I have been a fan of Netflix before being a fan of Netflix was cool. Likewise, I became of fan of Roku before anyone had even heard of the device. So, as a longtime fan of both services, I have been waiting a long time for Roku's announcement, yesterday that they are finally updating the Netflix channel on their device. See the video here.
If you're not familiar with either service, you probably still have a VCR in your house. Netflix is a subscription based DVD/BD rental service that will mail you movies of your choice, let you watch them at your leisure, then return them in pre-paid envelopes, and repeat the process. But, in addition to the mail-based system, Netflix also allows you to stream movies to your computer or Netflix compatible devices including all current generation video game systems, several blu ray players and most notably, the Roku device.
The Roku device is a set top box that is no larger than a few decks of cards, that connects to your TV and the Internet via Ethernet cable or wifi. Once connected, you subscribe (either for free or a fee) to several Internet channels like Netflix, Amazon Video, MLB.com, Pandora or Mediafly.
The only annoying issue with Roku and Netflix has been the interface. Currently, you have to add movies to your instant queue from your computer (or phone app) and THEN go to your TV to see the movies that you've added. This process is tedious and sometimes frustrating. Especially when you're on the Netflix site and you see page after page of wonderful movies that you want to watch. You don't want to have to add hundreds of movies to your queue just to watch them on your big screen TV. That's why the new Netflix interface is so welcome. You finally have the option to browse categories just as you do when you're on the Netflix site, PLUS they're adding a search feature! All I can say is thank you Roku. You have made my life complete.
If you're not familiar with either service, you probably still have a VCR in your house. Netflix is a subscription based DVD/BD rental service that will mail you movies of your choice, let you watch them at your leisure, then return them in pre-paid envelopes, and repeat the process. But, in addition to the mail-based system, Netflix also allows you to stream movies to your computer or Netflix compatible devices including all current generation video game systems, several blu ray players and most notably, the Roku device.
The Roku device is a set top box that is no larger than a few decks of cards, that connects to your TV and the Internet via Ethernet cable or wifi. Once connected, you subscribe (either for free or a fee) to several Internet channels like Netflix, Amazon Video, MLB.com, Pandora or Mediafly.
The only annoying issue with Roku and Netflix has been the interface. Currently, you have to add movies to your instant queue from your computer (or phone app) and THEN go to your TV to see the movies that you've added. This process is tedious and sometimes frustrating. Especially when you're on the Netflix site and you see page after page of wonderful movies that you want to watch. You don't want to have to add hundreds of movies to your queue just to watch them on your big screen TV. That's why the new Netflix interface is so welcome. You finally have the option to browse categories just as you do when you're on the Netflix site, PLUS they're adding a search feature! All I can say is thank you Roku. You have made my life complete.
Comments