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 Digital Video Player
- Video Output: Standard Definition via Composite Cables or High Definition via HDMI or Component Cables
- Internet Connectivity: Ethernet or Built in Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) with WEP, WPA, and WPA2 support
- Input Device: Simple IR Remote (compatible with many universal remote models)
- Netflix Streaming (Netflix monthly subscription required)
- Amazon on Demand Streaming (Varied Pricing)
- MLB.TV Streaming (Subscription to MLB.TV Premium required)
- Soon to Come: Video Podcast Streaming from MediaFly
- Price: $99
More information is available at Roku’s Official Site
.