From the beginning, we knew the Roku Netflix Player ($100) was technically capable of displaying high def resolutions. The only real question I’ve had – Is the buffer big enough? Turns out, that by streaming “HD at substantially lower bit-rates,” it is. According to Roku:
- Roku will be delivering Netflix in HD by the end of the year
- The UI will be updated to run in 720p and more covers will be visible on the screen at a time
- And the release will include another major new feature that you’ll have to wait a bit longer to learn about
I’m hopeful the secret addition is Hulu streaming. Roku’s indicated they’re opening the doors to other providers, and we could really use a simple method of getting Hulu content (as rumored) onto the television. Of course, YouTube has also been suggested… although UGC isn’t nearly as compelling. Regardless, we’ll most likely see a slightly revamped interface, more than just those 720p visuals, to offer additional Netflix interaction and support new or potential partners.
Just to correct a common misunderstanding, Roku isn’t going to lower HD quality, they are just using an Advanced encoding profile that isn’t supported by Xbox 360:
Full quote:
“Roku will be using Advanced Profile encodes which will deliver HD at substantially lower bit-rates than what Xbox is offering ”
And follow-up confirmation from Roku:
“A quick follow-up to address the “lower bit-rate” questions. Using a more advanced codec, we can deliver equal or better quality at lower bit-rates.”
So what are you thoughts…? Xbox receiving WMV and Roku receiving VC-1 Netflix content? (TiVo Netflix is confirmed as VC-1.) Or are they also doing something other than Microsoft encoding and protection. Hmmmm. For most end-users, I suppose it doesn’t matter. Then again, you and I are not most end-users.
Roku will stay the “agnostic” course as much as possible. However, format support will follow an evolutionary path. In addition to Netflix, Hulu is also VC-1 … so I could see Roku supporting that immediately and following on with WMV later. As for Xbox, it is hard to imagine a MS platform which doesn’t support WMV out the gate … with other formats to follow afterwards.
Once Roku brings in Hulu, I’ll have to get one. Right now my TiVo can do everything that Roku and more. However, I’m using antenna only, so Roku would make getting the daily show much easier.