Netflix set-top box debuts, looks pretty nice

Finally living up to its name, Netflix today introduced the Netflix Player by Roku, a small piece of hardware that can play any Netflix titles available for Internet streaming. With a cheap price and Netflix's signature subscription model, the Netflix Player brings a new set of rules to the video distribution table.

Manufactured by Silicon Valley startup Roku, the Netflix Player is about the size of a Mac mini and a bit thicker than an Apple TV. The unit impressively includes a full gamut of outputs, including HDMI, component video, S-video, optical audio, and even good ol' fashioned composite RCA jacks. Netflix doesn't want to leave any viewers in the dust just because they haven't sprung for the latest and greatest. The Netflix Player can get online via Ethernet or Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, and setup reportedly requires not much more than entering a five-digit code the player gives you into your Netflix account.

After that, the movies and TV shows you've queued from Netflix's catalog of 10,000-plus "Watch Instantly" streaming titles appear on your TV, waiting for a command from Roku's notably simple remote. You can browse the rest of the streaming catalog right on your TV and select another title to begin streaming instantly, and titles can also be rated while you browse.

The cost? This is where things get interesting. Roku's Netflix Player is a one-time purchase of $99 (and available now). As long as you subscribe to any Netflix plan costing $8.99 or more, you're ready to stream as much content as you want.

Would you believe I live in a rural area with no broadband? Arrrrggggg!!!!

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