Triple Play: 3 Digital Video Players from Roku

Even though Roku has recently broadened their line of digital video players, they still pretty much offer only one product. Now if you’re looking for a simple way to bridge Netflix Watch Instantly or Amazon Video On Demand and your big-screen TV, Roku has 3 models to choose from.

All three offer the same solid quality and basic features that Roku is building a reputation for: a smooth interface with your Netflix instant queue, easy hookup to the TV, and quick web setup via ethernet or wifi.

• The SD model offers standard definition (DVD-quality) picture and lets you get over 17,000 instant Netflix titles and more than 45,000 selections from Amazon Video On Demand straight onto your big screen for a lower-than-before price of $79.99.
• For twenty bucks more ($99.99), the HD model offers, well, same as above, plus 16:9 High Definition (HD) and surround sound audio.
• And if your domain is extensive enough to max out a standard wifi network, the new HD-XR includes a dual-band wifi can double your network range, and improve playthrough speed if your network connection supports it. (Playback speeds are, of course, dependant on your network connection.)

If you’re looking for more info on the Rokus, this video review by the good folks over at HackingNetflix gives a clear intro to the product through unboxing and setup:

Meanwhile, the always more entertaining Veronica Belmont and Patrick Norton duo did a fun and useful review as well:

(Oh, by the way, the video intro on Roku.com’s home page is pretty well done, too.)

If you’re looking for some deeper insights into which model is right for you, one of the best sources we’ve seen is the Roku HD-XR Review on Amazon by Andrea Polk.