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Roku streaming problem really a Netflix problem?
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]
VUDU now home to 1,100 HD titles: "largest HD library in existence"
We realized that VUDU was on some sort of mission with its ferocious adding of high-def titles last month, and now we know what the company was up to. Indeed, it was adding around 150 HD titles per week in October in order to pump out this glowing release. As of today, there are over 1,100 HD titles available to VUDU users for instant, on-demand viewing, or as VUDU would say, "the largest library of HD content in existence." Thankfully, the company isn't planning to just rest on its laurels, as it's fully expecting to maintain its "leadership" position with continued HD rollouts in the near future. Funny how we were all questioning VUDU's viability just a few months back, huh?
Roku serves up Netflix Player source code
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]
Roku's Netflix Player to stream content from other "big name" providers
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]
Netflix Player, Apple TV and VUDU compared: movie STB shootout
Talk about timely, yeah? Just hours after our latest Ask Engadget HD question pondered which of the three big hitters in the movie set-top-box arena was superior, along comes a comparison of the trio from PopSci. Of course, this being Engadget HD, we've all ideas many of you won't agree with the verdict put out (hint: Roku's box is deemed the winner), but some decent points are made nonetheless. For starters, the Netflix library is far more expansive than those offered up by Apple and VUDU; for folks looking for the widest range of titles (and cheapest method of renting), it's hard to overlook the Netflix Player. For junkies that just have to have HD, your choices are clearly defined, and between the Apple TV and VUDU, critics noted that the former's ability to dabble in YouTube was a perk that may sway certain buyers. Regardless of your feelings on the matter, be sure and hit up the read link if for nothing more than the pros / cons -- the decision's still yours, you know.
VUDU Wireless Kit: it adds WiFi to your VUDU
There's not much explaining to do once the name of this product is read aloud, but we'll humor you anyway. The recently announced VUDU Wireless Kit is something we dreamed of having when testing the thing out in our own labs, but we suppose late is better than never. The package contains a pair of 802.11g adapters -- one for your VUDU set-top-box and one for your WLAN router -- that creates a "secure, self-contained wireless network" for transferring material from VUDU's servers to your device. The going rate for this bundle is $79, but you can knock $29 from that if you purchase it directly from VUDU with a $299 STB. Now, the real question here is this: will this thing function reliably (wireless HD has been shoved under the rug for a reason, you know), and will it function reliably with HD content. Any guinea pigs out there willing to check?[Via CEPro]
Ask Engadget HD: Which movie set-top-box is best?
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.
VUDU movie set-top-box wanders into select Best Buy locations
While it's no big secret that VUDU's movie set-top-box is still serving a niche market at the moment, things could be on the up-and-up for the outfit. According to Video Business, it has managed to land its wares on the shelves of two dozen California Best Buys. The move marks VUDU's first foray into the brick-and-mortar realm, as it has previously sold the device exclusively online. It's also noted that the VUDU is being "merchandised in four different locations" within the stores, while the Apple TV is generally only found near other Apple products. There's no word on whether more BB locations will be picking the STB up, but that decision may be made based on how sales go in the first 24 stores.
Roku Netflix Player hands-on, first impressions
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.
Roku reveals first Netflix set-top-box, reviews flow in
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.")
