Netflix From Web to TV? You've Got Options

Blu-ray setup, Xbox and custom-built player all serviceable options

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 4, 2008 3:05 PM CST

(Newser) – For those who disdain DVDs and won’t watch movies on computers, there are perfectly passable devices that get streaming video from Netflix to your TV, Nick Wingfield writes in the Wall Street Journal after testing an LG Blu-ray player, the Xbox game console, and a purpose-built device from Roku. All are easy to set up, if not cheap, and deliver something near DVD quality.

Netflix’s online catalog is slim, but will likely grow. Most of the devices work on wired networks, though the Roku Netflix Player has built-in Wi-Fi. At less than $100, it’s the best value if you intend only to watch movies via the Web. For ease of use, though, the Xbox leads the pack due to a recent software upgrade. All require a Netflix subscription.

Samsung Electronics is equipping Blu-ray DVD players so they can retrieve movies and TV shows from Netflix Inc.'s Internet streaming service. (AP Photo)

Starz Play movies, as they appear on the Netflix Web site, can now be watched instantly by Netflix members on PCs and TVs. (PRNewsFoto/Netflix, Inc.)

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings smiles at Netflix headquarters in Los Gatos, Calif. (AP Photo)

A promotional Xbox 360 game console with Netflix branding. (AP Photo)

The Netflix Player by Roku. (AP Photo)

Netflix headquarters. (AP Photo)

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MOST POPULAR STORIES

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Verizon, Redbox Team Up to Take Down Netflix

New streaming venture announced, but few details given

Netflix Rebounds, Shares Surge

Revenues, subscribers, and share price all up at online video leader

In 3 Months, We Streamed 2B Hours of Netflix Videos

Company says that's a 'high mark'

Verizon Plans Netflix Rival

Could be available sometime next year

Disney, ABC Shows Coming to Netflix, Amazon

New streaming deals signed with both

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Newser By Users

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