Hands-On: Roku's New Netflix Interface [PICS]

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Roku and Netflix have always had a very close working relationship (the Roku player originally started as an internal Netflix project before being spun out to Roku) and with the new interface, Roku users can now access more Netflix content more easily. In addition to being able to browse by category -- like you can on the PS3 and Wii -- Roku's Netflix app also has search functionality and recommendations baked right in.

The new interface is also a complete redesign. This sets Roku's Netflix implementation apart from those that have either used its exact implementation (like some Blu-ray players do) or a variation (the PlayStation 3 and the Wii).

The icon for Netflix on Roku is also a bit more clean and nuanced.

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When you click on the app for the first time, it will tell you that it has been updated and that you will be getting more features.

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This is what the main screen looks like. The first area displayed is your current Instant Queue. As you scroll down, more rows of content, like Newly Released Movies, are displayed.

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At the top of the screen is the new Search function, which is one of the really great new features. Rather than having to either browse through category feeds or use a computer (or iPhone or iPad) to add content to your Instant Queue, you can now search directly on Roku.

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As you search, suggestions for films matching your search terms appear. For instance, I wanted to find Yojimbo, and after typing in "Yo" it came up as the first result.

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Clicking on a result will take you to a results panel in the main window that feature films that match your query.

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Clicking on a film displays basic data about the film, the average rating for the film (or your rating if you have already rated it) and the ability to either play directly or add to your Instant Queue. If you add to your queue, you can continue searching and browsing for content.

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For television shows or other content that has multiple parts, the screen for selecting an individual episode has been recolored to match the rest of the interface. It still functions the same way.

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The way content is played back hasn't changed -- and that's a good thing. It's simple and easy to use, as always.

The new Netflix interface for Roku is probably the best Netflix experience on a dedicated device. Only Boxee, which has its own custom Netflix app, can match the interface and features that the Roku app now has.

Roku owners, look for the update to hit your devices beginning at the end of the week.