<![CDATA[Netflix and Roku hope to avoid the curse of the set-top box - Valleywag Comments]]> <![CDATA[Netflix and Roku hope to avoid the curse of the set-top box - Valleywag Comments]]> <![CDATA[Netflix and Roku hope to avoid the curse of the set-top box]]> @sample032: Riiight, a "good" set top box. But adding all the stuffs to it essentially makes it a dedicated HTPC. So where's the difference?

Darascon

]]> <![CDATA[Netflix and Roku hope to avoid the curse of the set-top box]]> I'll take a set-top box with a terabyte of storage, embedded BitTorrent application, and a ton of high quality decoders to handle anything I want to watch/listen. That would turn some heads...

haggie

]]> <![CDATA[Netflix and Roku hope to avoid the curse of the set-top box]]> For content, it might be easier to set up the circumstances of UMG v. MP3.com again, and hope a new hearing turns out better. Netflix would have to hope that the courts would find lending a digital copy of something where they already own a physical copy is legally equivalent to lending the physical copy.

The licensable chipset is interesting, but the future is probable in FPGAs that can switch between Netflix, iTunes, and other. Or these companies actually start playing well, together.

@Darascon: A good set top box would kill DVR, feature a CableCARD slot, kill DVDs, kill CDs, and do equalization on a $0.50 DSP or in software.

sample032

]]> <![CDATA[Netflix and Roku hope to avoid the curse of the set-top box]]> @ Darascon

Won't argue about having another box in the living room, but this one doesn't involve your PC. It's more similar to VuDu than Apple TV.

From Roku site "In order to use The Netflix Player, you need an active Netflix account, a high-speed Internet connection (minimum 1.5 Mbps), a home network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and a TV."

lasean

]]> <![CDATA[Netflix and Roku hope to avoid the curse of the set-top box]]> Just why? Why do we need another box to clutter up our living spaces? HDDVR, HD reciever, DVD player, CD player, Equalizer, misc consoles, front/center channel speakers... Where the hell am i going to park this thing? Now I need to order another surge suppressor for it. Probably has one of those bulky brick ends as well so it'll take up 2 slots.

This is really just a laptop+USB HDD for your tv. Stream from your pc to your tv the proper way. No more of this smoke and mirror gadget pr0n.

Darascon

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