Netflix Revisited

Just yesterday I was singing the praises of the new Netflix on demand streaming content (I think they prefer to call it instant content). The system is designed to stream the video to a computer. Since Dawn and I have a media PC connected to our TV this is no big deal. We watch the streaming content on the same screen we watch regular TV, DVDs, DVR, video games, etc. But what about luddites without media PC’s you ask? Is it really all that convenient for them? Err... Probably not.

First off, let me implore such luddites to go out a buy a media PC. It’s a readymade excuse to go out a buy a new computer and really….what more can you ask for? You’re welcome.

Failing that (i.e. consider yourself a failure) there are still options to experience Netflix on demand goodness on your TV….you just have to be willing to buy another box to connect to your TV. This morning I saw reviews for Roku’s Netflix set top box. Basically it’s a small box that you attach to your TV and the internet that will go out and get the streaming content from Netflix’s site and display it on your TV. The reviews have been pretty positive because it’s dead-easy to setup /operate and is relatively cheap ($99).

For my money I think a media PC is still the way to go. You don’t need a super powerful computer to act as a media PC and you get DVR functionality and a place to store all your digital photos and music in addition to Netflix on demand goodness. Plus if you’re leaving a computer on all the time you might as well start dabbling in home automation….