The development I’ve been expecting for quite some time is finally here.  The Netflix Player by Roku is here, and even better, it retails for only $100!  Finally, I can watch my Netflix movies without having to sit at my computer while they play.  Of course, there’s not a great selection available for the streaming service (for the moment, but I know it will improve), but the box is small and unobtrusive, and definitely worlds better than what I was doing before.

I already have four other things sitting on top of my entertainment center:  a 5-disc DVD player, another DVD player I reprogrammed to play NTSC discs from around the world regardless of region, a VCR, and my cable box.  Until now, when I wanted to play something from Netflix’s on-demand service, I’d take my laptop over to the TV and connect it using the port coming from my video card.  I doubt I’ll rush out and buy a Roku tomorrow, but it was a bit of a hassle to power up my laptop, pick out what I want to watch, and get behind the TV to make the necessary connections.

The Roku player has issues now, but this is the start of something big.  I know more people who use Netflix than who rent from traditional video stores these days, and the clamor for something like this that is integrates your online Netflix viewing abilities with your home theater is just the beginning.  Be prepared to kiss traditional home video media goodbye, gang.