Roku Announces Roku Channel Store, Roku SD & Roku XR Models

Update: Reader Bryan reminded me that the LG BD390 was the first Netflix-ready device to support 802.11n networking. 

Roku this morning is announcing two new Roku Players plus the Roku Channel Store. Two new models will be available in addition to the existing Roku HD Player. Here's a quick overview of the new Roku product line with pricing:

Roku SD: $79.99. Standard definition player with composite video and RCA audio, ethernet and 802.11b/g WIFI. Here's the back of the Roku SD Player:

 

Roku HD: $99.99. Existing player with HDMI, composite, and component video, RCA audio and optical video out, ethernet and 802.11b/g WIFI.

Roku HD-XR: $129.99. Same video and audio I/O as Roku HD, but with 802.11b/g and 802.11n networking support, as well as a mysterious USB port on the back for "future use." It's worth noting that the Roku HD-XR is the first Netflix streaming device to support 802.11n networking. Here's a look at the back of the Roku HD-XR Player:

 

Roku will also be launching a new Roku Channel Store in a few weeks with a "slew" of new channels, and customers will be able to select the ones they want for their home screen. 

HackingNetflix was sent a Roku HD-XR Player for evaluation, and I was able to quickly connect it to the my Apple Airport Extreme and activate it on my Netflix account. The user interface is exactly the same as the existing Roku player, and the video seemed to load faster, but the real benefit of 802.11n support in my house will be the extended range.

The main benefit (until we find out what the USB port is for) of the new Roku HD-XR is 802.11n support, and while the Roku product line is nicely priced, it's going to face some serious competition from low-cost Blu-ray players this holiday season. Roku is working hard to add new channels as a way to compete, and it'll be interesting to see the final lineup of channels expected in the coming weeks (YouTube, Flickr, Revision 3, and more).

Comments

[BAM]

This is NOT the first netflix streaming device that supports 802.11N out of the box, that honor goes to the far superior (in my opinion, due to it's support for local media streaming, vudu hdx streaming, and awesome blu ray performance) LG BD-390

[Mike]

My mistake, and the story has been fixed. Sorry! - Mike

[PatB]

I don't understand the $80 version with composite video. If I had only a 19" CRT TV I would still buy the $100 model. All TVs are now digital (sort of). I would expect to sell my 19" set sooner or later and buy something like a 32" or 40" flat screen LCD set. Such sets are available for under $300 on Craig's List. Many if not most of these sets connect through HDMI.

People with a NetFlix account presumably watch DVDs and DVDs look much better with an HDMI or component hook up.

The NetFlix streaming HD has better video quality than a DVD, Even the more recent non-HD streaming films sre now very good.

The Roku box more or less requires a fast ethernet connection. What kind of consumer invests in a DVD player and fast IP hook up but only has composite video?

[Michael]

I wonder if Roku is thinking of adding the OnLive streaming video game service set to launch this winter (www.OnLive.com)?

It may explain the USB ports. I know OnLive had planned to introduce a MicroConsole and this would give them an existing installed audience...

[twitter.com/MCWHAMMER]

That's really awesome, giving users the choice. Roku gives, gives and gives some more, so I think it's fair that we should pay for these new channels. They've made an excellent device, and kept it updated (as well as fixed bugs in a timely manner).

[Bumpeshine]

Will the Roku channel store only be available on Roku/Netflix streaming devices? Based on the name, it kind of seems like it.

[John Tierney]

Hmmmm. I see no mention of new Audio codec support. That's been one of the main things holding me back. That and poor video quality.

[jeff]

The DVP is very good and idiot-proof, it does exactly what they say it does, no major glitches, software updated, but don't expect a lot of features to be added or Roku to followup on their forward-looking announcements.

Good luck with that channel store concept! Never buy technology based on promises of tomorrow. Roku has been promising vapor (an SDK and additional channels) for over a year. The two current additional channels could be called wisps of steam as they are nothing amazing (a pay-but-beta service of MLB games, and Amazon VoD which is kinda expensive compared to NetFlix).