LG ST600 Smart TV Upgrader with Digital Streaming and Internet Services (2011 Model)

I had this up and running out of the box within 8 minutes with a wired internet connection. The only reason I didn't use the wireless setup was because the instructions for doing so were on the CD that accompanies the unit, and I was too lazy to put in the disk and read it, and I had a long-enough ethernet/LAN cord to reach my router and it's no problem for me to hide the cord the way my living room is set up. I have a brand-new (only 3 months old) LG-brand television, so I was glad to get something that was made by LG, figuring it would be most likely to cooperate with my TV setup, and that's true. There was virtually no setup at all, really - just had to select the HDMI input on my TV remote, sign into Netflix and Google and I was watching my queued Netflix videos within about 10 minutes. The system did automatically run 2 separate updates on itself, and it shuts itself off after doing so, but that was no problem at all. Talk about a no brainer...I love techno stuff that is plug and play!The ONLY TWO CAVEATS I am noticing are that:(1) while the unit is turned on, I can't go on my computer and log into Netflix (I get a thing saying: "We're currently experiencing a technical issue. While we get things back to normal, some features aren't available - but you can play select titles on this page." --If I turn the unit off, I can add stuff to my queue on my computer (faster than using the remote).(2) The remote operates sort of like the mousepad on a laptop but is much slower and clunkier to use. I solved that problem by plugging a wireless mouse into the USB port on the Upgrader and I can navigate a lot faster on Google, Netflix and Youtube that way.I just got the unit this afternoon, and I haven't explored Hulu and Pandora and the other goodies available. I expect no problems, though, based on the ease of use with the others I mentioned. Overall, I'm super happy I ordered this and I think it's one of the best things to be invented since the Internet itself. :)UPDATE 03/24/2013: Been using this for a while now with ZERO problems. I cannot wait to get this for my tech-UNsavvy mother, knowing this will be a breeze for her to set up and use without me there (she lives several states away, but I know what her setup is like and if she has ANY questions I can help her in split seconds). HIGHLY RECOMMEND this item and I am SO glad I purchased it!ONE QUESTION FOR ANYONE WHO MAY KNOW: I have this unit wired in my living room. If I purchase another unit for my bedroom, will I be able to set it up wirelessly without conflict?

I purchased this for the sole purpose of streaming Amazon video over our HDTV (which streams video from NetFlix, Cinema Now, etc. just fine). It set up and installed very easily (once I purchased the separate HDMI cable not included with the unit, but that's my own fault for not reading the specs thoroughly). Then I was able to bring up the Amazon web site but the remote would not mouse over to the point where I could sign on to my Amazon account - it would just move, only slightly from what seemed its fixed position on my screen. So I posted a question on the LG web site and got an answer from one of their staff - "this remote was not designed to act as a mouse pointer" and suggested I "try" to find a feature for that purpose on their Apps web page. Well - why then display a light green mouse pointer on my screen if it's not designed to act as one? And why should I have to "try" finding a feature in a separate Apps point of sale? This device has potential, but so far, it is unrealized. If you want to stream video from Amazon, this is not the solution. Fortunately, the seller sent me an RMA (but, despite their promise to do so, did NOT send me a UPS shipping label - so don't buy this through Adorama).

(Scroll down to see my Pros and Cons) Despite all the negative reviews I decided to purchase this the other week when the price was $75. Most of the poor reviews are people from people who do not have the latest firmware and while their scores are fair for what they had when they had it the device has greatly improved since those reviews.I've been looking for a device specifically to stream my Amazon Digital Video Library content to my tv since I was getting annoyed having to move my computer out (with it's pathetic stereo output) and attach it to my computer. I really wanted a Boxee but it doesn't support Amazon, if it did I'd have gotten it in a heartbeat. There are several options to make this work without buying a new tv or blu-ray player, as I see it:1) Full-time media PC2) Sony SMP-N1003) Roku4) TiVo5) Google TV6) LG Smart TV UpgraderA media pc is ok, and can do anything, if you want to spend the money for it. Great, I have no problems with that just not the money. Sony SMP looks ok but from what I've heard Amazon VOD doesn't actually work on it yet, it doesn't quite do a good job of everything else it claims to do and Slashgear was very disappointed in it. Roku, ok device but I hate the interface, it's slow, buggy, and not DLNA compatible. TiVo, great option if I want to add ANOTHER subscription service and part of my goal is to just do away with my cable TV. Google TV, I have played with Google TV and only had trouble with it, I have great hope for it in the future and I hope it will be ready by the time I am set to buy my next tv but it is just not an option right now.And that leaves me with the LG Smart TV Upgrader, which I bought. And am reviewing. It does exactly what I want it to, it streams Amazon and a few other services (such as MOG which I use.) It connects to your network and to a USB hard-drive to playback properly encoded (and has a fairly broad set of codecs it supports. not all but many to most) So here's a list of it's benefits and weaknesses.Pros:Amazon Streaming LibraryNetflix and HuluPlusCan connect to any HDMI TV, very simple setup.USB port for playing movies from Hard-DriveSupports DualBand Wireless-N (2.4Ghz and 5Ghz bands)Supports DLNA communication and has smart phone app to use as a remoteConnects to networked computers easily.Small and looks good cuddling next to my TVCons:Slightly slow interfaceUI Design could be betterDoesn't support some of the more uncommon codecs.Would be nice but it's not why I got it:App library. It's weak. I know they just launched it in the US and their Korea library is pretty big. But right now it's sort of a joke. It's not what I got it for. But maybe someday it would be cool. Especially if they pick up apps for other streaming sites, such as CrunchyRoll.Final thoughts: I'm glad I got this at $75, I'm not certain it's worth the full $130 price tag but for the $80ish range it's fantastic. The interface is a little sluggish but no wheres near as bad as most Roku devices I've used. Not as zippy as an XBOX but then it's cheaper. The Netflix interface is decent and I love using the DLNA remote for it, in the end though I use my XBOX since it has a better interface and is faster. It's a good product, and for anyone looking for a device specifically for Amazon streaming this is the one I recommend.