Every Netflix fan knows the pain of trying to browse the Instant Streaming catalog, and I know I’m not alone in longing for a better UI. Fortunately, there’s an app for that. At least on the Roku.
The Instant Watch Browser for Netflix, developed by TheEndless, debuted as a Roku channel back in June. It’s a nice step up from the native browser, letting you dig deeper into the Netflix catalog for stuff you might actually want to watch. You can buy the full version for $2.99, or download the “lite” app for free. After adding it to my own Roku last week, I found several new TV series to drop into my Instant Queue.
The biggest perk with the Instant Watch Browser app is the ability to scroll through more titles in every genre. I haven’t upgraded to the full version of the channel yet, but even without it, I can see up to 100 selections in every subcategory of entertainment. For example, a click on TV Drama takes me to a list of shows divided up by Crime Drama, Courtroom Drama, Dramedy, etc. One more click on a subcategory and I can see the top 100 titles available for instant streaming. That doubles the number listed in the native Netflix browser, and even that artificial cap goes away if you pay the $2.99 fee.
There are other benefits to getting the full version too. Notably, you can run title searches with the premium channel, and add selections directly to your Instant Queue from the browser screen. According to the FAQ on the developer’s website, the full version also provides:
- A more up-to-date catalog than the lite version
- Additional genres for HD TV and movies
- Title ratings
- Ongoing enhancements based on user community feedback
Oddly, the Instant Watch Browser has gotten very little attention online. Perhaps it just hasn’t been discovered yet by the tech-writing regulars? In any case, it’s worth a download. For the price of a latte, I’ll certainly be adding the full version to my Roku line-up.
I have just recenmtly added the light version. It seems to offer some features but I have niot looked as hard as you have Dave. Im gonna try it out a bit more. My biggest issue is that I hate to pay for anyuthing online, its not the $2.99 its just the hassle and what can happen when that CC info gets loose.
BTW, I just finished “Flash Forward”, ABS Series that was cancelled in its first year. I think ABC really blew it on that one. But if you like Action, Drama and SciFi, check it out, I doubt you’ll be dissapinted and there is 21 Episodes (I watched from Thursday to Saturday LOL ). But then again, I could be wrong, but I didnt see it in my Future!!
BTW, how cann people watch 1 Episode per week of a show. Im ruined, I want it all!!! ROKU and NETFLIX has ruined me!!!
Ron, this is all Mari. She’s running the show this weekend, I’m mostly disconnected. Not to mention I did one of my classic flip-flops this week – canceled Hulu Plus & Netflix (again) and resubscribed to HBO (again). But, yeah, I hear ya. It’s nearly impossible to “watch television” in real time these days. Which probably results in tons of canceled shows… ah well. I watched a few episodes of Flash Forward back when it was broadcast. Speaking of which, seems like Fringe has managed to hang around so I’ll try to convince the wife to watch a few seasons with me.
Off topic, if I’m not blogging this refurb first gen iPad and a small Bluetooth keyboard work out pretty well. Guess the keyboard kills the portability to some extent, but it’s how I like to interact with words.
Flash Forward was a good premise and decent storyline…but horrible acting. I still wish they didn’t cancel it so quickly. We’ll never know what happens next!
Yeah, we just put Netflix on hold and voila, FIOS offered free HBO and Cinemax for three months. Thought my Roku would be worthless and now I get to play with HBO GO for free.
If we decide to go back to Netflix I gotta check out the alternate interface. It’s nice to see alternatives, and that Netflix allows it too.
BTW, Fringe is awesome and this season has been strong. Nice to see FOX support it even without “huge” ratings and placing it in the garbage pit of Friday night teevee.
The Roku Box plus Netflix equals a great TV combo!
Matt
HowToGetStreamingVideoToYourTV.com
Dave and Mari I stand corrected and I should also apologize. Its not fair that I always “ass-u-me” its a Dave post when Mari does a great job, and just as often, on the blog. I will make sure that I pay more attention to by lines.
Yes, Fringe is another one that I got into, but I let it slip away a bit. I will have to get back into it. The regular HULU has worked rather well for me. I have not ever had the HULU PLUS version, maintaining my CHEAP GUY profile always. But now that my PLAYON BASIC has basically become worthless, Im going to probably have to go to a PLAY ON PREMIUM so Im able to use HULU regular on my PLAYON devices, NETGEAR EVA2000 and my ROKU. Thats another scam that should be discussed sometime.OK, I think Im totally off topic here !!
Have a good weekend both of you
Ron
No apology necessary. Dave posts far more frequently than I.
RE: Fringe- Man I couldn’t get into that. I think it was the 4th episode where they made up some crap about freezing a computer in order to make the hidden password rise to the surface. At that point, I gave up.
Flash Forward was okay, and I agree they gave up on it too quickly.
I watched an episode of a British show called Being Human on Netflix last night— It hooked me enough to try a second episode, but it’s in danger of falling too far into overdone vampire kitsch. We’ll see.
Also started watching some show called The Glades. Mindless crime drama. Main guy was abrasive in the first couple of episodes, but has mellowed so that it’s enjoyable. Nothing spectacular, but reasonable.
Still waiting for Justified to come back.
Sigh. Wish there was an option for use on a PS3. The Netflix App on this console is terrible, and after a mandatory update back on Oct 18, it has gotten worse. The update has frelled the aspect ratio of the UI, where now it is zoomed in-only 2 dvd covers are visible on each of the 2 rows, and the rest are blocked by a zoomed forward summary column. And both Netflix and Sony point their fingers at the other, with no resolution in sight.
Sorry if that when off topic, but it would really be nice to get back a Netflix interface that was as flexible and functional as the one I had before the current scroll across UI they’ve dumped on everyone.
Somewhat off topic I know, but anyone interested in a great show should try “Luther” on Netflix, where season 1 is available.
I’m glad you said that, jcm. I just added Luther to my Instant Queue, but was wondering if it was worthwhile. Is it still on TV, or has it been cancelled already?
BBC America just finished showing the brief (4 episode) second season of Luther a couple of weeks ago. Not sure if there is going to be a third.