The Roku Digital Video Player is a device that I’ve been hearing about for some time on the net. As you can see in the image, the box itself is very simple. It doesn’t have a hard drive or any storage in it at all. That keeps the price low, at only $99. Basically, this is a set-top streaming box. It connects to your TV via composite, component, or HDMI cables. It connects to the internet either via ethernet or built in wi-fi.
For the longest time, all this box was good for was Netflix streaming. That, to me, did not make it worth $99. I have an XBOX360 that will already stream Netflix and it doesn’t require any additional hardware. It can now stream video from Amazon’s Video on demand service and it can stream from MLB.TV if you have a subscription there. There is no additional charge from Roku to use these services.
Netflix, Amazon, and MLB.TV are the only things that are currently available on the Roku Digital Video Player (which is widely known as simply “the Roku box”). What I find the most interesting, however, is the content that is coming soon to this device. Leo Laporte announced at Blog World Expo (in his key note speech, that is approximately 30 minutes long and available to stream here) that all of TWiT.tv‘s shows are coming to the Roku Box. This means that you can watch any of the TWiT podcasts on demand on your TV with little set up. He also said that the TWiT Live stream will soon be an option, meaning that the live broadcast, currently available at Live.TWiT.tv will be available to stream in high def to your TV.
Most people are going to think “OK Great, but … who cares?” I care. I currently produce a podcast. I don’t see us doing video any time in the absolute near future, but it could happen one of these days. The model that Leo Laporte is introducing here is taking podcasting off of the internet and putting it in your living room. TWiT, CNet TV, and Revision 3 are early partners of this service, offered via MediaFly, but in the near future it could host video content from all over the internet. Anybody’s video podcast could be watched on a TV set. To borrow a quote from Laporte, “This is taking New Media and making it THE media.” Anyone can make a video podcast for very little money and if they get sponsors, which most people can these days, they can take their little show and make it giant. The internet is a wonderful place for content, and this box and this service is just making it easier for great content to get to the end user.
Roku channels
Roku is a very good application, because Roku is constantly updating their channels. Channels are the different content that you can access wirelessly from the device.
The Roku is a device that you attach to your television and it allows you to watch web content on the device, as well as shows that you have downloaded on your computer. The distinct feature that sets Roku apart from its competition (and believe us, there is a lot of competition) is the Roku Channels.
Roku hulu
The standard roku channels are all there. Youtube support. Hulu support. Vimeo support was just recently added. This much additions after the product has already been out for a few months gives you confidence to buy into the system. They are continually updating and more and more channels will be available in the future.
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