Getting a movie (or an entire season of Lost) delivered in the mail used be the height of convenience, but discs are so last decade. Consumers are increasingly seeking instant satisfaction, in the form of streaming video on demand. Netflix says that 48 percent of its 12.3 million subscribers used its streaming feature in December 2009, versus just 28 percent the previous year.
(For more, see our companion feature, "How to Navigate the Deluge of Netflix Streaming Devices.")
If you're ready to stream Netflix into your living room, the following hardware list includes the key specs you need to know. Remember, though, that not all Netflix-ready devices are created equal. Some players will let you choose new movies right on your TV, while others will allow you only to play movies you've already placed in your Instant Queue via the Netflix Website.
In addition, don't forget that you'll also need a Netflix streaming subscription. Unlimited access to watch as much as you want starts at $9 a month.
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