Monday 16 January 2012

Roku joins Netflix in the UK



After restoring my PS3 to its default settings. Over the weekend I signed up for a 1 month free trial of Netflix UK! Was it worth it? The short answer is yes!

The newly launched streaming service outshines LOVEFiLM in terms of usability, playback and platform ubiquity.

For example I began watching dollhouse S2 on a PS3 and effortlessly resumed, later, on an iPod touch (4G). To quote the late Apple CEO Steve Jobs: "It just works." High definition and Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound is most impressive.

Content will be crucial and I was disappointed to note that Battlestar Galactica, Buffy and Star Trek were absent at launch. However, the final seasons of 24 and Prison Break will keep me busy for a while.

Netflix will receive a further fillip when Roku launches a range of dedicated set-top-boxes at the end of the month.

“Roku launched the first ever streaming player to deliver Netflix to consumers in the US and now we are among the first to bring Netflix to residents of the UK and Ireland,” said Clive Hudson, vice president and general manager for Europe at Roku. “In addition to Netflix, we are launching with a variety of entertainment channels and look forward to expanding our content selection in the same way that we have in the US where we have more than 400 channels today.”

“Roku players will offer new Netflix members in the UK and Ireland a great streaming experience with high-quality video delivered through an easy-to-use product with an attractive price,” said Greg Peters, vice president of product development at Netflix. “We’re happy to count Roku amongst the devices that stream films and TV programmes to the TVs of our new members in these countries.”

If you're serious about high definition look no further than the Roku 2 XS. You can play Angry Birds between episodes of Firefly. However, a high speed broadband connection is essential for reliable playback.

The battle between LOVEFiLM and Netflix has only just begun. The incumbent LOVEFiLM has responded by adding more film and television series to its unlimited streaming package.

If you're already subscribing to LOVEFiLM are you tempted to switch?

2 comments:

  1. I got Netflix up on my PS3 this evening, it didn't take more than a few minutes. Having been watching Netflix on the Macbook, iPad and Galaxy Nexus I did wonder what it would look like on the bigger screen (52"). It is awesome! There is no problem with degradation or artefacts on the larger screen, HD is gorgeous.

    This Netflix is definitely the future arrived. I wonder if I'll ever watch broadcast TV again!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's great to know as I'm installing a Roku set-top-box for a relative who owns a 50" Panasonic VIERA HDTV.

      Delete

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