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Netflix Player by Roku

REVIEW DATE:05.20.08

Netflix Player by Roku
With Remote Top Right Angle Remote Control

Ratings

EditorVery Good

Read Editor Review

Rate This Product

REVIEW

By Tim Gideon

As a confirmed Netflix addict, I was immediately intrigued by the new Netflix Player by Roku, an on-demand video streaming device that works with the popular movie rental service. How does the Roku box compare with the Netflix device of my dreams? My dream device wouldn't require a PC, just like Apple TV—Check. It would be diminutive and discreet, yet have excellent connectivity (HDMI with surround sound, S-Video, standard composite and component ports)—Check. It would be incredibly easy to set up and would update available films on the device whenever I updated my queue online—Check. I'd pay an upfront cost—say $100—for the box, but my monthly subscription fee wouldn't increase—Check. Lastly, it would have full access to the entire Netflix library—No check there. Well, four out of five ain't bad—in fact, that's pretty fantastic.

red arrow Read the Netflix Player by Roku full review

Company

Roku LLC

http://www.rokulabs.com

Spec Data
  • Price as Tested: $100.00 Direct

Bottom Line

For those looking to augment an unlimited Netflix subscription, this set-top box from Roku is affordable and easy to use. Here's hoping the movie selection becomes broader.

Pros

Affordable. Provides uninterrupted standard-definition movie streams. No PC necessary. Easy setup. Automatically syncs your Instant Queue.

Cons

Streams at low bit rates on slow networks. Limited selection of films. No HD support—yet.

Video
Video Icon Watch the Netflix Player Video Review!

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