One day after Netflix made its debut in the UK and Ireland, Roku has announced that two of its streaming players, the Roku LT and the Roku 2 XS, are heading to Britain too and are already available for pre-order on Amazon.

The Roku LT, which is billed as the lowest-cost option for streaming video and music directly to a TV, over Wi-Fi and without a PC, retails at £49.99. The Roku 2 XS, which adds casual games like Angry Birds to the offering and also sports an Ethernet, a MicroSD and a USB port, costs £99.99.

Read more at TechCrunch Europe.

Smart TVs are great and all — who doesn’t want a dash of WiFi with their daily dose of reality television? — but the segment will face challenges in the market. For one, a $49 Roku LT is a much better value proposition than a $1,000+ smart TV. Secondly, the hardware moves at such a rapid pace that even with solid software updates, your smart TV will likely be outdated much sooner than you’re ready to buy a new one.

But even with the hardships to be faced by the smart TV segment, Roku still wants a piece of the pie. Enter: the Roku Streaming Stick. It’s a little USB drive-sized stick that packs a processor, memory, software and WiFi to virtually transform your regular old television into a Smart TV, with access to all of Roku’s 400+ channels. The new offering streams video in 1080p, and thanks to a Broadcom mobile chip, Roku claims that you shouldn’t see any difference in performance between this and its other boxes.

Unfortunately, the Streaming Stick loses many of the extra ports you’d find on Roku’s other streaming boxes. But the real drawback is that you’ll need an MHL-enhanced HDMI port on your TV to get the Streaming Stick working. If you haven’t heard, MHL is a proposed industry standard that uses the HDMI port on a television to deliver power to mobile devices while they’re plugged. In other words, you’ll need a relatively brand new TV.

In my opinion, this is a tough catch. The whole point of getting the Streaming Stick is to be able to have what feels like a brand new TV, without, you know, actually buying said brand new TV.

Roku this year introduced gaming onto its platform, and the same will be available to owners of the Roku Streaming Stick. Since the Stick can be used with your current TV remote, gamers will need to shell out a few extra bucks to get the Roku Gaming remote. Luckily, that one should work fine with your TV so you won’t have to switch back and forth all the time.

Roku said that the Streaming Stick will hit shelves in the latter half of 2012, but wasn’t clear about pricing. But from what we’ve seen out of Roku before, I would expect that the Streaming Stick should go for no more than $100.

Roku is back with yet another update for the company’s tiny media streamers. This update adds a bunch of welcomed features to the Roku 2 and Roku LT including games and system enhancements.

Roku introduced games to its platform with its latest generation of streamers. But so far the only official game has been Angry Birds, which, you know, is also playable on your smartphone, browser, tablet, and probably some refrigerators. However, this update brings Downhill Bowling 2, Castle Warriors and Frisebee Forever and are all designed to work with the motion control Game Remote.

Update 4.2 also adds MKV playback from USB sources and improved WiFi performance. It also address the battery life of the Bluetooth Game Remote and intermittent audio drop-outs. Lastly, the new firmware paves the way for iOS and an Android remote with the former launching relatively soon.

The update is slated to roll out within the next 48 hours and notes in its official release that users can check for the update through the Software Update option in the Settings menu.

TechCrunch TV is now really TechCrunch TV. When TCTV launched last year, the focus was on viewing our videos on the computer. Not on TV. Ok, we called it “TechCrunch TV” because it sounded a lot better than “TechCrunch Video”. But today, we are launching on the AOL HD platform and you can find us on your connected TV set.

Our videos are live on Roku, Boxee, Divx and Yahoo Connected TV platforms. Together, these platforms reach over 12 million devices. And that number is growing. A new report by Strategy Analytics says 42 million homes in the US and Europe are now using Connected TV devices. Don’t be surprised if more platforms get added to AOL HD as well. (AOL, the owner of TechCrunch, didn’t want me to say anything about that. Oh well.)

You can find these shows on the channel:

• Founder Stories: Chris Dixon takes and gives advice to entrepreneurs.
• Fly or Die: John Biggs and Erick Schonfeld give a “fly” or “die” verdict to new products.
• Keen On: Andrew Keen interviews leading thinkers and writers about technology issues.

We are working to get other shows like TC Cribs on the channel, but AOL HD plays only HD content and Cribs is shot in SD. We’ll be changing that soon.

Both on-stage and backstage videos from our Disrupt conferences are available, so you can watch those events from your living room.

The TechCrunch videos appear under AOL HD’s Technology channel, along with other videos from Engadget and Translogic. Robert DelaCruz, General Manager for AOL HD, says “I’m very pleased to include TechCrunch to the channel lineup. TechCrunch further strengthens AOL HD’s technology offering with the latest in technology, from breaking news to startups to gadgets.”

If you want to learn more or get installation instructions, head over to hd.aol.com. Otherwise, lean back and start watching us on your TV. Of course, you can continue to watch on your computer, mobile phone or tablet as well. Those hackers out there who were already using Airplay, or Apple TV, or other means to view our content on TV, will now be joined by a much larger group who can see TechCrunch TV on TV.

Back in 2008, the Roku media player was simply a way to watch Netflix streaming video on your TV. Now just a few years later, the service offers over 300 different media channels and a bevy of various models, the latest of which is the Roku LT.

The Roku LT is for the budget-minded consumer, priced at just $49.99. With built-in wireless, the Roku LT streams video in 720p and has access to all of Roku’s 300+ channels including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, Pandora, EPIX, Crackle, and Disney.

Even better, Roku has added a new channel to its service and I think it’s one you’ll enjoy: HBO GO. Unfortunately, you’ll need an HBO GO subscription to enjoy it. But if you didn’t get enough time with Game Of Thrones’ Lord Ned Stark the first time around or you want an extra dose of True Blood‘s Sookie Stackhouse, a Roku LT will certainly go to good use. Other HBO content includes Boardwalk Empire, The Sopranos, Sex and the City, Deadwood, plus HBO original films, miniseries, sports, documentaries and specials.

If you’re looking for more out of a media streaming player, like perhaps some games, Roku still has what you’re looking for. Announced a couple months ago, the Roku 2 line of streaming devices (including the Roku 2 HD, Roku 2 XD, and the Roku 2 XS) offer motion-based gaming with one of the hottest titles of the year: Angry Birds. More game titles are on their way, but of course the price tag on these things is a bit higher.

While you can get a Roku LT for about $50 come November, the Roku 2 line will cost you anywhere between $60 and $100. In my opinion, if you can spare the extra $10, the Roku 2 HD with Angry Birds is worth it.

This is Roku’s third media streamer lineup. The UI isn’t that much different from past models nor are the capabilities. We’ve used and reviewed almost all of the Roku products, from their first Netflix box, so we’ll keep this short and sweet. This Roku series ushers the media streamer into casual gaming thanks to motion controls and Angry Birds. Yep, yet another Angry Birds incarnation.

Roku has always featured a dead-simple UI; I’ve always said it’s boring-simple because, well, it’s a rather dull interface. The home screen features a row of icons for the available stations. Clicking on one brings up an interface unique to that station.

The best thing about Roku devices are that they are generally bulletproof. This one doesn’t seem any different. Once set up, the device runs without issue. Most of the time if a station crashes, it will freeze and then take you back to the main interface, which is a better alternative than a compete crash. That’s not saying the box doesn’t ever lock up. It’s a consumer electronic device so things can and will happen eventually.

There are three new models within the Roku 2 lineup with the most expensive being the $100 XS model. This option nets buyers the Wii-like gaming controller that doubles as a system remote. The top-tier XS model also sports 1080p/720p HDMI output, an Ethernet port a microSD card slot for future gaming applications. The $79 XD model supports 1080p/720p output where the $59 base Roku 2 only does 720p. The two least expensive models are also compatible with the motion gaming controller.

Unfortunately the latest Roku models still require a good deal of initial setup. So much so that it takes a good 15 minutes to hook up the box, download the latest update, register the Roku online, then select and install the channels. This amount of slow and boring setup certainly kills the buzz of a new toy.

Roku streamers have never played friendly with local media servers or shares. You can’t watch downloaded content over a local network on a Roku device. The new XS model does feature a USB port and some content can be played back from a flash drive — just not bitrate-rich MKV files. The XS officially supports just H.264 MP4, AAC, MP3, JPG, and PNG.

Roku has always been about adding new content to their devices and so casual games have probably been in the works for some time. The $100 XS model ships with a Bluetooth remote that looks like a Wii Remote. Along with the standard media playback controls, the remote features a 4 way navigational pad and A/B buttons. The Wii Remote comparison is more than just looks. For better or worse, it works just like a Wii Remote complete with the shaky on-screen pointing finger.

But it works. Hold the OK button, virtually pull back on the Angry Bird’s slingshot and let ‘em fly.

Angry Birds is currently the only game available on the platform so hopefully you haven’t already played through it on your iPhone or Android phone. Roku promises more games are in the works but said games are Angry Birds Seasons and Angry Birds Rio. Presumably, at least since the company built the gaming platform, more titles are on the way but until that happens, buy the Roku 2 for the media capabilities rather than the promise of gaming.

The latest Roku works like the previous Roku. That’s a good thing. The company added new features, shrunk the device to a ridiculous size, and kept the price the same. These models show the company is far from complacent despite stiff competition from Apple TV, the Boxee Box and all the rest. The lack of local network playback is probably a deal breaker for many, though. Look to the Boxee Box or WD TV if you need local and Internet streaming. I’ve always felt that Roku devices are the best general consumer media streamer and that’s even more true now with the casual motion gaming. Highly recommended (if you don’t want/need to play local files)

Product Page

Roku just announced its fourth generation of media streamers and they’re unsurprisingly the best yet. They sport more features, an even smaller physical footprint, and the same Apple TV-killing price points as before.

These new models, the Roku 2 HD, Roku 2 XD, and the Roku 2 XS, have even more media streaming capabilities as the previous models. All the major streaming sources are present: Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus. Plus, Roku has live sports from the NHL, NBA, and Major League soccer along with on-demand radio with rdio, Pandora and MOG. There simply isn’t a more complete streaming offering from any other device. But clearly Roku wanted to build a platform not limited to just streaming. The new models feature built-in motion gaming capabilities with 2011′s hottest game. Yep, Angry Birds.

In case, you know, already played Angry Birds, there are more games available after launch — like Angry Birds Seasons and Angry Birds Rio along with other unannounced titles. With the new hardware comes new streaming stations, too. Roku is over 300 stations now and along with the Angry Bird channel comes Facebook, EPIX, Major League Soccer, AOL HD, and FoxNews.com.

All three models are compatible with a Bluetooth gaming remote that’s eerily similar to the Wii Remote. (Besides the obvious color difference) The Roku Game Remote comes with the top-tier XS model and within the next couple weeks, will be bundled with a 2GB MicroSD card for $29. At a press preview we found the 6-axis wireless RF Bluetooth technology worked as advertised. Slinging Angry Birds have never been so fun.

The new models are tiny — not that the old ones were monstrous — and draw less than two watts of power. The entire line features Dolby Digital Plus, wireless connectivity, HDMI out and a microSD card slot for additional game storage. The top of the line XS model also sports an Ethernet port, USB port and, along with the mid-tier XD model, 1080P support. (the cheaper model 720p) Expect the Roku 2 HD, Roku 2 XD, and the Roku 2 XS for $59, $79, and $99, respectively at Best Buy, Amazon, Fry’s, RadioShack and Roku.com by the end of the month.

These photos from the FCC show us a few of the new Roku devices coming out in 2011 including the 3000X, 3050X, and 3100X. These guys will have 1080p HDMI, USB support, a microSD slot, and surround sound support. The HD model features an RF remote control.

Two entry-level models, the XS and XD, will not have Ethernet ports.

Look for these this year, probably for launch around the holiday.

via ehomeupgrade

Now that Roku and Walmart are playing ball, it’s probably only a matter of time until Walmart’s own VUDU service launches on the media streamer. VUDU made a name for itself a few years back to being committed to the highest quality HD streams possible — first run movies helped too. This wasn’t mentioned in the press release, but the service would certainly be a welcomed addition to Roku’s offering. *fingers crossed*

Roku Extends Retail Presence

Award-winning and best-selling Roku XD player available in all Walmart stores for Father’s Day

SARATOGA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Following closely on the company’s announcement in March that it entered into retail, Roku, Inc., the leading Internet TV platform, today announced that the Roku XD player is now available at all Walmart stores nationwide. With an extensive library of entertainment options, Roku players are easy to use and offer exceptional value to customers who want to stream content to their TVs.

“We know that our customers love having instant access to entertainment on their TVs – and at great value. With the Roku XD player now available at Walmart, customers can get dad the perfect gift just in time for Father’s Day”
“We know that our customers love having instant access to entertainment on their TVs – and at great value. With the Roku XD player now available at Walmart, customers can get dad the perfect gift just in time for Father’s Day,” said Roku Founder and CEO Anthony Wood. “Whether it’s dad-centric flicks, sports or tips for grilling the perfect steak, Roku offers something for dad every time he sits down to enjoy TV.”

With more than 250 entertainment channels, Roku players deliver the best collection of streaming entertainment available for the TV. Roku customers can choose from an enormous selection of movies and TV shows from Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video (NASDAQ: AMZN), Crackle and Revision3; live and on-demand sports from NBA Game Time, NHL GameCenter Live and Ultimate Fighting Championship; music from Pandora, MOG, Rdio, and TuneIn Radio; photo and video sharing from Flickr and Facebook; plus news and entertainment from around the world—and soon, popular casual games like Angry Birds.

Pricing and Availability

The Roku XD player is available now at all Walmart stores nationwide for $78.00.

Roku has sold more than 1 million of its streaming entertainment devices for the TV. The company, who has not offered video advertising to publishers until now, will be integrating YuMe’s ACE technology platform, which serves more than 1 billion ad impressions per month.

As we’ve written in the past, YuMe’s technology places video ads dynamically on videos on a number of publishers across a variety of platform. And the company also offers developers monetization technologies for video publishers that allows them to build apps to support mobile video ads; which is how the company is helping Roku publishers.

YuMe’s technology will help video distributors deliver advertising to targeted audiences in the most relevant context on multiple screens— computers and connected TVs as well as Apple iOS, RIM, Symbian and Android operating systems.

There are well over a hundred channels on Roku, but YouTube is officially not one of them. There was, however, a homebrewed YouTube channel until a takedown notice was nailed to Roku’s front door. This station was posted by a developer later hired by Roku, which might have lead partially to the legal notice. Roku now says that they’re in talks with Google, which will hopefully result in an official YouTube Roku channel. Until then services like PlayOn can serve up YouTube content. [Zatz Not Funny via EngadgetHD]

Friend: So I’m thinking about cutting the cord.
Me: Oh yeah? You should buy a Roku then.
Friend: I don’t know what that is. I only buy my gadgets from big box stores.
Me: Well good news. Best Buy, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Fry’s Electronics and RadioShack now carry it.
Friend: How much?
Me: About $80 for the XD.
Friend: Oh great, glad to hear Best Buy is going to carry it. I wouldn’t have known what a Roku was if not.
Me: Yeah, I don’t shop at Best Buy. Make sure you turn down their $99 Geek Squad in-home setup.

Press Release

I agree! There’s more than a few ways to cut the cord. So here we go, the six best devices listed in order of relevance that will help cut your household’s dependence on pay TV.

1) An ATSC Tuner

Believe it or not, there are glorous HD signals flying around your house right now. America switched to the all-digital ATSC broadcasting standard back in the summer of 2008, but most TV stations were beaming out HD signals well before than. Now all OTA stations are broadcasting at least a 480p signal with most opting for at least one high definition signal. Best of all, it’s free.

It’s as easy as hooking up an antenna to an ATSC tuner. All 25-inch and larger TVs sold after March 2006 should have the right tuner with smaller TV sold after March 2007 also rocking the goods. Just hook up an antenna and *BAM* you’re TV will be filled with crystal clear digital signals.

The trick is that older TVs can join in on the fun as long as HD isn’t necessarily important. Basic ATSC tuners run $40 – $60 and often include basic electronic programing guides and reminder functions but only output the digital signal at 480i. Proper HD OTA tuners are becoming increasingly harder to find as the tuners are now built into TVs.

Using OTA is a no-brainer even if you’re also using Netflix or any other streaming services. Why not, right? It’s free. If you have a flat screen, you likely have all you need minus a cheap antenna. Use AntennaWeb.org to fine tune your signal. Ironically going back to just an antenna and good ol’ TV signals are the best alternative to cable or satellite.

2) Boxee Box

The Boxee Box is fantastic for many reasons but chief among them is the ability to present TV content available online for free in a clean and sensible manner. The UI is beautiful. This alone makes the Boxee Box the de facto Internet-connected cord cutting device. It’s like Google TV…but not ruined by a network blockade.

Like most of the other streamers on the market, the Boxee Box sports a host of apps — over a hundred, actually. There’s Netflix, Vudu, YouTube Leanback, NHL, Pandora, MLB, Flickr, Reddit TV plus a ton more and they’re all accessible through the handy QWERTY keypad on the backside of the remote. There’s no messing with on-screen keyboards here. Just type and go.

The other main feature of the Boxee Box — and why it wins over hearts and souls daily — is the robust networking support. Boxee was previously known just for its media software and then a partnership with D-Link resulted in the Boxee Box. Boxee has always been about supporting the lowly downloader and the Boxee Box continues the tradition. Just point the device towards any number of folders or drives and the device will automatically display relevant metadata as well as sorting the files into genres. If all else fails, users can directly browse the network through SMB.

It’s these three key features — plus relatively low price, small footprint, QWERTY keypad, and dead-simple UI — that earns the Boxee Box the honor of best Internet-connected cord cutting device. It was even up for a 2010 Crunchie award but ultimately lost to the iPad.

3) Roku

If my Dad were to call me up and say, “Awesome, son. I want to cancel my Charter TV subscription and use Netflix streaming. I also like to watch baseball and hockey. What should I buy?”

First off, that would never happen because no one likes to watch hockey. But if my Dad — or anyone that just wants to watch Netflix or Amazon Video — were to ask what box is best. It’s the Roku XDS. Easy.

But why not the Boxee Box, you ask. Great question. While the Boxee Box is a great media streamer and my absolute favorite, the Roku is about as easy as it gets. Seriously. Anyone can use a Roku device. It might not have the fancy networking support or the QWERTY remote found with the Boxee but damn if it isn’t reliable. It’s like a TV appliance rather than a Internet streamer. It just always works — besides on the Hulu app, actually.

The low price also means that cord cutting isn’t an expensive experiment. Buyers are at most dropping $100 for the top-tier model that brings offers 802.11n, USB mass storage support and optical audio outputs over the less expensive models that still sport HDMI and 802.11g. It’s the same price as the new Apple TV, but the Roku streams lots more than just Netflix, MLB and NBA and the Amazon-like iTunes content. There are over 100 separate streaming channels including more sports, movies and TV sources. Plus, as I pointed out to one commenter in my last cord cutting post, it’s backed by a company that takes this scene seriously rather than just as a hobby. Roku has proven over and over again that they’re committed to building a rock solid platform with constant updates and a slow but steady hardware refresh cycle.

4) TiVo Premiere (Or HD)

The TiVo Premiere is the rich man’s cord cutting device. It’s not exactly the least expensive way to go about killing your cable bill and saving a few dollars a month. However, price aside, the TiVo Premiere — or even the older HD model — is one of the slickest ways to embrace Internet video and OTA signals.

TiVo has always positioned itself as a premiere stand-alone DVR and the last two generations have embraced Internet video. The built-in ATSC tuner and DVR functions makes for a potent combination. You could hook up an antenna for OTA HD content with Netflix, Blockbuster, Amazon, Disney, and a few others sitting on standby.

The hardware starts out at $100, but TiVo requires a monthly $19.99 subscription fee and a one-year commitment for access to the DVR and guide functions. Spend $299 up front and the monthly cost drops down to $12.95 — and that’s just for the 320GB option. The 1TB version is either $299 or $499 with the same monthly pricing.

Don’t let that price scare you away, though. If you can afford the box and the QWERTY slider peanut remote, it’s a very satisfying experience that’s family friendly as it’s not that much different than normal cable boxes. That’s a big win.

5) Dell Zino or Mac Mini

People have been hooking computers into TVs for decades. It’s nothing new. Boxee, Plex, XBMC and all the rest of the MPlayer derivatives along with software like MythTV and Windows Media Center allow for nearly endless options. The key with these setups is making them easy to use in a livingroom enviroment. That’s what’s evolved over the years.

There was a time that having a computer in the living room meant using with a mouse and a keyboard on the couch. It’s still best to keep a wireless set in a nearby closest although many wireless controllers are now designed just for the task. Lenovo makes a fantasic QWERTY keypad/trackball controller. The Apple Magic Trackpad works great, too.

Most computers are up to the task. HDMI makes it easy, too. Just plug and go, really. The upside is that you’re using a full-fledged computer and so none of the content is watered-down, restricted or unavailable. But the downside is that it’s a full-fledge computer and so all the annoyances come along with it: Do you really want your TV asking you to update Java? For some, the pros greatly outweighs the cons. Others should look at the dedicated devices like the Boxee Box.

Bonus) The library

Get a library card and rock out. Redbox didn’t kill Blockbuster. The library did.

Even my tiny library branch on the outskirts of impoverished Flint, Michigan has an impressive DVD and game selection. You can easily supplement OTA TV with DVDs from your local library. They generally have an impressive selection of the latest movies and TV shows all there for the taking. Don’t laugh. I’m serious. The place you used to go for Book-It can now supply your Fringe addiction.

Side note: The $99 Apple TV didn’t make this list because there are better devices for the job. Sure, it can do the task, but the Roku XDS or even WD TV Live are a better bets for the same price. They offer more functionality and web apps. It’s that simple. The only saving grace of the current Apple TV is Airplay, which is a great for households saturated with iOS devices. For everyone else, access to more streaming apps is a better value.

The official support comes in the form as another Roku channel and is available with all the rest in the Channel Store. The official details haven’t made their way into a press release just yet but users have found the file support to be robust and even plays nicely with .MKV containers.

This single feature finally tunes the Roku into the device it should have been generations ago. The only thing it’s missing now is an official channel or app for browsing and accessing local network shares. Then it will be without doubt the best media streamer on the market. [Roku Forums via Zatz Not Funny]

Here’s more evidence that regular people have zero time for things like Google TV, Boxee, and Roku, if only because they’re too complicated for their own good. Hill Holiday, a “caffeine-fueled ad agency,” asked five Boston-area families to participate in a cord-cutting experiment. For one week each family was asked to forgo traditional cable TV in favor of one of the following devices: Apple TV, Google TV, Boxee Box, Xbox 360, and Roku. These devices, of course, are the premier devices for people looking to break free of their cable company while still being able to enjoy television. And how did it turn out for these five families?

They were not impressed, and for all the reasons we’ve enumerated in the past. And by “we” I mean Matt; cord-cutting is his bête noire.

If you’re someone who merely watches TV to unwind before going to bed, the absolute best device you can buy right now is a traditional cable TV box. Call the cable company, have them set it up, and you’ve got access to literally more programming than you could ever consume. Live sports, news, game shows, comedies, drama, reality TV as far as the eye can see—the works. There’s no buffering and there’s no hoping that your Wi-Fi network won’t crash. Peace of mind is a wonderful thing.

The families also complained that using these devices transformed TV-watching into an active experience. No! They used to call TV the idiot box for a reason: you sit back and let it all come to you. “Oh, look, Seinfeld is on, let’s watch that.” Or, “Wow, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is on, let’s watch that for the hundredth time.”

There’s a difference between A) channel surfing, having something catch your eye, then you committing an hour to watching it, and B) sifting through page after page of listings, nestled 400 menu screens deep, only to find that the movie you finally decided upon—an exhausting endeavor—isn’t even available in HD. Gee, thanks.

The question becomes, exactly how is that better than watching regular TV? Isn’t technology supposed to make our lives easier, and not more frazzled?

Of course, none of this is to say that cord-cutting doesn’t work for some people, because clearly it does, but it does show that not everyone is as keen on the concept as some of its proponents online would have you believe.

In fact, Roku is starting to eat into that biggest number, the “average of 36 hours” of television watched by most americans. In fact, the average Roku box owner watches a total of 11 hours of content. That’s a whole lot of Netflix and MLB.TV. Of course, keep in mind that the basic Roku box starts at $59.99, making it one of the cheapest methods of streaming Netflix to your TV out there.

From the press release:

You’ve been played.

The device will be revealed next week at CES but it’s most definitely a me-too product by a company that is oblivious to the market. Anyway, don’t be fooled. There are plenty of better devices coming out in 2011 and this ain’t a winner.

They’re actually planning on shipping their millionth item this month, which I’m sure will be followed by no small amount of celebration. And although Apple deserves some credit for raising the profile of devices like the Apple TV and Roku, let’s not forget that this is the second Apple TV, and devices like these have been around for years now. I’d say the popularity of streaming services like Netflix’s have hit the tipping point recently, and that’s more what we’re seeing.

[via 9 to 5 Mac]

Roku has released firmware update 2.9 which includes 1080p support in their XR devices. There are a few other bug fixes in the release including Hulu optimization for all devices.

You can download it manually (“To do so please select “Settings” option from the homepage, then navigate to “Player Info” and finally choose “Check For Updates”. Your box will then prompt you with the latest version install. “) or let your box grab it automatically next time you turn it on.

- Enabled 1080P support for XR units.
- Hulu application optimizations for quicker trick play navigation and start of playback.
- Hulu application optimization for improved playback performance on networks with higher latencies.
- Fixed a bug that could result in a crash if an app tried to load an image that was too large (greater than 1280×720).
- Fixed playback of poorly interleaved video streams which resulted in rebuffers around the 25 minute mark in Roku Newscaster programs.
- Fixed a remaining case of playback at the incorrect aspect ratio.
- Changed option menu action name from “change order” to “change position” for re-arranging channels.
- Fixed a bug in channel re-ordering related to presence of screen savers.
- Modified channel store “go to channel” behavior to launch the selected channel instead of only focusing the icon on the Home screen.
- Added screensaver preview and set options to the channel store springboard.
- Fixed a subtle audio playback issue in UFC streaming.

via Roku Forums

Note: Due to an overload of cranberry sauce, my math was a bit off of on exactly what the deal was. This has been corrected. Apologies to those who were confused.