Netflix has just introduced a new “set-top” device to compete with Apple TV. The unit allows Netflix subscribers to stream movies and television shows downloaded online from their computer to their home TV set. Netflix, which is now the largest video rental service in the US, developed the new set-top device in conjunction with Roku, a manufacturer of consumer electronics.
The new Netflix device will retail for $100, a bargain compared to Apple TV, whose least expensive streaming movie box is priced at $229. The unit is also smaller and less obtrusive than the Apple TV device, and includes a remote control and a variety of outputs ranging from HDMI, S-video and both digital and analog stereo audio connections.
The Netflix player also features both ethernet and WiFi connectivity for transferring movies and other video programming directly from the computer to any standard home television. Netflix claims that their “queuing” protocol for streaming films is simpler and more user-friendly than its Apple TV counterpart.
Content-wise, the new set-top device will offer Netflix subscribers immediate access to over 10,000 movies and television programs, though that number is expected to grow substantially over the coming months. Currently, Netflix has a rental catalog of more than 100,000 videos to choose from, and eventually most of these are expected to be available for streaming directly to TV.
There are a few catches however: in order to use the new device to stream movies from computer to television, users must subscribe to Netflix’ unlimited monthly subscription plan for a recurring fee of $8.99 monthly. Another downside is that, unlike Apple’s service, Netflix will not offer movies on the same day as their DVD release. Netflix movies are also only available in standard definition, compared to Apple TV’s HD quality with Dolby sound.
On the plus side, Apple TV doesn’t offer a subscription service at all, but instead uses an à la carte pricing structure which charges between three and five dollars for each new release. For heavy film buffs, those individual fees could add up quickly, meaning that a Netflix unlimited subscription could wind up saving the user a lot of money.
The Netflix device will also include automatic upgrade software, so that the operating system can be kept current at all times. And although the device may not have some of the more robust features of Apple TV, Netflix claims it is simpler to operate and more stable for the end-user. Besides all that, there is a huge price difference between $100 and $229, so when you take that into consideration, the new Netflix player begins to look like a pretty good deal.
[...] Despite a somewhat sluggish US economy, online mega-retailer Amazon.com continues to thrive, and is expanding their range of goods and services. Amazon’s latest venture is an online streaming video on-demand service that will directly compete with Netflix. [...]
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