Roku expands lineup of set-top media boxes
October 27, 2009 by Robin Parrish
Filed under Electronics
It was less than two years ago when Roku announced the first (and until now, only) model of its affordable little set-top box that makes streaming HD movies from Netflix simple. Today, Roku has introduced two new models to its lineup, one for lower-end users, and another for those that want to go bigger.
The original Roku HD sells for just $99, and plays HD video, optical surround sound audio output, and an HDMI port. It’s easy to set up, comes with built-in wireless connectivity, and plays videos from Netflix, Amazon.com, and more.
The new Roku SD has those same functions, but is built with downgraded televisions in mind. Instead of HD quality, it supports lower-definition video, like what you find on a standard DVD. It sells for $79.
The Roku HD-XR is the next-gen model at $129, offering all the same stuff as the HD, but with enhanced 802.11n Wi-Fi and a built-in USB port. Roku has big plans for the HD-XR, including the Roku Channel Store, which is said to offer additional content channels to Roku users, most of which will be free. (Just what those channels are is anybody’s guess, but with big league players like YouTube and Hulu out there, I wouldn’t rule anything out.)
Image: Roku.
