Roku's Netflix Player gets HD upgrade--and the promise of additional channels in 2009

Roku's Netflix Player: Getting more channels in 2009

(Credit: CBS Interactive)

The Netflix Player by Roku is the latest Netflix-compatible device to offer HD video support. The free firmware upgrade (version 1.5) adds the ability to access the approximately 300 or so titles in Netflix's streaming library that are currently available in high-definition. The upgrade brings the Roku box up to speed with the Xbox 360, TiVo HD DVRs, and Samsung BD-P2500 and BD-P2550 Blu-ray players, all of which have been upgraded to support Netflix HD streams over the past few weeks. (The remaining device, the LG BD300 Blu-ray player, should be getting its own HD firmware upgrade soon.)

In addition to the HD upgrade, the Roku box is also teasing the eventual availability of new non-Netflix programming. Clicking the "what's new" button on the updated home screen reveals a message that says:

This screen will become your launching pad for a number of great new channels that will begin to appear on your player in early 2009. In addition to the hugely popular Netflix channel, you'll see new movie channels, TV channels, Web video channels and more.

We've been hearing that the Roku box wanted to broaden its horizons since at least September, so the imminent arrival of new content options isn't exactly a surprise. And with more people looking to dump expensive cable and satellite subscriptions, a $99 set-top box with on-demand video options is certainly an attractive idea. It also probably means that the hardware--currently called "The Netflix Player by Roku"--may need to get a new name when the company eventually flips the switch on those new channels.

Besides Netflix, what sort of channels would you like to see on the updated Roku box? Share your suggestions below.

[fiver0013]

Everything from Hulu.com. They'd be stupid to not do this, and I bet they could get a cut of the ad revenue from Netflix boxes accessing the service.

[abetterprodigy]

Definitely Hulu. I watch Hulu fllscreen on my Macbook Pro and send it to my Sony 32 inch LCD HDTV from a DVI to HDMI connection and it looks really good. I don't understand why this can't be done through a box. And why wouldn't Hulu want to expand their content, since it is all ad revenue from watching during the video anyway. Win Win I would say. And I missing something here with technical feasibility?

[zulu2003]

Where is the Vista Media Center add-on or any other 10ft client/interface for a PC?!? It doesn't make sense from Netflix to leave this large group of users limited to point-and-click interface when it should be the easiest to upgrade... same goes for hulu.com or joost.com, nothing for a PC user with a remote...

[stankarse]

Huh? Can't you do this with Netflix software for Windows? Or Tivo software for Windows?

[Uniblab321]

It has been available for a long time and it's free.

http://www.anpark.com/index.php/2008/02/10/new-vista-media-center-plugin-mynetflix-beta/

It works well and I use it often. By the way it is much more feature rich compared to the Roku box.

[DaveMcLain]

I have the Roku box with the new firmware and it's working great. What I would like to see would be a technology that would allow the Roku box to work to pick up broadcast TV stations using an internet connection. Using a site similar to Radiotower where you could go and select stations to add to your cue on the Roku box where you could select the one you want to watch on your TV. A bunch of local stations could be available from all across the country. What this would be good for are people like me who live in a rural area and who would like to be able to get broadcast TV/HDTV without having to install a large outdoor antenna.

[faboumen]

If the Roku Box was more effective.

IE Boxee

I wouldn't be considering buying a refurbished apple tv after the fact. Mind you, I love my Roku Box...I just want more.

[RTFM]

Anything as long as it's free with no other subscription costs!
I just can't stomach more than the $10 / month for the Netflix subscription.

[zulu2003]

Stankarse, which "Netflix software for Windows" allows me to browse and play the instant play in Netflix using my remote control? TiVo software for Windows is not free, nor included in the Vista Media Center which is shipping with a lot of PCs these days. I hope with the move to silverlight they are also going to introduce a way to use their services with the remote.

Go here for software to integrate 'Wach Now' into Media Center. I've not tried with the Silverlight upgrade but used to work smashingly: http://www.anpark.com/downloads/MyNetflix_2218.zip

[kge3]

How do I upgrade my firmware? I can't seem to find the info. in the settings on the Roku box or on the support section of the Roku website. Thanks!

Turn ON your TV, switch to Roku, go to Roky Settings -> Player Info. Then follow on-screen instructions.

[gadgetguy2000]

I'd like to see the Roku box utilize Wireless-N .... and I'd also like to see Netflix available on the Sony PS3.

[joomlatutor]

I joined Netflix about 5 weeks and find that it is a great value. I primarily joined because of the "Watch Now" VOD Titles. There is not a single upgrade I can get from my cable company for $9 a month to rival Netflix. I have also been using a great little MS Windows Media Center (or Vista Media Center) add-on / plug-in that works great. I use my entertainment PC to drive the video and audio for my large 42" flat screen in my den. I use a simple 25 foot cable that runs from my video card TV out into the back of my tv, the remote control that came with my PC has a usb "eye" that is also on a very long cable, it is also in my den. I use the Netflix plugin almost everyday. Just Google MyNetflix - (there are actually 2 on the market that are free to download)

I also enjoy using the Hulu Que and going full screen, but would love a HULU MCE addon

[bigmikeh1965]

hd upgraded firmware rollout to me in tthe last day or two. it also automatically updated my existing instant queue with hd tags for the hd movies. hd appears to the right of the quality starts when you start streaming, as if it's the 5th star.

[Monroville]

please add the VOOM HD line up: they have MONSTERS HD and KUNG FU HD: horror and martial art movies played in full HD format and with no commercials!

Here is the entire VOOM channel set (you can go to http://www.monstershd.com/ for more info):

ANIMANIA HD
EQUATOR HD
FAMILY ROOM HD
FILMFEST HD
GALLERY HD
KUNG FU HD
GAMEPLAY HD
HDNEWS HD
MONSTERS HD
RUSH HD
RAVE HD
TREASURE HD
ULTRA HD
VOOM HD MOVIES
WORLDSPORT HD

[DuranDujam]

Yeah.... (1) there's not going to be any Voom channels in the US any more, (2) a VOD box has a different purpose than playing live streams, and (3) because there are no commercials, you would have to pay for a subscription.

[broheath]

I would be ecstatic to see them add ESPN360. My internet cable company dropped it and I miss it bad! Please let Roku know!

[tdaloisio]

This makes me ridiculously happy that I got the Roku Box for Christmas! Bring me some Hulu! (and of course some CNET TV!)

ESPN 360 would be great too!!!

[scraig248]

I use snapstreams beyondtv software on my PC to record TV shows. Obviously it's better to watch them from a source without commercials like Netflix has available for new episodes of NCIS and other TV shows, but for the ones they don't have it would be great to be able to stream from my PC with the recorded content I have from beyondtv.

[mwclew]

How about adding a path which would allow those of us who create video on our computers to stream our home movies directly to the big screen TV.

[chasgina]

I'd LOVE to have FOX NEWS in the line up for Netflix!! Also PBS. I can then leave Directv and say goodbye to huge monthly payments for the very few channels we watch. About 6 channels is all!

PLEASE!!

[chasgina]

I'd LOVE to have FOX NEWS in the line up for Netflix!! Also PBS. I can then leave Directv and say goodbye to huge monthly payments for the very few channels we watch. About 6 channels is all!

PLEASE!!

[solblack]

Fox news? who watches Fox?
Looks like i'm going to have to buy one of these because PS3 does not have it yet.

[MsNat]

I'm looking into geting rid of my satillette provider & getting the The NetFlicks. Will I be able to stream for New channels like Fox? What about Brave A&E?