Roku (http://www.roku.com), makers of the Roku streaming player, has introduced its new product lineup. With up to 1080p HD streaming support and Instant Replay, the new players are shipping immediately at prices starting from US$59.99.
All models feature high-definition playback as well as support for older, standard definition TVs. There are three new Roku models: the entry-level Roku HD at $59.99; the Roku XD with Wireless-N and 1080p, and the top-of-the-line Roku XDS, which adds dual-band wireless technology and extensive connectivity options for home entertainment systems.
All Roku players deliver a large collection of streaming entertainment available for the TV, including over 100,000 movies and TV shows from Netflix and Amazon; Video On Demand; live and on-demand baseball from MLB.TV; music from Pandora, MP3tunes, MOG, and RadioTime; photo and video sharing from Flickr and Facebook; plus news and entertainment from thousands of sources around the world.
The $59.99 Roku HD streams video in high-definition at up to 720p, and features built-in wireless and Ethernet for broadband connectivity anywhere in the home. The small Roku HD is only one inch tall and less than five inches wide. A composite A/V cable is included so that it can connect to virtually any TV, including standard definition models. An HDMI port enables HD playback on HDTVs.
The new Roku XD ($79.99) and XDS ($99.99) models deliver the next level of streaming performance, with 1080p HD support (delivered over HDMI) and extended-range Wireless-N. In addition, the XDS model features dual-band Wireless-N technology, component video output, optical audio output, and a USB port. Over USB, customers will be able to play stored music, photos, and up to 1080p video using a USB playback channel, available as a free upgrade to XDS owners (expected to be available in November 2010).
Anthony Wood, founder and CEO of Roku, says that both XD and XDS models also feature an industry first in streaming devices for the TV: a Instant Replay button on the remote, enabling the viewer to skip back in seveb-second increments without having to wait for a rebuffering delay.
