Roku goes up for sale at Best Buy, Fry's, more

Roku set-top boxes have finally hit the "bigtime" this week, going up for sale at brick-and-mortar stores for Best Buy, Fry's, BJ's Wholesale Club and Radio Shack.

Says Anthony Wood, founder and CEO of Roku:

Having sold over 1 million Roku players through online sales only up until now, we are incredibly excited to announce our entrance into brick and mortar retail with nationwide availability from the preeminent consumer electronics retailer. Customers can now grab a Roku off the shelf at Best Buy, take it home and be up and running, enjoying their favorite TV show, movie, music or sports team in just a matter of minutes.

The Roku XD box sells for $80 and offers 1080p support, streaming apps from Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon VOD, Crackle and sports networks.

Additionally, the boxes have Pandora, MP3tunes, MOG, Rdio, Facebook and Flickr apps.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 30 Mar 2011 20:06

Joshewah

Really wish I had gotten one of these instead of an Apple TV. Apple TV serves no function other than streaming Netflix. What a POS.

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30.3.2011 23:34 #1

plazma247

Whilst these devices are great and do fit for most people the large gap for the majority of user to get the internet on the large format screen...

.. i personally never see why people buy these devices when you can put together a system using an intel atom dual core chip on an itx format board for not a lot more and get a full os :) and get 1080p a proper browser and more..

Maybe you dont want a full os and just want a proper browser, well thats where chrome os and android will fit in.

Many Many STB in the next 5 years are going to be running google software, ive seen many be announced for development.

Why not build your own :)

31.3.2011 05:58 #2

g_slide

Originally posted by plazma247: Whilst these devices are great and do fit for most people the large gap for the majority of user to get the internet on the large format screen...

.. i personally never see why people buy these devices when you can put together a system using an intel atom dual core chip on an itx format board for not a lot more and get a full os :) and get 1080p a proper browser and more..

Maybe you dont want a full os and just want a proper browser, well thats where chrome os and android will fit in.

Many Many STB in the next 5 years are going to be running google software, ive seen many be announced for development.

Why not build your own :) Are you serious, who would really want to do that. I'm computer savvy and would be capable to set a computer station for home entertainment center, but the Roku device is very tiny and fits anywhere and a computer case is going to be bulky next to the TV.

Also not everyone is capable of setting something like this next to their TV and a Roku is a quick 5-10 minute setup that you can do and you can take anywhere you go. I take my Roku device along with me when I visit my mom's house because she only has basic cable stations and I rather watch Netflix.

I'm not saying your idea is bad, I'm just saying it's not practical and now that they are going to be selling this device in local retail stores that will help them get more devices into peoples home. Of course some TVs like mine or DVD players and game consoles have the option to stream Netflix, but again the Roku device is so tiny and you actually fit it in your pocket.

31.3.2011 12:59 #3

plazma247

Originally posted by g_slide: Originally posted by plazma247: Whilst these devices are great and do fit for most people the large gap for the majority of user to get the internet on the large format screen...

.. i personally never see why people buy these devices when you can put together a system using an intel atom dual core chip on an itx format board for not a lot more and get a full os :) and get 1080p a proper browser and more..

Maybe you dont want a full os and just want a proper browser, well thats where chrome os and android will fit in.

Many Many STB in the next 5 years are going to be running google software, ive seen many be announced for development.

Why not build your own :) Are you serious, who would really want to do that. I'm computer savvy and would be capable to set a computer station for home entertainment center, but the Roku device is very tiny and fits anywhere and a computer case is going to be bulky next to the TV.

Also not everyone is capable of setting something like this next to their TV and a Roku is a quick 5-10 minute setup that you can do and you can take anywhere you go. I take my Roku device along with me when I visit my mom's house because she only has basic cable stations and I rather watch Netflix.

I'm not saying your idea is bad, I'm just saying it's not practical and now that they are going to be selling this device in local retail stores that will help them get more devices into peoples home. Of course some TVs like mine or DVD players and game consoles have the option to stream Netflix, but again the Roku device is so tiny and you actually fit it in your pocket. GOOGLE ITX FORMAT VERY SMALL DEVICES ALL ON ONE ATOM CHIPS :) hence small case ;)

Yes like i said its not for every users, but ultimately you got ease of install vs bespoke install + lots lots more power and flexibility.

31.3.2011 13:04 #4

DVDBack23

Originally posted by plazma247:
GOOGLE ITX FORMAT VERY SMALL DEVICES ALL ON ONE ATOM CHIPS :) hence small case ;)

Yes like i said its not for every users, but ultimately you got ease of install vs bespoke install + lots lots more power and flexibility.
Have you built one in the past? Took a quick look at this after your post and at 7"...it's very interesting. Wonder how easy it would be to install Android with Dolphin HD browser...

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31.3.2011 13:14 #5

plazma247

Android probably not the way to go and look at an iso for chrome x86

Either that or run ubuntu on it :) The only hurdle you may have is the video drivers which is why a full linux os (could be booted from SSD or USB) maybe a better way to go.

31.3.2011 14:53 #6

DVDBack23

Originally posted by plazma247: Android probably not the way to go and look at an iso for chrome x86

Either that or run ubuntu on it :) The only hurdle you may have is the video drivers which is why a full linux os (could be booted from SSD or USB) maybe a better way to go. At that point, might as well boot Win 7 off a small SSD..thanks for the interesting idea, whole build could probably be made for under $200.

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1.4.2011 01:15 #7

hermes_vb

Something to consider if you want Netflix, your HTPC has to run either Windows or OSX. It won't work on other OS's because of copy protection.

If I always hear voices surrounding me, does it mean I'm crazy or that I hear in Dolby 5.1?

1.4.2011 12:51 #8

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