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Movie download device runs embedded Linux framework (LinuxDevices)
LinuxDevices takes a look
at Roku's Netflix Player. "Roku's Netflix Player (pictured at left)
was announced last month as a way to reduce tech support calls for
Netflix. The device is designed as an embedded Linux alternative to the
Netflix Instant application, which runs on Windows PCs. Subscribers can
visit the Netflix website using a laptop or PC and add movies to their
Instant queue. The selected items can then be browsed using a TV or
projector, using the Player's remote control. The remote can also be used
to control playback, rate movies, or stop a movie for later
resumption."
(Log in to post comments)
Movie download device runs embedded Linux framework (LinuxDevices) Posted Jun 17, 2008 22:07 UTC (Tue) by salimma (subscriber, #34460) [Link] So where's the software-only version? I'd gladly pay, say, $50 for it.
Movie download device runs embedded Linux framework (LinuxDevices) Posted Jun 18, 2008 8:47 UTC (Wed) by colinleroy (guest, #40525) [Link] I have the impression that Roku does things right. I've recently bought a Soundbridge, and installed Firefly Media Server (also known as mt-daapd) to provide music to it: http://www.fireflymediaserver.org/ Roku actually sponsors the development of this free server, and they also abide by the GPL without being forced to ;-) and provide protocol documentation. I'd like to see more of the embedded market players do the same.
Roku Posted Jun 18, 2008 12:57 UTC (Wed) by rfunk (subscriber, #4054) [Link] Well, there's also Slim Devices (now a division of Logitech), who have a GPL'd server and public protocol specs for their products. In fact I think Roku made their first player compatible with the Slim Devices server.
Roku Posted Jun 18, 2008 17:47 UTC (Wed) by jwb (guest, #15467) [Link] Moreover, I seem to recall that the Roku guy used to be employed at Slim Devices. So all these gadgets have a similar pedigree.
Movie download device runs embedded Linux framework (LinuxDevices) Posted Jun 18, 2008 16:43 UTC (Wed) by syspig (guest, #41889) [Link] I picked up this device on a whim...so cheap, it was hard to pass up. Also, we've got a part-time place for which broadband can be turned on/off, and I've no desire to pay for full-time sat/cable. In short - it's a great and simple device. My bandwidth (6.0 down) allows video streams at the highest quality (four "dots"), which provides image quality every bit as good or better than my non-HD cable feed. For kicks, I tossed a rule in my m0n0wall to traffic shape it down to a max of 1.5, which brought the feed down to two "dots". It was still quite watchable on a 65" TV, and on our smaller 20" one would never notice the difference. I've had a couple minor (for me) tech glitches. First, while the wireless hooked up fine, I couldn't get the bandwidth to max out - three dots max. Laptops in the house have no problem with sustained 5.0 down, so something is hokey there. Using the LAN port solved that problem, but that might not be an option for everyone. Second, the audio got out of sync, and didn't correct on it's own. Exiting the show and restarting the stream took care of it. That's happened once in about 20 hours of watching it. Assuming the Netflix selection increases (only about 10% of their library is currently available), I'm guessing this thing will continue to sell pretty well.
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