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Wealth TV Launches a 24/7 3D Channel for Roku - More Connected Devices Coming Soon

Fri Jan 20, 2012 at 12:00 PM ET
Tags: Wealth TV, 3D Programming, 3D TVs, Roku (all tags)

The channel brings documentaries, racing, boxing, vacations, and plenty of expensive homes and toys to your TV, all in three dimensions.

3D televisions have been out for a while now and there still isn't that much content for them when it comes to traditional TV viewing. If you're into checking out luxury vacations and multi-million dollar homes in 3D, you'll be happy to know that the latest channel from Wealth TV brings you just that.

They're calling it Wealth TV 3D and it's available to watch now. "Our goal for the network," says Wealth TV VP Cameron Westfall, "is to allow every 3DTV owner to experience the American Dream regardless of their economic status."

The channel is available now but only through Roku boxes. It's coming to more connected devices soon and is cable-ready, should a provider wish to pick it up.

Source: PR Newswire

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Roku Packs it Streaming Player into an MHL Dongle

Fri Jan 06, 2012 at 10:00 AM ET
Tags: Roku, MHL (all tags)

HDMI would be so much more convenient, but with more TVs packing MHL links in 2012, this is certainly a welcome addition to the lineup.

The thing that really bothers some folks about streaming boxes like the Roku player is with the concept of adding yet another box to their home theater setup. There's only so much room and, let's face it, there's something to be said for a good looking living room.

Roku's new streaming player does away with the box completely. The Roku Streaming Stick is a nice, tiny dongle that hooks right into an MHL port on your TV. Though it's much smaller it doesn't seem to lack for features. You'll still get built-in Wi-Fi and a processor capable of running the Roku user interface. Whether the interface or any other features had to be simplified for the Stick is an unknown at the moment.

The folks at Roku aren't just selling the Streaming Stick as a standalone product - TV manufacturers are going to pack it in with their sets as a way for customers to enjoy Smart TV features on a TV that would normally lack them. The only brand doing so in the near future though is Insignia. We've already seen TVs and receivers announced with MHL support, so the Streaming Stick may find a happy home.

Source: Engadget

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Roku's New Update Helps Audio Performance, Game Performance and Adds MKV Support

Fri Dec 16, 2011 at 01:45 PM ET
Tags: Roku, MKV, Streaming (all tags)

MKVs won't be able to be streamed, but you can play them directly from a USB drive.

Roku has released a new update to their Roku 2 and Roku LT streaming players that brings some new functionality along with improvements to the way the players work currently.

Most exciting for fans of digital media will be MKV support. You'll be able to play MKV files from a USB drive. Roku has also improved playback of MP4 files. Streaming via Wi-Fi has also improved thanks to newly optimized code.

The other new feature that Roku is touting is improvements to gaming that offers support for more titles. It's a Roku 2 specific update that will add new games to the catalog and, Roku hopes, attract a few more developers to the platform.

Source: Roku

(via Engadget)

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Roku Adds FyreTV for Adult Movie Streaming

Thu Oct 20, 2011 at 02:00 PM ET
Tags: Roku (all tags)

Want a little smut mixed in with your streaming? Roku's got it.

Ever since Vudu dropped porn from the menu, streaming smut to the TV has been fairly limited. You could use an HTPC of course, but in terms of set-top boxes, you had to get a special box with a dedicated purpose.

It seems those days are at an end, as Roku has added the popular adult movie provider FyreTV to its channel lineup. You'll have to sign in to Roku to enable the channel, and you'll have to sign up for a FyreTV membership to access videos. Videos are available for purchase and unlimited plans are available starting at $9.95 a month. You'll also get one free video for signing up.

Fyre TV's site advertises that there's more than just Roku in the future. Blu-ray players, the Boxee Box and even the PS3 are listed as "coming soon."

Source: Home Media Magazine

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Roku Releases $49 LT Media Player - Adds HBO Go

Tue Oct 11, 2011 at 03:00 PM ET
Tags: Roku, Media Streamers (all tags)

The LT does the very basics of what a Roku player is designed to do. It streams.

Roku players keep getting fancier and fancier. What started as a fairly bare bones media streamer has expanded into a file playing, Wi-Fi packing, high definition, game playing machine. The LT takes us back to simpler times.

The Roku doesn't do 1080p - you'll have to settle for 720 - but it does have built in Wi-Fi and the ability to stream from any of the 300 available channels. Local files are out too, since the SD card reader has been nixed. At $49 though, it does just what it needs to.

Roku's channel selection just got a bit bigger too. They're adding HBO Go, which will allow HBO subscribers to watch content directly on their Roku player. Of course, if you're not an HBO subscriber, you get nothin'.

Source: Home Media Magazine

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Netgear is Releasing a New Low-Priced Media Streamer

Thu Sep 15, 2011 at 02:00 PM ET
Tags: Netgear, Media Streamers, Roku, Streaming, Industry Trends (all tags)

At $79.99, the NeoTV Streaming Player is aiming to compete directly with offerings from Roku.

Netgear has a lot to say about their new NeoTV player, but "the best combination of content and features among streaming players priced under $100" is a clear shot at Roku's lineup - the go to for inexpensive streaming. So what does the NeoTV offer that makes Netgear so confident in their new product?

For starters, you're able to use an Apple or Android smartphone to control the device and easily scroll up anything you want to watch. It offers Vudu, Netflix, and the usual assortment of other streaming sources.

Netgear offers two different ways to connect. You can hook up using tried and true Ethernet or with a wireless connection that the company says can transfer speeds up to 300Mbps.

You can preorder the NeoTV NT200 on Amazon now.

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The Smaller, More Functional Roku 2 is Available Now

Wed Jul 20, 2011 at 04:30 PM ET
Tags: Roku, Streaming, Media Streamers, High-Def Retailing (all tags)

It also plays games. Well, it plays one game.

Roku has long been at the forefront when it comes to media streamers. They're not as fully functional as some higher end devices, but they're cheap, easy, and Roku is always updating with new channels and features.

One of the big things that Roku 2 brings to the table is gaming, though you'll have to be happy with eating white rice for an appetizer, white rice for an entree and white rice for dessert. It's not a very diverse table, is the point. Roku expects to have plenty of games available soon, but at launch you'll get to pick from 'Angry Birds,' 'Angry Birds Rio,' and 'Angry Birds Seasons.'

Pricing for the three different tiers of players is the same as it's ever been. The HD is the cheapest model and offers the full Roku 2 experience at 720p and a price of $59. Stepping up to the XD gets you a 1080p resolution for $79. At $99, the Roku 2 XS comes with a gaming remote, a copy of 'Angry Birds' and an ethernet port for those that aren't down with the Wi-Fi provided by all three models.

One more thing that the XS brings to the table is a USB port for playing your own files. Playback options are fairly limited - you're stuck with WMV, MP3, AAC, JPG and PNG - but it's a step in the right direction for sure.

Source: Roku

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Roku Says User Base Will Triple This Year

Wed May 11, 2011 at 02:00 PM ET
Tags: Roku, Industry Trends (all tags)

The company is expecting a total of three million users by the end of 2011.

When the DVR first came on the scene, TiVo was quick to establish itself as a household name. It even became a verb - "I'm going to go out tonight, could you TiVo that show for me?" When it comes to over-the-top boxes, no one is quite there yet. Google TV, Boxee, WD and others are all fighting for the top spot, but Roku seems to be the most likely contender.

There are already a million Roku devices out there today, with a total of 15 million channel downloads across the user base. The company expects more though - much more. Roku is looking to triple their install base by the end of the year for a grand total of 3 million Roku devices.

"Roku is clearly the easiest streaming device for consumers to use," says Jim Louderback, CEO of internet TV company Revision3. "We quickly built a great-looking application and have been extremely happy with the response from both our existing viewers and new ones who discovered us on the platform."

Source: Home Media Magazine

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Roku Sells Millionth Box - Celebrates With a Giveaway

Tue Feb 22, 2011 at 02:00 PM ET
Tags: Roku, Giveaway, Insignia (all tags)

You could nab yourself a 46 inch TV, a year of Netflix, and more.

The folks over at Roku have reason for celebration as they've just sold their millionth Roku box. You can bet they're partying in their offices, but they want to let the fans in on it too.

To show their appreciation, Roku is giving away some prizes. At the very top is a 46 inch Insignia set that comes paired with a Roku XD|S and a year of broadband. Ten lucky winners will take home the second place prize - a Roku XD|S and three months of free Netflix.

In addition to the physical prizes, you have a chance at a Hulu Plus subscription, Amazon Video on Demand credit and a year's worth of Crunchy Roll.

You can swing on over to Roku's website right now and add your name and photo for a chance to win.

Source: Roku

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Roku Goes 3D With Wealth TV

Thu Feb 17, 2011 at 12:00 PM ET
Tags: Wealth TV, Roku, 3D (all tags)

Don't touch that priceless vase! It's another first for the pairing of Roku and Wealth TV.

Roku and Wealth TV are all about innovation. First the pair brought live television to the Roku set-top box, and if that wasn't enough, now they're bringing 3D.

Subscribing to Wealth TV will get you the 24/7 live feed as well as over 30 on-demand titles which includes 3D content like "The Enchanted Hill: Inside Hearst Castle" and "Wheel on Wheels: The Classic Benz."

"3D set owners can now turn to Roku as a source for family friendly and highly entertaining 3D content, says Roku founder and CEO Anthony Wood. "With Wealth TV's inaugural launch of 3D programming on Roku, we’re pleased to be a recognized source for consumers looking for a new dimension in television viewing."

Source: Streaming Media

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