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Pogue on Roku

Could this be the first set-top box that gets things right?

Imagine, though, if you could watch any movie, any time, without budging from your sofa, by downloading it. All kinds of companies have been tripping over each other to deliver this movie paradise, including Amazon.com, TiVo, Movielink, Apple, Vudu, Netflix, CinemaNow, Vongo and MovieFlix.

Unfortunately, each service is fatally flawed.

Internet download services offer instant gratification, but most require you to watch on your computer screen, which is nobody’s idea of normal. Set-top boxes like TiVo, Apple TV and Vudu deliver movies to your TV, but erase your rented movies after only 24 hours. DVD-by-mail services like Netflix offer terrific selection, but it takes at least a day to receive the movies.

This week, Roku and Netflix unveiled a little $100 box that aims to eliminate all of those drawbacks. Delivery to your TV, not your computer? Check. Instant delivery from the Net? Check. Eliminate the 24-hour viewing window? Check.

Oh, yeah — and all the movies are free.

To understand what makes the Netflix Player a flawed masterpiece, it helps to understand its history.

--20 Seconds, and a Movie Has Arrived - New York Times

MORE: Roku mini-review by Lillian

About J. Ott

John Ott is a writer, filmmaker and futurist. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.