Netflix’s ‘Watch Instantly’ streaming service is available on so many devices now it’s probably easier to list those that don’t carry it. The PS3 is the latest to join the ranks. And ‘Watch Instantly’ is now such a huge part of the service that it’s surely here to stay, and inevitably grow in the future.

From Mail To The Web

In the 12 years since Netflix launched as a purely by-mail DVD rental company, the world has changed considerably, particularly with the Internet becoming the distribution method of choice for all kinds of media, including of course television and movies.

So it’s no wonder that the company decided to introduce a streaming video service as part of its subscription package a few years ago. And the way things are going, it’s that part of the business which provides the future direction for Netflix.

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ZillionTV has had some trouble moving from being a good idea to an actual product. This has led to some particularly critical articles around the Web concerning the company, its management, and whether ZillionTV will actually ever deliver. ZillionTV is now fighting back, but the fight hasn’t started well.

ZillionTV or ZeroTV?

ZillionTV was announced back in March to some very positive comments and feedback. I myself stated that “good backers, a man in charge who knows the business, and a couple of innovations which could drive the sector forward” meant it had a chance of succeeding, despite entering a crowded market.

However, in September a delay in launching the service was announced. It was originally thought to be due for a launch in late 2009 but that slipped to the second half of 2010, which is nigh on a year later than first expected.

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The Roku Box, which started life as the Roku Netflix player before evolving to its current form, is getting some brothers in the shape of two new boxes. Roku is also promising new channels will be coming to the service soon. Which, with Netflix now headed for the PS3, is needed more than ever.

Roku and Netflix

Roku started out relying on Netflix’ ‘Watch Instantly’ streaming service as the be all and end all of its content offering to buyers of the $99 box. But since launching in May 2008, other content channels have been added, including Amazon Video-on-Demand and MLB TV.

Netflix soon moved on to a host of other set-top boxes and devices, including the Xbox 360, Internet-enabled televisions, and hybrid Blu-ray players. And it’s now adding a new one to its line-up in the shape of the Playstation 3.

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Netflix is finally looking towards a streaming future, with the death of DVD predicted, plans for services on other devices – notably the PS3 and Wii (probably) – and a move outside the United States and into unspecified international territories.

Netflix Of The Past

When Netflix formed in 1997 as a DVD by mail company in the United States, the Internet wasn’t the behemoth it is now, and online video was a concept rather than an actual living, breathing part of the Web.

Streaming video therefore wasn’t part of the plan for the company at that point. However, it introduced ‘Watch Instantly’ as part of its subscription service a few years ago and hasn’t looked back since.

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The Star Wars Tie Fighter Webcam in an easy-to-use USB webcam with a clever Star Wars design giving you a novel way to capture your video footage.

A webcam, and Darth Vader’s personal spacecraft, all in one!

As a Star Wars fan, I just can’t refuse a webcam design like this one. The Star Wars Darth Vader Tie Fighter features a 300,000 dot resolution WebCam, includes a built-in microphone, and when you plug it in to your computer’s USB port, two red LEDs located in the front will light up (the lights are where the lasers would shoot from Vader’s ship.)

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Creative Labs Live! camera offers you a webcam with sharp video quality, high-speed connectivity and a reasonable price.

Features and Options of the Creative Labs Live Webcam

The Creative Labs Live! webcam gives you a high quality 640 x 480 VGA sensor, delivered at 30 frames per second. With Live! View Auto Tuning technology, the camera will give you sharp images with accurate white balance, as well as better light exposure than other webcams.

Software Features Included with Camera

Creative Advanced Video FX software also allows you to add additional effects to your video broadcasts, including backgrounds and special effects.  I like the fact that included with the camera is the Live! Cam Suite that allows you to edit, change, and organize the footage that you take.

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The Star Trek Webcam is a fully-functional webcam designed to look like the USS Enterprise from the television show “Star Trek”.  This is ideal for Trekkies looking for a USB webcam with a fun design.

A Webcam for Trekkies

Modeled very cleverly to look just like the Starship Enterprise from the original ‘Star Trek’ television show, this model is also a fully-functional webcam with 720p and features an adjustable focus. As a fan of the series, I love the creative novelty of this design combined with the functionality of a webcam.

Installation and Compatable Software

The Star Trek webcam requires no driver installation, and is compatible with most online chat services like Skype, Yahoo Messenger, etc.  Being a USB webcam, all you need to do is plug-n-play, using your existing messaging software.

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