On Tuesday, D-Link announced the MovieNite, an ultra-low-cost movie streaming device that nevertheless delivers 1080p video and wireless connections.
Available for just $59.99, the MovieNite (DSM-310) will only be sold via Walmart, D-Link said. It includes onboard 802.11n, 10/100 Ethernet, as well as standard A/V component cables, plus HDMI output.
The MovieNite will connect to four services: the Netflix movie subscription service, Walmart's Vudu individual movie-rental service, YouTube, and Pandora.
The minimalist remote contains dedicated buttons for each service. Whether or not this means that D-Link does not plan to add additional services to the MovieNite in the future remains to be seen; D-Link representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
D-Link said that users will also be able to view the output from mydlink network-connected digital cameras, as well as view photos via a Picasa app. A MovieNite app also allows an Android smartphone or iPhone to serve as a remote control.
The MovieNite will directly compete with the Roku 2 LT and XD, two of the cheapest media streaming boxes that Roku offers. MovieNite squeezes right between: the $49.99 Roku 2 HD only offers 720p video, not 1080p; while the Roku 2 XD adds 1080p capability, it's also priced at $79.99. (The $59.99 Roku HD offers the same capabilities as the LT, but with Bluetooth and a slot for memory cards; neither of those features is included in the MovieNite.)
D-Link launched the Boxee Box by D-Link in 2010, which also offers Netflix and Vudu, plus the ability to play local content. It is priced at $179.99 from Amazon, however.
"We are committed to delivering customers a unique and user-friendly viewing experience, and MovieNite complements D-Link's media player solutions, offering an effortless way for people to enjoy their digital content on a big screen at a great value," said Ken Loyd, director of consumer products at D-Link, in a statement. "We are very excited to work with Walmart to bring this family-friendly viewing experience to consumers. Whether it's streaming new releases the same day they come out on DVD with VUDU, or streaming the perfect music list for your party, MovieNite offers high-definition picture quality and high-quality sound all in one convenient device."
D-Link's product page reports that at least some units have had problems streaming Netflix and Pandora. If they do, users should update the MovieNite by connecting the device to the Internet, then powering it off and on again, D-Link said.
For more from Mark, follow him on Twitter @MarkHachman.
