Roku's Netflix Player sells out

There's more proof that the Netflix Player is a hit.

Start-up Roku, the company behind the device that enables Netflix subscribers to watch movies streamed from the Internet to their TVs, has run out of inventory two weeks after launching.

"Due to the tremendous coverage and initial success of this product we're now in a two-week backorder situation," said Tim Twerdahl, Roku's vice president of consumer products. "We have boats coming in weekly from China with additional products, and we're doing everything we can to get them out."

The shortage comes after the device has received favorable reviews from The New York Times, CNET Reviews, Wired.com, and Gizmodo.

Consumer demand for movies distributed via the Web has been lukewarm up to now. Download services have been plagued by expensive set-top boxes, poor quality video or limited movie selection.

The box, which is is sold directly from Roku's site, has received accolades for being inexpensive ($99), easy to install, and for doing away with long download times.

The selection offered is mainly older titles, but it still offers more films than most competitors.

There have been some complaints from consumers of the video stalling. Twerdahl said this is often due to people watching on "marginal Internet connections." He said that Roku's customer service wants to hear about these issues.

Twerdahl would not reveal sales numbers. He said that the company was not overly conservative in its sales projections. On the contrary, he said, "We were very aggressive. Sales have outstripped our expectations."

He cautioned that customers who wait until the next shipment arrives before ordering may miss out. He said the number of orders are already gobbling up those boxes.

[techfan_08]

dang! I really want one!!

[henrod_01]

Wish it had high definition. Then I might think about spending $100.

[muleboy9t9]

Not to be a butthead but...just got mine today and it is easy to setup (unbox, connect ethernet, connect HDMI, and plug in). Connects right to Netflix and prompts for activation. If you have selections on the Watch Instantly, they come right up on the Roku. This device is so easy to install and use...not a geek device. If Netflix can just continue to beef up it's Watch Instant library, they will be all set (and this is going to be the biggest problem). Cheers.

I will have to admit too, I got mine last week. My wife and I absolutly love the Roku. It was easy to install, setip and use. I wish Netflix had more availabe on its Watch it Now, but what they have is nice. I highly recommend this to anyone that currently uses netflix for DVD's. Its a nice addition while you're waiting for the next DVD to come in the mail and for only $99 you cant go wrong. Thanks!

[cbaisa]

i hope this flurry of activity can somehow give Netflix more leverage to put additional new content up for Watch Instantly. If Roku sells enough set-top boxes we might jump into a real on-demand future sooner than I expected.

[flockof4]

Got my Roku box last night and came across a glitch others may run into. I'm using a Belkin 'g' band router to carry the signal. I was having a problem getting the Roku box to recognize my network. Called the Roku help line and the gal told me to turn off the routers' firewall which I did and the problem was solved. The box downloads a software update, makes you go through the set up process once more and then gives you the activation code to type in on the Netflix website. Cust. service rep told me the firewall is a known issue with the Belkin router, but other routers may cause a similar problem. So if anyone is having trouble getting connected try this fix. As for the stream and movie quality, I've only watched one show and it worked great. No choppy motion, good sound, basic remote functions work good. They just need to beef up their selection now and this will be a fantastic service.

The only dark cloud on the horizon is this whole movement by some broadband carriers to limit and/or charge for excessive downloads. 40 Gb is the limits I've heard kicked around. If you watch a lot of movies and surf the web frequently this limit won't be enough. All that is out of Netflix hands however. If my cable internet operator (Cox) starts that nonsense I'll switch to DSL. It's a bit slower, but for unlimited downloads it would be worth it. I would imagine that someday Netflix will have different pricing packages for this download service, but for now it's included with your monthly subscription making it an even better deal. My grade: B+.

[RokuHater]

Got my player today and I couldn't be more disappointed. I tried it on two different networks, two different televisions using both composite video and HDMI and it keeps freezing and is unresponsive. This thing is a complete POS. It is going back to Roku tomorrow...

[benjaminstraight]

This Netflix tech is going to redefine how we obtain and watch movies.

[royc1]

i need help with the roku install

[royc1]

i need help with the roku install