One of my favorite tech offerings is Netflix's current online movie streaming service called "Watch Instantly". This service allows Netflix customers with any $8.99 monthly plan or higher to watch a library of over 12,000 movies and TV episodes with unlimited time.
To watch the movies over the internet you can do one of the following:
- Watch from your PC via Internet Explorer
- Watch from your TV by hooking your computer up to your TV via a PC or HDMI connection
- Watch from your TV via an external device that you can connect directly to your TV via HDMI or component cables
The external devices in the market at this time are the Roku Player and devices that have the Netflix streaming service integrated as a value-add. These devices include the XBOX 360, TiVO DVR, Samsung BD-P2550 blu-ray player, LG BD300 blu-ray player, and now even some LG HDTVs.
As you can see, there are many devices that allow you to use this service. For example, if you already are a NetFlix subscriber and you have a qualified plan you can start watching movies over your PC immediately. The best way to experience this service though is to watch it from your TV. This is the route that I pursued.
I bought the Roku Player for a one-time cost of $100 back in September 2008. When I received it, it was a small black box that came with a small remote control with very few buttons (I like that). The setup was a breeze. I simply did the following to begin using my Roku Player:
- Plugged the Roku Player to my TV via an HDMI cable and powered it on
- Entered my WEP (wired equivalent privacy) key for my wireless router so it could link up to the internet
- Entered my Netflix username/password
Once you have successfully completed these steps you can now see your instant queue. Your instant queue may be empty, so you have to fill it up by doing the following:
- Login to your Netflix account from your PC
- Click on the "Watch Instantly" tab
- Browse movies, and click "Add Instant" for the movies you want to watch
Your Roku Player is being updated real-time, so once you have added the movies to your queue, your Roku Player will show something like this (picture from www.cnet.com):
You can now watch movies instantly and some of the movies are even in HD (720P). You won't even notice that they are streaming as video compression technologies and more bandwidth have made movie streaming a reality.
In short, if you love movies and don't really use all those cable channels, then:
- Sign up for Netflix
- Get a Roku Player or one of the other devices listed above
- Get an HD antenna
- Drop your cable and save at least $50 a month ($600/year)
I believe this to be a great value to consumers. I don't believe in Apple's renting a movie and having it available for 24 hours model. Whether in a bad economy or good economy, the subscription-based model for streaming movies is the way to go. Go Netflix!
