This device rocks. It's not just for Netflix streaming. You can subscribe to channels like youtube, break, podcasts, pandora, amazon rentals and craploads more. You can also stream content off your own web server (mp4, jpg only) by using a $10 3rd party add-on channel. So far the only complaint I have is that it will sometimes reboot when navigating menus. However, a reboot takes 10-15 seconds and it's pretty easy to resume what you were doing. Roku is working on a fix but it's so infrequent that I don't find it too annoying.

this isn't necessarily a deal. This is the older model with the same price and video specs as the newer Roku-HD
This however does support Wireless N and has component cable hookups if you still have an hd-tv that doesn't have hdmi.

Good catch. It's already sold out @ amzn but Roku has the newer HD model for the same price. Wifi-N is nice but probably does not matter for most. Component is good for older TV but also probably not matter for most.

http://www.roku.com/roku-products#2

I got an email for what to expect later on through Amazon Gold. In order it goes 500gb Archos 5 tablet, Sonos ZP90 zone player, Buffalo Nfiniti wireless N router, Canon Pixma MG6120 and ending with EarForce x41 wireless 7.1 headset.

If you order from the Roku site (www.roku.com) you can get $20 off if you are a new or existing subscriber to Netflix. That gets the new New HD down to $39, XD down to $59 or the XD|S to $79. Coupon link is in small print in the lower right hand side of the page under the "Our Lowest Price Ever" banner next to the "buy now" link in red. Click the gray "Roku Coupons" link and you will be redirected.

Can these link directly to a network share on a PC? instead of using a Media Server on the PC.

It will not talk to FTP, SMB or NFS server directly.

There's a $10 (one time charge) channel to which you can subscribe that will stream content from a web server. The web server has to be set up to allow access to directories. It's a bit technical to set up so if you're not at least a bit technical then assume the answer is "no".

Correction #5 - only for new Netflix subscribers. I already have a Roku HD and subscribe to Netflix. I had a chat with the live help folks. They were willing to offer the $20 off if I had bought the Roku from Roku. However, I bought mine from woot so no dice. Guess I'll wait for the refurbs of the new ones.

Hey #7 what's the name of that channel? I bought this and plan on using it to stream from my WHS.

Also in one of the Amazon reviews it says it has a USB port, which the new starting 2 models do not which I suppose can be good from playing media from USB drives or upgrading firmware?

Can anyone recommend a good player which has the features of the Roku, especially Netflix, but will stream directly from a SMB share? I've been spoiled with my XBMC on XB at how flexible its been.

roksbox and there's one other but I forget the name

Thanks, I found a list in one of the posts on the Roku Forum: Roksbox
Chaneru
MyMedia
Sunimi