Even with so many new products coming to the market, Roku’s new lineup brings some serious contenders to the current short-list of TV/Web devices.
The three new models are ready to plug and play, with HD video, built-in wireless, ethernet port, and HDMI video output, starting at a new lower price of $59.99.
Roku — always a strong choice for streaming content from Netflix and Amazon — now offers instant access to dozens of downloadable content channels, including Pandora, MLB.TV, Facebook Photos, Flickr, UFC, Flixster, Twit.TV, Revision3, Blip.TV and Hulu Plus (coming this fall).
Of the three new products, the $79.99 XD and top-end XDS ($99.99) offer full 1080p HD video (the entry-level HD tops out at 720p), extended-range wireless and a new “instant replay” feature on the remote. The 1080p capability might not be too valuable yet since Netflix, Amazon, and many other providers are still streaming in 720p, but that may well change over time. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
The XDS has a few additional features some will find useful: dual band wireless (cool if your router supports it), output for component video and optical audio outputs (old school meets home theater?) and a USB port.
At 5″ square, this Roku series is about an inch larger than the new AppleTV. The differences don’t stop there. Apple’s device streams at 720p max, offers far fewer content channels (think Flickr, Netflix & YouTube), and continues to impose Apple’s restrictive DRM on iTunes content.
All in all, the new Roku boxes are shooting for the sweet spot: more variety, easy setup, lower prices.
Which features are most important to you in choosing a web-to-TV solution? Leave a comment and let us know.
Latest Roku Players: More Channels, Less Money
Even with so many new products coming to the market, Roku’s new lineup brings some serious contenders to the current short-list of TV/Web devices.
Roku — always a strong choice for streaming content from Netflix and Amazon
— now offers instant access to dozens of downloadable content channels, including Pandora, MLB.TV, Facebook Photos, Flickr, UFC, Flixster, Twit.TV, Revision3, Blip.TV and Hulu Plus (coming this fall).
Of the three new products, the $79.99 XD and top-end XDS ($99.99) offer full 1080p HD video (the entry-level HD tops out at 720p), extended-range wireless and a new “instant replay” feature on the remote. The 1080p capability might not be too valuable yet since Netflix, Amazon, and many other providers are still streaming in 720p, but that may well change over time. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
At 5″ square, this Roku series is about an inch larger than the new AppleTV. The differences don’t stop there. Apple’s device streams at 720p max, offers far fewer content channels (think Flickr, Netflix & YouTube), and continues to impose Apple’s restrictive DRM on iTunes content.
All in all, the new Roku boxes are shooting for the sweet spot: more variety, easy setup, lower prices.
Which features are most important to you in choosing a web-to-TV solution? Leave a comment and let us know.