A press release today ushers in a new era of streaming TV technology…..
LOS GATOS and SARATOGA, Calif., May 20, 2008 – Netflix, Inc. (Nasdaq: NFLX), the world’s largest online movie rental service, and Roku, Inc., an innovator in digital media streaming technology, today announced the introduction of The Netflix Player by Roku™, a device that enables Netflix subscribers to instantly stream a growing library of movies and TV episodes from Netflix directly to the TV. Priced at just $99.99, the player is available for purchase starting today at www.roku.com/netflixplayer.
The player is simple to install, easy to use and gives Netflix members who pay at least $9 / month instant access to more than 10,000 movies and TV episodes.

I am not a Netflix customer, but am considering becoming one. Reviews from Gizmodo, BBGadgets, CrunchBase, and others all rave that this little box is a better alternative to expensive competitors like AppleTV and Vudu player who all have jumped at an attempt to bring internet and TV into one sphere. After purchasing this box, it loads your Netflix Instant play queue from online, which can include up to 500 titles among the over 10,000 movies and TV episodes currently available on Netflix.com. There is no change in monthly Netflix costs and you will continue to get your DVDs by mail. Movies and shows are streamed via Ethernet or Wi-Fi to the set-top box and signal output includes HDMI, Component Video, S-Video, Composite Video, Digital Optical Audio, and Analog Stereo Audio.

Roku is rumored to be integrated in the future with other entertainment streams including NBC’s new Hulu.tv, Pandora Radio, and others.

This is definitely a technology of the future that we can have now!