So...this is an -additional- device to play movies? I suppose that the target audience is those who don't have computers attached to their TVs, but really, this seems like such a departure for NetFlix. Just how much will this cost users? How many users really want it? If anything, it would be nice to have a little set-top device that lets you use NetFlix's page to select movies and then play them with this player, but this thing would not appear to be capable of that.

I would like to see an article comparing the two. I use Blockbuster right now because I can return movies directly to the store when it suits me. As time goes by, though, Blockbuster makes it less and less a good deal. I don't know anyone that uses Netflix to ask about them.

I can give you a few ideas from my point of view, Doctor. The throttling that NetFlix does is kind of obnoxious. I'm on a "two at a time" plan, live twenty blocks from the nearest NetFlix P.O. Box, and still average about three movies watched per week. The Watch Instantly option is a neat idea, but my DSL is apparently not fast enough to warrant their highest-quality feeds. It's good enough to qualify as having "seen" the movie, but still quite grainy.

I love netflix so far. Over the last year that I have had it the cost has actuially gone down while the selection has gone up, and its not much of a wait between returns and recieving the movies. However, the online stuff seems like a 1/2 hearted experiment. When it was first released they had quite a bit of selection online (especially with their anime section) but as time goes on they take off more and more good movies, and add more and more old or 2nd rate movies. The idea of a set top box to add to the collection of DVD players, BD players, HDDVD players, game consoles, and the cable box seems to be a bad idea, especially if it needs the computer nearby for it to work in the first place. A netflix standalone box would be kinda neat (especially of the hardware was free or dirt cheap) but only if they are going to support new releases or better titles than on their general online service.

I've used both services. I seemed to get my movies quicker with Netflix so I stuck with them but their really the same thing. Movies on demand is the wave of the future but I wish they would just integrate with a device like M$ media extender, Tivo, or AppleTV instead to trying to sell me some other box that I don't have room for in my entertainment system.

The Netflix on demand has worked will for me but I have a 6 Mb connection so I may not be the best judge. Amazon and Tivo have a slick deal going with movies on demand at the moment, but I don't want to pay $12 for a DVR that doesn't work with DTV.

LG is looking to integrate this into a TV line, as well as a BlueRay/HD-DVD player, NOT a set top box!!!
here's a REAL article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/03/technology/03netflix.html?_r=1&em&ex=1199422800&en=5a1b1f0a8ed4c824&ei=5087
&oref=slogin

Once again, Mark Raby incorrectly posts something. I guess I should not be surprised, but geez! Get rid of this dimwit!

Doctor,
I have been using Blockbuster online for about 1.5 years. They had a great introductory price for 4 at-a-time so I tried it. Then they gave the free introductory "Total Access" which they have since withdrawn. Although they have raised the price of their 3 at-a-time from $18 to $20, I am still satisfied with their service. They are far cheaper than cable-TV HBO and I don't believe they "throttle." I have sometimes returned their movies twice in the same week and they have sent the next movies. Also, with my speakers, I can make the sound 10x better than my TV with HBO.

Even with their recent $2 increase, they're still a great deal. With their 3 at-a-time, you get 12 movies mailed 5 in-store for 17 minimum total. That's $1.27/movie with tax! Even my local video store can't beat that! Blockbuster must also pay USPS each way plus replace DVD's damaged by USPS or customers.

In total, I say Blockbuster online is still a great deal and they have the advantage of having local stores you can return/exchange DVD's.