Could it be that Netflix has stumbled onto a streaming movie delivery model that will finally entice consumers? Signs may point to this being the case with the announcement today that Netflix and partner Roku will release a broadband streaming delivery box that will only cost US$100 and US$9 per month for all you can download and watch movies.

The streaming box comes from partner Roku and will hook up to your home Internet broadband, either wired or wirelessly. The box itself offers HDMI and component connections to your television. The Roku player offers a remote control that will allow the user to browse the library of available titles for streaming. While the current library of titles is somewhat limited at the present time, it is certain to grow over time.
According to reports, the video quality is a bit better than VHS, but far from the quality of either DVD or Blu-ray; which is to be expected for a device that only requires a 1.5mbit Internet connection, but the device is able to deliver higher quality content, but will require the user to have a faster Internet connection.

While the box only costs US$100, in order to get the US$9 all you can watch movies, the owner has to be enrolled in Netflix’s “unlimited” rental subscription plans. Still, this novel approach could put pressure on other movie download delivery providers to make adjustments to their service model in order to compete with Netflix.

Netflix has indicated that this is only the beginning of devices that will be able to offer streaming content from Netflix. Various reports have indicated that Netflix is working with other companies, as well, to integrate the service into devices such as DVD or Blu-ray players that would offer the streaming content delivery in addition to the other functions that the player would offer as a value added feature.

While Netflix may have not hit it out of the park with the introduction of the standalone Roku streaming box, it is obvious that it could become popular with those that are already Netflix subscribers who want access to more movies. It will be interesting to see how Blockbuster’s MovieLink offering will compare once it is finally released.