Roku announced yesterday the introduction of three new players, the Roku HD, XD and XD|S. These three new units are smaller than previous units, feature 1080p capabilities and are cheaper than previous units ranging from $59 to $99.99!! Let's be clear, the XD and XD|S feature 1080p capabilities while the HD will play up to 720p. But, this is a significant boost to the previous lineup. But, the goodies don't stop there...Roku has introduced an instant replay feature that will jump back 7 seconds in the video that you are watching at the push of a button. If you own a Tivo or a DVR this is a feature that you're probably already familiar with. It's a great feature when someone in the house yells "Whoa, did you see that?"
If you are familiar with the Roku devices, they allow you to stream web content to your TV. A year ago, Roku only had Netflix and Amazon Video were available as channels. Today, there are around 50 channels including Pandora, radiotime, UFC, MLB.tv, Vimeo, Flixster, BigStar.tv, Twit.tv, Facebook, Flickr and many more coming out almost weekly.
What's interesting is that this market is becoming a huge opportunity for companies to bring various forms of Internet entertainment into the homes. Apple has upped their game (again) with their new Apple TV. Their product is priced at $99 and offers many of the same features as the Roku lineup, including access to Netflix and Flickr, HD streaming, ways to get your photos and music onto your TV and of course, WiFi connectivity. Apple TV, however offers YouTube out of the box. There is a code for YouTube for the Roku (B8VVK) that allows you to add a channel to view YouTube video, even though YouTube is not an official partner. Apple TV is completely compatible with your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, as well.
Although Roku and Apple TV are not the only two options in the category of streaming internet to your TV (see Boxee and XBOX, PS3, Wii and numerous Blu-ray players and televisions), they are shaping up to be the two main competitors in the standalone unit category. The future looks bright.
If you are familiar with the Roku devices, they allow you to stream web content to your TV. A year ago, Roku only had Netflix and Amazon Video were available as channels. Today, there are around 50 channels including Pandora, radiotime, UFC, MLB.tv, Vimeo, Flixster, BigStar.tv, Twit.tv, Facebook, Flickr and many more coming out almost weekly.
What's interesting is that this market is becoming a huge opportunity for companies to bring various forms of Internet entertainment into the homes. Apple has upped their game (again) with their new Apple TV. Their product is priced at $99 and offers many of the same features as the Roku lineup, including access to Netflix and Flickr, HD streaming, ways to get your photos and music onto your TV and of course, WiFi connectivity. Apple TV, however offers YouTube out of the box. There is a code for YouTube for the Roku (B8VVK) that allows you to add a channel to view YouTube video, even though YouTube is not an official partner. Apple TV is completely compatible with your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, as well.
Although Roku and Apple TV are not the only two options in the category of streaming internet to your TV (see Boxee and XBOX, PS3, Wii and numerous Blu-ray players and televisions), they are shaping up to be the two main competitors in the standalone unit category. The future looks bright.
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