Stream Netflix and Hulu Videos With PlayOn

A couple of weeks ago, my DVR decided not to record one of my shows (I refuse to admit user error…ok, it was user error). Since Jack Bauer on my 15.1″ screen just isn’t the same, I booted up the PS3 with the hopes of pulling up Hulu on the PlayStation browser. Apparently I’ve been under a rock.

Back in November, Netflix brought streaming video to the PS3 making it the only Netflix-friendly device that allows for gaming, streaming video on demand, and Blu-Ray capability. But the ability to stream Hulu to my HDTV from my PS3 all of a sudden became more important.

Then I found PlayOn — developed by MediaMall Technologies — which allows you to watch all your favorite, shows, movies and sports with a networked PC and a Wii, PS3, XBOX 360, or other compliant device.

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Video On Demand Services — Blockbuster vs. Netflix

Digital distribution of movies is becoming more than just a convenience. Video on demand (VOD) technology is becoming the status quo. As video formats have evolved, so has the method of delivery. Reel-to-reel. BetaMax and VCRs. DVD players. High-definition Blu-Ray. And now delivery of videos goes beyond format. There are an increasing number of utensils to feed your video appetite. In fact, there is a large list of video on demand services. If you have a broadband Internet connection, then you’re ready to explore the world of VOD.

So, how do you choose?

I’m a DIRECTV customer as well as a Blockbuster.com user. I’m contemplating a VOD service as an alternative to my Blockbuster service. So, I decided to take a look at Blockbuster’s VOD service and compare it to Netflix. Pretty smart, eh? Yeah…I thought so too.

BLOCKBUSTER. I’m already partial to Blockbuster over Netflix, so naturally Blockbuster.com was the first place I went to get some details. According to Blockbuster’s current offer, when you rent 25 movies in advance — which costs $99 — Blockbuster will send you one of its 2wire MediaPoint digital media players. The box includes composite, HDMI and component outputs.

Unfortunately the information available on Blockbuster.com is routine at best — an electronic brochure of the service actually. So, I contacted BlockBuster with a slew of questions.

This blogger shares his pros and cons of the Blockbuster service and related hardware.

With the lack of information available on the Blockbuster site, I decided to email them for some answers:

Dear Derrich,

Roughly 2,000 titles are currently available. The library changes frequently.

The device upscales up to 1080i resolution if used with an HDMI connection, cable not included. Some of the titles, such as the IMAX titles, are compressed with high definition, but not all titles will be in such high quality. The device also only offers stereo only for the audio.

The prices range from $1.99 to a max of $3.99.

There is no long-term storage available. Rentals are only made available for a maximum of 30 days after download. Once you actually start to watch the movie, however, there is only a 24 hour license issued to play the movie as many times as you wish. The files are auto-deleted either when the 30 day period or 24 hour watch period expires.

There are no other fees or membership requirements to use the OnDemand service. Once you have the device and use the 25 prepaid rentals, if you never rent again..you’ll never be billed.

Please let us know if there’s any other questions we can help with.

NETFLIX. The Netflix website on the other hand was refreshingly informative about its offering. Heck, it even points you in the direction of the manufacturer, Roku, for a more in-depth resume of abilities.

Right off the bat, this thing is the epitome of ‘straight foward’. Box is $99 (MSRP). Buy it, keep it. If you already have a Netflix unlimited plan (from $8.99/month), then you’re all set. The terms and conditions isn’t a bunch of legal jargon — it consists of six bullet points. Your existing Netflix plan doesn’t change. The number of movies available on demand is limited to a little over 3,500. One blogger even went so far as to compile a list of Netflix On Demand movies. Netflix claims 12,000 selections; we can assume the other 8,500 or so are TV shows. More importantly, watching movies or TV shows instantly does not affect the number of DVDs you get.

In addition to the Roku player, you can use the Netflix service with a number of other devices such as the Xbox 360, on a TiVo DVR, and a pair of Ethernet-capable Blu-ray Disc Players.

In addition to those devices, today LG announced the first broadband-enabled HDTVs with Netflix streaming software embedded directly in the TV, eliminating the need for one of the above boxes.

THE WINNER IS…. It looks like Netflix has found a way to marginalize Blockbuster. I’m tempted to take advantage of the 30-day free trial to see if I like the ‘DVD by mail’ service as much or better than Blockbuster. If so, why wouldn’t I make the switch to the company with a better On Demand product?

The bottom line is that Netflix rules the VOD battle.

While I test drive the two services, there are still some other VOD services out there for me to research such as Amazon Video On Demand, and other services available through gaming consoles such as the PlayStation 3, or the recently announced video distribution service on the Nintendo Wii…and, of course, Apple TV and Vudu for the “high-def only, thank you” videophiles.

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That Just Happened — Zune Freezes Over

This is it. Say goodbye to 2008…and to all those bad habits. Wipe the slate clean. Knock out those resolutions! What? You never follow through with your New Years’ resolutions? Get some help! stickK is a website that promotes healthier and happier living by enabling its users to form Commitment Contracts. That’s right…a financial obligation to succeed. stickK was co-founded by Dean Karlan, an Economics Professor at Yale. The idea is based on two simple principles of behaviorial economics: [1] people don’t always do what they claim they want to do, and [2] incentives get people to do things. Check out the stickK FAQs for more info on how this site works.

Apparently at about 2:00am this morning, every owner of a 30GB Microsoft Zune experienced the ultimate freeze. According to Gizmodo, there were “tons of reports—tons—about failing Zune 30s“. By ‘tons’, they mean all 12 Zune owners.

Congrats to the Rice Owls for stomping the Western Michigan Broncos last night in the Texas Bowl, 38-14. The game was highlighted by two former San Antonio standouts, Chase Clement (Alamo Heights) and Jarett Dillard (Sam Houston). And, of course, the head coach is none other than David Bailiff of my Alma Mater [Southwest] Texas State University. Not only does Dillard hold the NCAA record for career touchdown receptions (60), but he and Clement hold the Division I-A record for career TDs between a QB/WR duo (51).

How about a Derrich.com Best Gadgets of 2008 list? Everyone else is doing it, so why not. Here are my Top 5:

[1] Kodak Zi6 HD Video Camera. About $50 cheaper than its counterpart, the Kodak Zi6 is a quality camera that shoots videos in 720p HD. HD! And also unlike its counterpart, it features an expandable memory slot for up to 32GB of vids. And, of course, it comes in pink .

[2] Roku Netflix Player. For $99 (and a Netflix membership), you can get movies on demand anytime. The Netflix Player allows you to sift through a selection of over 12,000 movies and TV shows — some in HD — for instant viewing on your televish.

[3] BlackBerry Bold 9000. Yeah, I’m biased. But it’s a great phone! As I previously pointed out in my Bold vs E71 comparison, the BlackBerry Bold 9000 boasts impressive battery life, a great browser, WiFi, and an ever-growing supply of useful apps.

[4] Wii Fit. This selection might be questionable; but with the introduction of a new year come those New Years’ resolutions. And if you’ve never played a Wii before, try out the boxing game for a few minutes. You’ll be winded. I guarantee it. The Wii Fit Ultimate Fitness Bundle is the perfect alternative to a gym membership. This year over 2 million Wii-related items were sold on eBay. So, I know someone out there will agree with me on this one.

[5] Toshiba REGZA 42″ LCD HDTV. Not exactly a gadget, but another impressive piece of hardware from Toshiba. For under $900, the Toshiba REGZA 42RV535U 42″ LCD HDTV can be hanging on your wall. I thought Toshiba had outdone itself with last year’s 37 inch 720p LCD, which I purchased for a skosh over $850. For a little more, you get 1080p in a 42 inch screen. The picture is amazing. While there are probably better TVs out there, you can’t argue against the ‘value’ value of this HDTV.

Well, it’s certainly been an interesting year for me…and for the rest of us as well. I’m happy to be blogging again…I’m about to be a baby daddy a second time…but there were definitely many speed bumps for me along the way. Good riddance to 2008! Bring on 2009! I hope all of you have a safe and Happy New Year!

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