Do you need a streamer in your life? An HD media player? MLB, Netflix, and Amazon content? You, sir or madam, are in luck. Roku has announced the Roku SD player for $79 and added the HD and HD-XR models for $99 and $129 respectively.
The Roku SD player connects to the TV using the included and familiar Yellow-Red-White video/audio cable. In addition, the Roku SD player incorporates Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) and an Ethernet port for easy broadband connectivity. With the Roku SD player, customers can stream their favorite movies and TV shows to their TV at up to DVD quality.
The Roku HD and HD-XR players feature High Definition streaming capability, connecting directly to any TV using HDMI or Component video (both products also include S-video or Composite video outputs as well). The Roku HD-XR adds the latest Wi-Fi standard, 802.11n dual-band, giving customers who have adopted this router technology improved connectivity range and better overall wireless performance between the Roku HD-XR and the home network. The Roku HD-XR also works with legacy routers and can often boost Wi-Fi range inside the house. Finally, the Roku HD-XR includes a USB port for future use.
I’ve been using the old streamer for a year now and I’m pleased but I worry that this is a bit limited in scope for most users. $79 bucks for SD, though, isn’t too much to ask.
Roku Introduces New $79 Instant Streaming Player
Netflix customers can now stream direct to their TV instantly for the new low price of $79, free shipping included. Roku also introduces the $129 Roku HD-XR model.
Saratoga, Calif. – October 27, 2009 – Roku, Inc., maker of the popular and award-winning Roku player, announced today for immediate availability two new models. The new Roku SD and Roku HD-XR expand the product lineup to three models. Now customers have a variety of features and price points ($79.99, $99.99, $129.99) to fit their needs. All players continue to deliver instant entertainment from Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) Video On Demand and MLB.TV. With today’s announcement, customers can now purchase a Roku player for as little as $79.99 at www.roku.com or www.amazon.com. For a limited time, customers purchasing through either Roku or Amazon will receive free shipping, making it even more affordable to get started with a Roku.
“We’re introducing a breakthrough price point with the launch of our Roku SD player,” Anthony Wood, founder and CEO of Roku, Inc said. “Additionally the Roku HD-XR is the first Netflix-streaming device to embed next generation 802.11n dual-band wireless connectivity, making it easier and more reliable than ever to start enjoying movies, TV shows, sports and the best online content available, all on the living room TV.”
The Roku SD player connects to the TV using the included and familiar Yellow-Red-White video/audio cable. In addition, the Roku SD player incorporates Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) and an Ethernet port for easy broadband connectivity. With the Roku SD player, customers can stream their favorite movies and TV shows to their TV at up to DVD quality.
The Roku HD and HD-XR players feature High Definition streaming capability, connecting directly to any TV using HDMI or Component video (both products also include S-video or Composite video outputs as well). The Roku HD-XR adds the latest Wi-Fi standard, 802.11n dual-band, giving customers who have adopted this router technology improved connectivity range and better overall wireless performance between the Roku HD-XR and the home network. The Roku HD-XR also works with legacy routers and can often boost Wi-Fi range inside the house. Finally, the Roku HD-XR includes a USB port for future use.
First introduced in May 2008, the Roku player still provides the easiest, most affordable and reliable way for hundreds of thousands of Netflix customers to watch over 17,000 movies and TV shows instantly on their TV. Earlier this year Roku added Amazon Video On Demand, adding 45,000 titles to the Roku platform, including a thousand in HD. In the summer the company launched MLB.TV bringing live and on-demand baseball to the living room TV as well. All Roku customers received these automatic and free updates.
Continuing its leadership role in the over-the-top video space, Roku will launch the Roku Channel Store later this fall enabling customers to add new content channels to their Roku experience, further enhancing the value of the Roku player. The Roku Channel Store will be delivered to all Roku customers, new and existing, as an automatic and free update.
Pricing and availability
All three Roku players are available immediately at www.roku.com and www.amazon.cm and include free shipping for a limited time.
I don’t like the idea of and SD roku. Why? It is like selling a blu-ray with composite cables. What’s the point? If someone wants to watch DVD quality movies, than just rent a DVD and watch it. You want to have the HD capability in there so that when all movies are HD, one is ready. This reminds me of converter boxes for tube TVs. So when all Netflix are movies are HD, one needs to go out and buy an HD box. It’s Stupid. Shell out another 20 bucks (you’ll spend it on cigarettes and booze anyway) and buy a regular Roku box. Technology progresses, not regresses. Don’t be cheap, I say.
I’d be a lot more interested in a wireless-n streamer if the thing could hook into UPnP and DLNA services on my home media server. I’m guessing their partnerships and licensing deals with media producers will keep that idea from ever seeing realization :(
I’m not sure the HD versions will matter much if Net Neutality is destroyed by Astroturfing ISPs.
I have the first version set-top box. How is this different from it? Can it be upgraded via net to do what this does?
Will the new “N” on this thing do “5Ghz”?