It looks like the Netflix device I wrote about a few months ago has been unveiled, and should soon start rolling out at the snazzy price of $ 99.99. We get the update thanks to a discovery in the caves of Yahoo:
Netflix Inc, the DVD-by-mail rental service, on Tuesday took another step toward delivering films straight from the Web to TV sets through a new device, boosting its stock as much as 10.9 percent. The $99.99 device lets Netflix subscribers “stream” movies and television episodes to their TVs with no extra charges or viewing restrictions, the company and its partner, Roku, said in a statement.
The paperback-sized Roku player requires an Internet connection, and also works with wireless connection systems through Wi-Fi technology. Users can fast-forward and rewind the video streams with a remote control, Netflix said.
This is a great option for Netflix subscribers! The unit will launch with access to more than 10 000 movies and television episodes. I am certain this number will grow rapidly and I would guess that we may see some programing rotation as well.
Netflix used an idea that was great at the time to make money, and develop a system that will take their business into the future of home based rental service. I think this was a brilliant move on their part and applaud the company for their forward thinking and readiness to adapt. The company should be proud of those that helm this ship; they are navigating the company into appropriate waters and are at the forefront of this internet service.
Between your cable TV/Sattelite movies and your Netflix TV top unit – you may never have to leave the house again for a rental. While this does upset me for nostalgic reasons, I have no love for giant rental chains. They hardly carry any B-Movie craziness, and ram the shelves with 30 copies of a blockbuster. For those of us that like to find gold in B-Land, this is a dismal state of affairs. My hope is that many of these crazy films will make it onto “on demand” service so we can once again enjoy some hard to find (albeit unpopular) films from yesteryear.
