing. The mere chance however that the player could stream content to any other WiFi-equipped device -- Direct certified or not -- is a big enough deal to give our dedicated media streamers Defarge-like glances already. Particularly, if the BD960 comes packed with features similar its suspected predecessor the LG-BD390, which can stream both Netflix, Vudu, and DLNA network content, as well as play DivX HD 1080p content. Until more details surface though, we'll simply have to keep reminding our poor Galaxy S that it isn't destined to be alone in this cold, cruel world forever.

LG BD690 is the first Blu-ray player certified for Wi-Fi Direct, keeps Bluetooth paranoid originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 02:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu rayblu ray playerBlu-rayblu-ray playerBlu-ray playersBlu-rayPlayerBlu-rayPlayersBluRayBluRayPlayercertifiedDivXdivx hdDivxCertifiedDivxConnectedDivxHdDLNALGLG BD960LG Blu-rayLgBd960LgBlu-raymedia streamermedia streamersmedia streamingMediaStreamerMediaStreamersMediaStreamingNetflixNetflix PlayerNetflixPlayerNetflixStreamingvuduwi fiwi-fiwi-fi directwi-fi direct certifiedWi-Fi Direct ProtocolWi-fiDirectWi-fiDirectCertifiedWi-fiDirectProtocolWiFiwifi directWifiDirectwirelessWed, 24 Nov 2010 02:12:00 EST<![CDATA[DVPRemote iOS app easily replaces your factory Roku remote (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/05/dvpremote-ios-app-easily-replaces-your-factory-roku-remote-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/05/dvpremote-ios-app-easily-replaces-your-factory-roku-remote-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/05/dvpremote-ios-app-easily-replaces-your-factory-roku-remote-vide/#comments This, friends, is what happens when convergence is approached correctly. Rather than asking you to keep yet another remote in the hopper, one Phil Irey has crafted DVPRemote -- a lovely iOS app that enables your iPhone or iPod touch to act as your main control mechanism for any Roku set-top box. The app itself has been floating around in the App Store for a tick, but its the newly released version 2.0 that's really of interest. This build ushers in a completely overhauled user interface, and aside from providing the standard Roku shuffle controls, it actually goes above and beyond to make your night easier. There's full integration with Netflix to support automated Instant Queue navigation, full keyboard support for any screen that requires text entry, direct navigation to user-organizable Channels, toolbars for added channel functionality within Netflix and support for the new "Instant Replay", "Info", and "Back" buttons. Heck, it's even compatible with iOS 4's background operation protocol. Head on past the break for a hearty demonstration, and tap that iTunes link when you're ready to ditch Apple's own Remote App and part ways with $2.99.

Update: Hey Android users -- looks like someone's lookin' out for you, too. Check out Roku Remote over on your side.

Continue reading DVPRemote iOS app easily replaces your factory Roku remote (video)

DVPRemote iOS app easily replaces your factory Roku remote (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 13:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazon video on demandamazon vodAmazonVideoOnDemandAmazonVodandroidapp storeAppleAppStoreDVPRemoteios 4.2Ios4.2NetflixPlayerremoteremote appremote controlRemoteAppRemoteControlrokusoftwarevideoFri, 05 Nov 2010 13:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix HD streaming shootout goes down at Engadget Classic]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/19/netflix-hd-streaming-shootout-goes-down-at-engadget-classic/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/19/netflix-hd-streaming-shootout-goes-down-at-engadget-classic/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/19/netflix-hd-streaming-shootout-goes-down-at-engadget-classic/#comments
This is it, folks -- the shootout you've been waiting for. We've worked with our brethren over at Engadget Classic to assemble an end-all HD Netflix roundup, which pits the BD-P2500, BD300, TiVo HD, Xbox 360 and Roku Netflix Player against one another. We know you're salivating at the thought of it, so rather than just telling you who emerges victorious, we'll point you over and let you dig in yourself.

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Netflix HD streaming shootout goes down at Engadget Classic originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 11:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BD-P2500bd300digital distributiondigital downloadsDigitalDistributionDigitalDownloadshdhd netflixhd streamingHdNetflixHdStreaminginternetlgmicrosoftnetflixNetflix PlayerNetflixPlayeronline videoOnlineVideoRokuRoku Netflix PlayerRokuNetflixPlayerSamsungstreamstreamingtivotivo hdTivoHdxbox 360Xbox360Mon, 19 Jan 2009 11:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Roku's HD Netflix interface gets pictured]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/rokus-hd-netflix-interface-gets-pictured/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/rokus-hd-netflix-interface-gets-pictured/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/rokus-hd-netflix-interface-gets-pictured/#comments
Roku just enabled HD Netflix on its movie set-top-box yesterday (or earlier, for a select few), but DVICE has already taken the time to show us what it's all about. The update was said to be painless to download and install, and the new high-def UI was much appreciated. Unfortunately, there's no mention of the actual streaming quality, but we're hoping to have a review of our own cooked up soon to give you the details there. 'Til then, enjoy the interface shots in the read link below.

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Roku's HD Netflix interface gets pictured originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onhdhd netflixhd rentalsHdNetflixHdRentalsinterfaceinternetnetflixnetflix playerNetflixPlayerotherspicspicturesrentrentalsrentingrokuuiTue, 23 Dec 2008 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Roku makes it so: HD Netflix streaming comes to Netflix Player]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/22/roku-makes-it-so-hd-netflix-streaming-comes-to-netflix-player/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/22/roku-makes-it-so-hd-netflix-streaming-comes-to-netflix-player/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/22/roku-makes-it-so-hd-netflix-streaming-comes-to-netflix-player/#comments
A few lucky Netflix Player owners have been enjoying the spoils of Netflix in high-definition all weekend, but for those not selected to join the elite in the first wave of rollouts, all is now well. Roku has just announced that every last one of its Netflix Player customers are now eligible for an upgrade that brings along HD Netflix support, just as we knew would happen. Slipping in just under the wire, are we Roku? Either way, we appreciate the tidings of joy.

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Roku makes it so: HD Netflix streaming comes to Netflix Player originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 13:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Good thing Netflix / Roku got those finicky quality issues ironed out, as the latest firmware update is all about clarity. Version 1.5, which is evidently being pushed out in waves, is allowing individuals to stream high-def Netflix content. So, for those of you lucky enough to have the new firmware already, how do things look and sound? Are you pleased? Not really? Speak up below!

[Thanks, TheManTheyCallJayne]

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Roku v1.5 firmware update brings HD Netflix streaming originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 22:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Good thing Netflix / Roku got those finicky quality issues ironed out, as the latest firmware update is all about clarity. Version 1.5, which is evidently being pushed out in waves, is allowing individuals to stream high-def Netflix content. So, for those of you lucky enough to have the new firmware already, how do things look and sound? Are you pleased? Not really? Speak up below!

[Thanks, TheManTheyCallJayne]

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Roku v1.5 firmware update brings HD Netflix streaming originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 22:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We can't say for certain that Netflix is at fault here, but it's beginning to sound like Roku isn't at all / entirely to blame for recent quality issues that have been plaguing users. For weeks now, Roku Netflix Player owners have noticed an almost universal drop in quality dots (which range from 1 to 4 in order to show quality levels), with many finding the new feeds "unwatchable." CNET recently had a talk with Tim Twerdahl, vice president of consumer products at Roku, about the issue, and according to Tim, all he knows is that "Roku didn't make any changes." Furthermore, we've seen comments in our own posts noting that other Netflix-enabled boxes are also seeing the quality drop. The worst part is that there's still no definitive solution in sight, so we suppose our only advice is to kick back and watch Netflix and Roku bicker over who's really to blame.

[Image courtesy of AeonScope, thanks Tyler]

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Roku streaming problem really a Netflix problem? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>complaintdigital downloadsDigitalDownloadshdhd rentalsHdRentalsimage qualityImageQualityinternetissuemovie set-top-boxmovie stbMovieSet-top-boxMovieStbnetflix playerNetflixPlayerproblemqualityrentalsrentingrokustreamstreamingTue, 02 Dec 2008 01:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Is your Roku Netflix Player stuck on one-dot streaming?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/13/is-your-roku-netflix-player-stuck-on-one-dot-streaming/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/13/is-your-roku-netflix-player-stuck-on-one-dot-streaming/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/13/is-your-roku-netflix-player-stuck-on-one-dot-streaming/#comments
Call it coincidence or call it fate, but it seems something is afoot in the land of the Roku Netflix Player. Out of seemingly nowhere, a fair amount of users are finding that their once beautiful downloads have turned to pixelated iterations of their old selves, and to no fault of their internet connection. As the story goes, some users have found that their box is forcing streaming at "one-dot," or the lowest quality selection available, rather than the four-dot connection they were using just last week. As you'd expect, the quality of the one-dot stream is rather dreadful, and for those who've tried forcing a higher quality setting, they're stuck waiting eons for buffering and such. Have you too encountered this issue? Or are the internet elves looking out for you?

[Image courtesy of PreGameLobby, thanks Tyler]

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Is your Roku Netflix Player stuck on one-dot streaming? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Call it coincidence or call it fate, but it seems something is afoot in the land of the Roku Netflix Player. Out of seemingly nowhere, a fair amount of users are finding that their once beautiful downloads have turned to pixelated iterations of their old selves, and to no fault of their internet connection. As the story goes, some users have found that their box is forcing streaming at "one-dot," or the lowest quality selection available, rather than the four-dot connection they were using just last week. As you'd expect, the quality of the one-dot stream is rather dreadful, and for those who've tried forcing a higher quality setting, they're stuck waiting eons for buffering and such. Have you too encountered this issue? Or are the internet elves looking out for you?

[Image courtesy of PreGameLobby, thanks Tyler]

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Is your Roku Netflix Player stuck on one-dot streaming? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital downloadsDigitalDownloadshdhd rentalsHdRentalsissueloadingnetflixnetflix playerNetflixPlayerothersproblemrentalsrokustreamingwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyThu, 13 Nov 2008 09:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Roku reaffirms desire to work with other content providers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/25/roku-reaffirms-desire-to-work-with-other-content-providers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/25/roku-reaffirms-desire-to-work-with-other-content-providers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/25/roku-reaffirms-desire-to-work-with-other-content-providers/#commentsWe hear you loud and clear Roku -- now go prove to someone other than Netflix that your box is worth toying with. At the recent Streaming Media West conference, Roku CEO Anthony Wood reiterated details that we already knew: it really, really wants to work with companies other than Netflix. Said Wood, "We're opening up the platform to anyone who wants to put their video service on this box," and he continued by stating that "we're going to release the software developer kit, so anyone can publish any channel, and users can access web content on their TVs." Of course, both Netflix and Roku knew from the get-go that the relationship would involve other partners, though it remains to be seen who's willing to call for seconds at Roku's shindig.

[Via CNET]

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Roku reaffirms desire to work with other content providers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contenthdinternetinternet tvInternetTvmedia streamerMediaStreamernetflix playerNetflixPlayeronline tvonline videoOnlineTvOnlineVideoothersrokuThu, 25 Sep 2008 09:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Roku reaffirms desire to work with other content providers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/25/roku-reaffirms-desire-to-work-with-other-content-providers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/25/roku-reaffirms-desire-to-work-with-other-content-providers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/25/roku-reaffirms-desire-to-work-with-other-content-providers/#commentsWe hear you loud and clear Roku -- now go prove to someone other than Netflix that your box is worth toying with. At the recent Streaming Media West conference, Roku CEO Anthony Wood reiterated details that we already knew: it really, really wants to work with companies other than Netflix. Said Wood, "We're opening up the platform to anyone who wants to put their video service on this box," and he continued by stating that "we're going to release the software developer kit, so anyone can publish any channel, and users can access web content on their TVs." Of course, both Netflix and Roku knew from the get-go that the relationship would involve other partners, though it remains to be seen who's willing to call for seconds at Roku's shindig.

[Via CNET]

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Roku reaffirms desire to work with other content providers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This week's installment of How Would You Change over on Engadget Classic involves the first dedicated set-top-box to enable Netflix streaming right to your TV. Did you pony up $99 for one of these things? If so, head on over and let the world know if that was a good move.

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Is Roku's Netflix Player living up to your standards? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 Jul 2008 04:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Now that you've had a little over a month to cram down popcorn while enjoying your shiny matte new Roku Netflix Player, we're interested to find just how pleased (or displeased) you are with the $99 purchase. Has it lived up to your expectations? Is the quality sufficient for you? How does it look on your HDTV? Is wireless performance up to par, or were you practically forced to run an Ethernet cable all the way downstairs? We already know what the paid professionals said -- we want the cold, hard facts straight from the users themselves. Let us have it comments below.

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How would you change Roku's Netflix Player? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hope you're not too sleepy, you hacker you, 'cause we've got a juicy one coming your way. No sooner did we find that the Netflix Player would be streaming content from other players in the industry later this year than Roku opens up the source code vault. You heard right -- the GPL code has now been posted for the world to see, meaning that there's just one link standing between you and umpteen delicious tarballs. Mmm, tarballs.

[Via Hack-A-Day]

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Roku serves up Netflix Player source code originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hope you're not too sleepy, you hacker you, 'cause we've got a juicy one coming your way. No sooner did we find that the Netflix Player would be streaming content from other players in the industry later this year than Roku opens up the source code vault. You heard right -- the GPL code has now been posted for the world to see, meaning that there's just one link standing between you and umpteen delicious tarballs. Mmm, tarballs.

[Via Hack-A-Day]

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Roku serves up Netflix Player source code originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital downloadsDigitalDownloadsfilmsGPLhackhackedmovie rentalsmovie set-top-boxmovie stbMovieRentalsmoviesMovieSet-top-boxMovieStbnetflixnetflix playerNetflixPlayeropen sourceOpenSourcerentalsrokusource codeSourceCodeWed, 02 Jul 2008 23:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Roku's Netflix Player to stream content from other "big name" providers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/02/rokus-netflix-player-to-stream-content-from-other-big-name-pr/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/02/rokus-netflix-player-to-stream-content-from-other-big-name-pr/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/02/rokus-netflix-player-to-stream-content-from-other-big-name-pr/#comments
Roku's Netflix Player got off to a hot start after launching just over a month ago, and apparently its creator has big plans for the plainly designed $99 box. According to a recent report over on Forbes, Tim Twerdahl, Roku's vice president of consumer products, has affirmed that a routine software update would be hitting later this year to enable content to be fetched and streamed from other "big name" providers. Regrettably, the conversation ended there, so there's absolutely no telling which "providers" he's referring to. Still, we're certainly intrigued by the idea of this thing becoming more versatile in the coming months, but wouldn't the name have to be tweaked at the very least?

[Via Silicon Alley Insider]

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Roku's Netflix Player to stream content from other "big name" providers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roku's Netflix Player got off to a hot start after launching just over a month ago, and apparently its creator has big plans for the plainly designed $99 box. According to a recent report over on Forbes, Tim Twerdahl, Roku's vice president of consumer products, has affirmed that a routine software update would be hitting later this year to enable content to be fetched and streamed from other "big name" providers. Regrettably, the conversation ended there, so there's absolutely no telling which "providers" he's referring to. Still, we're certainly intrigued by the idea of this thing becoming more versatile in the coming months, but wouldn't the name have to be tweaked at the very least?

[Via Silicon Alley Insider]

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Roku's Netflix Player to stream content from other "big name" providers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With Roku's Netflix Player all out in the open and an LG box just around the bend, Chuck's question is particularly timely. There are already quite a few choices out there for folks looking to snag a dedicated movie set-top-box, but has the best one even arrived?

"I pretty much stick with OTA reception when I watch TV, and while Netflix / Blockbuster is fine, I've recently been considering a standalone movie set-top-box for instant gratification purposes. With the Apple TV, VUDU and Roku Netflix Player already out, which one would be best to pick up? I realize more units are expected, but I'm particularly fond of models that support HD films. Really, I'm just looking for user opinions on each, especially if they already own one or have used one."

We'd also like to point out that Netflix's "Watch Now" feature can be piped to your TV fairly easily if you have a nearby HTPC or Xbox 360, but alas, you won't be seeing any material in high-def from there. Here's your shot at defending (or lambasting) your own movie STB -- and... go!

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

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Ask Engadget HD: Which movie set-top-box is best? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple tvAppleTvaskask engadget dhask engadget hdAskEngadgetHddigital downloadsDigitalDownloadsdownloadsfeaturesfilmshdinternetmoviemovie set-top-boxmovie stbMovieSet-top-boxMovieStbnetflixnetflix playerNetflixPlayerother hardwareotherhardwareothersrokuset-top-boxstbvuduvudu xlVuduXlWed, 04 Jun 2008 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Roku Netflix Player hands-on, first impressions]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/21/roku-netflix-player-hands-on-first-impressions/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/21/roku-netflix-player-hands-on-first-impressions/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/21/roku-netflix-player-hands-on-first-impressions/#comments
Well well, what have we here? Our boys over at Engadget Classic were able to get their paws on the fresh new Roku Netflix Player, and they were even able to sit down and play with the interface, catch a flick and unload a bevy of photos for you to gaze upon. Nah, HD support hasn't been added in (yet), but head on over and see what's what with the current iteration. It can only get better, one would hope.

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Roku Netflix Player hands-on, first impressions originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 May 2008 23:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital downloadsDigitalDownloadshdinternetinternet videoInternetVideomovie stbMovieStbnetflixnetflix playerNetflixPlayerother hardwareotherhardwarerokuset-top-boxWed, 21 May 2008 23:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Roku Netflix Player hands-on, first impressions]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/21/roku-netflix-player-hands-on-first-impressions/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/21/roku-netflix-player-hands-on-first-impressions/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/21/roku-netflix-player-hands-on-first-impressions/#comments
It seems like everything about Roku's Netflix Player seems understated, from the plain, unceremonious purple box it shipped in, to the nondescript black plastic case, to the stripped-bare user interface. But as we've quickly discovered, it's pretty easy to learn to love this little hundred dollar bugger, even despite the fact that we need another set top box in our living room like we need a hole in the head. Sure, it's great that Netflix subscribers get a cheap, easy avenue for additional content to their TV, but the real beauty here is that this might actually be a streaming video box friendly enough to rival the Apple TV -- or to give your folks. Some initial impressions:
  • The box is extremely small and light; looking inside, it just looks like a single, small PCB.
  • Most of the vertical space it does consume seems to be for its myriad ports, including composite, component, S-Video, HDMI, and TOSLINK.
  • The guided setup out of the box is really brief and painless. It supports 802.11b/g with WEP, WPA, and WPA2, and we were online in a cinch. Activating the box is as simple as hitting netflix.com/activate and entering a short code -- really easy and instantaneous.
  • The remote looks cheap at first blush, but it's actually got a pretty good feel to it. The buttons are clikier than they are mushy.
  • The interface, at its best, is simple and slick looking. It has almost no options and is ridiculously straight-forward. The interface, at its worst (namely, during movie playback), is still pretty decent, but lacks some polish.
  • While fast-forwarding, you get still image markers to help indicate progress. It's nicety to ease the pain of skipping through streaming video (which we know presents some unique technological challenges), but it can use a little work. Chapter/scene markers, as in the Apple TV, would be a good start.
  • Movie selection is done completely within Netflix's site, so don't expect to do any browsing through the device interface. If you want to load and watch any content on the box, you have to make sure it's in your Netflix Instant Queue through a browser. This part is definitely the biggest drawback for power users, but it does ensure a crazy simple device UI with zero learning curve.
  • Movies don't load instantly (even on a 25Mbps connection), but they do load pretty quickly.
  • Video quality is so-so. Definitely worse than a DVD and not even quite up to a standard def Apple TV vid. But it's certainly passable, and Netflix seems genuinely interested in bumping up the visual fidelity in the future.
  • We saw some really wacky stuff going on with the HDMI, and the device did not play well at all with our HDMI switch. Roku let us know they're aware of some HDMI problems, and will be pushing out bug fixes and software updates as they're completed.
Stuff we hadn't yet heard about the Netflix Player
  • Netflix dispatched a team of a couple dozen engineers to Roku to build the Netflix Player. Netflix didn't want to be the only hardware partner (which we already know), but clearly wanted to make sure whomever released the first box really nailed it.
  • Netflix (and Roku) understand that the device's value doesn't just end with playing back Netflix content, and anticipate the box having content coming in from other providers as partnerships get hammered out.
  • The box only outputs at 480i (over composite and S-Video) and 480p (over component and HDMI), although Roku will enable HD content (and menus) as soon as Netflix gives the thumbs-up. From the sound of things, it seems like they want to do this sooner than later, which we clearly hope they will.

Gallery: Roku Netflix Player hands-on, first impressions

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Roku Netflix Player hands-on, first impressions originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 May 2008 20:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featurednetflixnetflix playerNetflixPlayerrokuWed, 21 May 2008 20:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Roku reveals first Netflix set-top-box, reviews flow in]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/20/roku-reveals-first-netflix-set-top-box-gets-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/20/roku-reveals-first-netflix-set-top-box-gets-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/20/roku-reveals-first-netflix-set-top-box-gets-reviewed/#comments
Well, would you look at that? After a mildly uncomfortable wait, the very first Netflix set-top-box has landed (the Xbox 360 with plug-ins notwithstanding). Thanks to Roku, users can finally tap into (a portion of) the Netflix library without having to wait for physical discs to arrive -- and for just $99.99, no less (though unlimited access to online films still requires an $8.95 or higher monthly fee for the traditional service). Better still, the HDD-less Netflix Player can even utilize a wireless signal to pull in streams, though your miles may vary on actual performance. As for ports, you'll find HDMI, component, composite, Ethernet, S-Video and a Toslink optical audio jack. Initial reports are looking pretty positive from here (save for the glaring lack of HD support), but feel free to dig into the reviews below to get a better feel of what this box really has to offer.

Read - Roku Netflix Player officially introduced
Read - PCMag review (4 out of 5)
Read - CNET review (7.7 out of 10)
Read - Wired review ("...just shy of totally amazing.")

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Roku reveals first Netflix set-top-box, reviews flow in originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 May 2008 00:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsdigital downloadsDigitalDownloadshdtvmoviemovie downloadsmovie stbMovieDownloadsmoviesMovieStbnetflixnetflix playerNetflixPlayerrentrentalsrentingrokuset-top-boxvideo rentalsVideoRentalsTue, 20 May 2008 00:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Roku reveals first Netflix set-top-box, reviews flow in]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/20/roku-reveals-first-netflix-set-top-box-gets-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/20/roku-reveals-first-netflix-set-top-box-gets-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/20/roku-reveals-first-netflix-set-top-box-gets-reviewed/#comments
Well, would you look at that? After a mildly uncomfortable wait, the very first Netflix set-top-box has landed (the Xbox 360 with plug-ins notwithstanding). Thanks to Roku, users can finally tap into (a portion of) the Netflix library without having to wait for physical discs to arrive -- and for just $99.99, no less (though unlimited access to online films still requires an $8.95 or higher monthly fee for the traditional service). Better still, the HDD-less Netflix Player can even utilize a wireless signal to pull in streams, though your miles may vary on actual performance. As for ports, you'll find HDMI, component, composite, Ethernet, S-Video and a Toslink optical audio jack. Initial reports are looking pretty positive from here (save for the glaring lack of HD support), but feel free to dig into the reviews below to get a better feel of what this box really has to offer.

Read - Roku Netflix Player officially introduced
Read - PCMag review (4 out of 5)
Read - CNET review (7.7 out of 10)
Read - Wired review ("...just shy of totally amazing.")

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Roku reveals first Netflix set-top-box, reviews flow in originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 May 2008 00:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsdigital downloadsDigitalDownloadshdinternetmoviemovie downloadsmovie stbMovieDownloadsmoviesMovieStbnetflixNetflix PlayerNetflixPlayerother hardwareotherhardwarerentrentalsrentingrokuset-top-boxvideo rentalsVideoRentalsTue, 20 May 2008 00:41:00 EST