The Roku Netflix player is a cause for a lot of excitement for Netflix subscribers like myself. I've been visiting the web site HackingNetflix for months hoping something would turn up. I'm glad this is finally out and though we have not had the chance to try it at our offices yet (we are working on getting a unit), you should check it out.

The Netflix player allows you to stream movies that are available as Instant Watch on the Netflix web site, directly into your TV. You simply connect the box to your home network (via ethernet or WiFi) and plug the device into your television via any of the standard video/audio connections (HDMI, Component, S-video, RCA jacks, optical audio).

Currently the video stream is near DVD quality (based on your internet connection speed), but we are betting that there will be High Definition content coming in the future. And since this set-top box has the capability to play and output High Definition content, there is very little risk of the player being outdated very quickly.

What makes this player more exciting is that it retails for only $99. And if you are a paying Netflix subscriber, you don't need to pay for any of the instant watch movies. Compare the price to something like the Apple TV where it costs $229 for the unit plus the price of each movie rental, and it looks like even more of a bargain.

We hope Roku answers our requests for a detailed review, but for now, check out the Roku web site to get informed.