Um what makes this different from a DVD player?

It's all streaming online from Netflix, on demand. No DVDs involved.

The console wars are somewhat of a race to be the first "PC in the living room." Microsoft is trying to be the media PC of choice, the Tivo device of choice, the main computer in the living room. XBox gives them an embedded base to build services from.

Sony is also thinking the same way, but coming at it from a "media conglomerate" standpoint. The potential to sling movie content (as well as sell blu-ray movies) means the "box in the living room" gives Sony a leg up.

Meanwhile, the market is fragmenting. Apple now has a living room box that allows you to get any content from iTunes (including movies and tv episodes) straight to your TV (why did it take so long ---derrrr!)

The Netflix box is hot on its heels -- the movie you choose right on your tv, with no mailing.

Google has had a rumored box for a while, but it is pretty much vaporware at this point.

And Tivo, which is essentially a Linux based PC in the living room, continues to have a pulse because it has a brand with a loyal following. It could also be a player.

So everybody is valuing that "set top box" status as worth more down the road than it is right now. So cut rate price wars.

Then why do they make a big deal about "You'll still get your DVDs in the Mail!"

Then why do they make a big deal about "You'll still get your DVDs in the Mail!"

That's for the dim bulbs that don't understand, so they won't panic. That's not for us.

Maybe it's not for us, Jay, but it seems it may just be for Ross.

First, they need to improve their selection of instant movies and TV shows - the selection blows right now. They need to approach what a place like Hulu.com has.

They have loads of current and past TV shows and film, and the selection keeps growing. I'm never at a loss for finding something worth watching on Netflix online. They don't have all the latest and hottest movies and shows, but they have some.