Streaming Media Boxes, and The “Netflix” Box

July 9th, 2008

A month back there was the introduction of the “Netflix” box from Roku which allowed owners to stream the “Watch it Now” movies from Netflix onto a television. Obviously this isn’t anything groundbreaking, as anyone with any sense can just hook up their TV to their laptop and do the same thing. In fact the Playstation 3, or the XBox 360 is expected to announce that they also have a deal with Netflix int he works at E3 this summer to do the exact same thing.

What’s the point of this device I ask you? CNet and other places seem to by hyping this up for some odd reason. It isn’t like ostrich feathers and is going to be useful forever. Of course it is probably useful to morons, but I digress. Having this little box next to your TV that hooks to your internet connection rather than having to run it through a PC may seem like a great idea, but is it really worth it?

Apparently, Roku may be striking deals with other places as well such as Youtube, Hulu.com, and others. Again, is it really necessary? Why do we even need them to strike these deals? IS there something going on here I don’t get about all this? Internet connection + TV + PC with a cord to TV=Streaming video on TV. Duh…