I predicted this in my 29 April 2008 billso.com article: Netflix is unveiling a $100 set-top box today. The device is a 5-inch square box that hooks into a broadband Internet connection and streams movies from Netflix. A 1 mbps connection seems adequate, although HD movies may require more pipe.
Customers won’t need a computer to manage their Netflix account or view movies, as the box also connects to TVs and home theater components via component TV cables and HDMI.
Roku is one manufacturer that was already been revealed in the AP article. We already knew about LG. Others are coming. Read the AP story for more details. Reviews from Wired and Cnet, along with pictures of this rather ordinary looking black box, are available from this brief Engadget article.
Related posts and pages on billso.com
- Netflix
- 29 April 2008: Netflix to deliver movies with set-top boxes
- 16 February 2008: Blu-ray beats HD DVD
- 17 January 2008: Netflix lifts limits as Apple enters online movie rental market
- 12 November 2007: I want a better television - but it’s not ready yet
- 8 June 2007: Amazon may buy Netflix
