AfterDawn: Tech news

Roku introduces new set-top players

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 27 Oct 2009 3:24 User comments (2)

Roku introduces new set-top players Roku, makers of the Roku Digital Video Player (read review here), have introduced two new set-top boxes today, the Roku SD and the Roku HD-XR.
The original video player retails for $100 and the SD will sell for $80 while the HD-XR will retail for $130.

"We`re introducing a breakthrough price point with the launch of our Roku SD player," Anthony Wood, founder and CEO of Roku, Inc adds. "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, as implied, is standard definition only and will include composite cables. The player will have 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi and an ethernet port.

The Roku HD-XR can stream in HD using HDMI or Component video cables and includes the new 802.11n dual-band Wi-Fi standard. The Roku HD-XR also has a USB port "for future use."

Roku set-top owners can access the Netflix Watch Instantly streaming service and all 17,000 movies and shows instantly (as long as they are subscribers) as well as 45,000 movies through Amazon Video on Demand. The company also has a deal with MLB.TV for live and on-demand baseball.

CNet is also adding that the more expensive player will also include access to Pandora Internet radio and Flickr for pictures.

Pics from Cnet:

Roku SD:


Roku XR (on top):

Previous Next  

2 user comments

127.10.2009 23:50

Looking forward to it!

229.10.2009 03:28

Once netflix makes their bluray live access disks available, I suspect that devices like the Roku will go by the wayside, in favor of cheap bluray players with a free access disk. Once it catches on (and it will), I would also expect to see pandora and other streaming sites do the same.

Comments have been disabled for this article.

Latest news

Roomba Combo j7+ review - Clever trick allows robot vacuum finally to tackle home with rugs and carpets Roomba Combo j7+ review - Clever trick allows robot vacuum finally to tackle home with rugs and carpets (06 Jun 2023 9:19)
Roomba Combo j7+ is the very first Roomba model to combine robot vacuum with mopping features. And Roomba Combo j7+ does all that with a very clever trick, which tackles the problem with mopping and carpets. But is it any good? We found out.
Neato, the robot vacuum company, ends its operations Neato, the robot vacuum company, ends its operations (02 May 2023 3:38)
Neato Robotics has ceased its operations. American robot vacuum pioneer founded in 2005 has finally called it quits and company will cease its operations and sales. Only a skeleton crew will remain who will keep the servers running until 2028.
5 user comments
How to Send Messages to Yourself on WhatsApp How to Send Messages to Yourself on WhatsApp (20 Mar 2023 1:25)
The world's most popular messaging platform, Meta-owned WhatsApp has enabled sending messages to yourself. While at first, this might seem like an odd feature, it can be very useful in a lot of situations. ....
18 user comments
How to Enable Bluetooth on Stadia Controller How to Enable Bluetooth on Stadia Controller (11 Feb 2023 1:04)
Google shut down its streaming game service Stadia late last month and this means that some people have Stadia controllers lying around that seem to be of no use. That is fortunately not the ....
2 user comments
Guide: How to Kick Unwanted Guests from Your Netflix Account Guide: How to Kick Unwanted Guests from Your Netflix Account (26 Jan 2023 2:14)
Sharing a Netflix account with a person in a different location is possible and indeed very common, although the company doesn't necessarily enjoy this behavior from their customers. However, ....

News archive