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Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program I've been using the Roku 2 XS to stream content, so I figured a comparison between that and the D-Link MovieNite Plus Streaming Media Player would provide perspective.
Right off the bat, the D-Link is thirty bucks cheaper. But cheaper doesn't mean it is of lesser value. The difference is more of different value. I do like some of the things I can do that the Roku wont do.
The number one cool feature was being able to link up my Android phone to the D-Link via the YouTube app, and choose videos on phone and stream right to my TV. I loaded up Freddiew's Video Game High School ep 1 after scanning the QR code with phone. The video loaded quickly and the high def quality was instantly apparent. It worked great. There is no YouTube on Roku, so this is a clear advantage of the D-Link MovieNite.
Another advantage is the Kids section is available on Netflix, as it is at netflix.com.kids and on the Wii version of Netflix. This is great because it's easier to let my kids roam Netflix to see what they like without them clicking on some random movie full of naughty words and people getting disemboweled.
The box itself is of decent design, a little smaller than a CD case, and a little thicker than a TV remote. It has a slit on the front to show the power light and allow for the remote's IR signal to reach it.
The remote has good and bad points. It is IR based, as opposed to the wireless Roku remote, and isn't as responsive as I'd like and the cone of effectiveness is narrow. I can't sit at my computer beside the TV and use the remote. The remote does, however, have a Vudu, Netflix, Pandora, and YouTube buttons to easily launch those apps. Useful if you use those, but in the way if you don't. I have mixed feeling on the remote.
An app it does not have is Amazon. If you buy or rent content on Amazon, there does not appear to be a way to access it with the D-Link MovieNite. As with so many streaming (or cable-cord cutting) options, there is no one ring to rule them all. It seems that every option is missing one or two components others have. A driving factor of which to buy is can you get the content you most want.
I don't subscribe to Vudu or HuluPlus (coming soon to MovieNite at the time of this review) so I didn't test those options, but there is a Vudu 'app store' that appeared to be just free content, such as a Dexter podcast, or shows like Wreakreation Nation on Discover. This is content I don't believe is on the Roku.
Overall, the YouTube streaming via phone is a killer feature, and the Netflix app works well. Lack of Amazon may be an issue for some. The remote isn't as good overall as the Roku, but both have an option to control via Android app (or iOS).
If Netflix and YouTube are your main content delivery services, the D-Link is a cheaper and better way to go, but aside from the YouTube via phone, I find the Roku experience smoother and easier (plus you can play games on the Roku). Verify you can get the content you want before making a purchase.
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