Roku Unveils New Simplified Models from Basic to Powerful

Roku has unveiled its new line of streaming players, offering a simplified means of distinguishing models based on features and power. The company has done away with product names like LT, HD and 2XD. Consumers now have a simple selection and can choose among the entry level Roku LT, the increasing features of the Roku 1 and Roku 2, or the most powerful, the Roku 3. The Roku 1, 2, and 3 will be available in the U.S. U.K., Ireland and Canada.

“To say that today’s a big day for Roku is a bit of an understatement,” suggests Engadget. “Not only is the company revamping its entire product lineup, there’s also the small matter of the U.K. launch of the Roku 3 to consider. Whereas before, American users had to decide between the LT, HD, 2XD and 3, the company has now adopted a much simpler device lineup: Okay, Good, Better and Best.”

“So, is this the move that’ll push the company out of the fringes of the mainstream and into the spotlight? It’s certainly going to help.”

All the Roku devices have HDMI connectivity, while the LT, 1 and 2 models have RCA connections, yet 1080p streaming is only available on the Roku 2 and 3. Dual-band Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct are featured on Roku 2 and 3, allowing for a headphone jack connection on the remote.

Currently available in the U.S., the Roku 3 is the flagship device, especially in terms of hardware. It has motion control for gaming (includes “Angry Birds Space”), a fast dual-core processor, Ethernet and USB connections, and a microSD slot.

For software, the Roku 1, 2, and 3 models have the same user interface and offer a wide selection of channels and streaming content. YouTube functionality is reportedly being considered.

Ruko offers iOS and Android apps that can push video to the streaming players. Users can also stream their personal music, video and photos to the players.

“On the pricing side, the company is trying to keep the model flat as possible in the four markets it currently operates,” explains Engadget. “That means that the Roku 1 will retail for $60/£60/€60, the 2 for $80/£80/€80 and the 3 $100/£100/€100 in the U.S., U.K. and Ireland. In the U.S., the Roku LT will be an online-only offering, priced at $50, with the expectation that it’ll follow the pattern and cost £50/€50 when it lands in Europe.”

“These new player models will be available in all markets in which Roku is available — the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland,” notes the Roku press release. “Additionally, the flagship Roku 3 player which launched in the U.S. in March is now also available in Canada, the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland.”

“These new players bring useful improvements at existing prices — just in time for the holidays,” said Jim Funk, Roku SVP of product management. “We’re giving customers more value for their money by adding a headphone jack for private listening and dual-band wireless to the Roku 2, and support for 1080p HD video to the Roku 1. We are excited to bring these and other great features to our new line-up which provides a better TV experience across every price point.”

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