Roku is a popular brand for media streamers in North America, which also operates in some countries in Europe, and according to the leaked pictures provided by Zatznotfunny, the company has 5 models in the pipe for this year with entry-level (Express), mid-range (Premiere) and high-end (Ultra) versions.
Let’s go through some of main features of the five models from low-end to high-end:
- Roku Express 3700 – About half the size of a Roku player, and comes with HDMI and micro USB ports.
- Roku Express Plus 3710 – Similar as above, possibly with additional ports (e.g. AV jack) or headphone + voice control remote
- Roku Premiere 4620 – Larger model
- Roku Premiere+ 4630 – Same as above but with Ethernet and micro SD, as well as HDR support
- Roku Ultra 4640 – Replacement of the current Roku 4 with HDMI output (4K / HDR), micro SD slot, optical S/PDIF, and Ethernet. It may also have a USB port.
We don’t have the full details about the hardware specifications, but it’s likely the company is still using Broadcom processors in their new models. We’ll have to wait for Roku’s announcement to find out more.
Via Liliputing
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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“…and comes with JDMI…” almost thought that’s a new standard 🙂
They need to open up their platform a bit more. The hardware isn’t bad, but there’s too little content outside of the US and their own streaming solution is crap at best.
Their remote is great though, especially the fact that you can use it with a pair of headphones if you watch something late a night and the fact that it’s RF, not IR.
AIUI Roku have had some significant investment (~US$12m?) from Sky (the European pay-TV operator) as they are the supplier of the Sky Now TV boxes, including one with an integrated DVB-T2 tuner sold as the NowTV Smart Box in the UK.
The Now TV boxes run a sub-set of Roku apps.
I have a Roku2, it replaced a older model. As mention the ability to plug head phones in the remote on the original Roku 2 is great.
I use my Roku less and less these days. Android TV boxes have more UK content TV apps now. Filmon, BBC, ITV, Channal4, NoW TV etc.
Like Steve mentions above NOW TV boxes are cheap in the UK as SKY have invested in ROKU.
Now you need to now I have crap non fibre broadband, getting 1.2 mb is a good day. The reason i mention that is the reason I bought a Roku to start with. Both Rokus I have owned can play 720 video better on my crap broadband, than any of the other devices I have.
They cope better with poor broadband speed, that is the edge ROKU had.. UK owners should internet search UK ROKU private channels, there are one or two good test channels to watch, with abit more content. Free until owner decides to go pay or not.
It’s official. Prices range from $30 to $130 -> http://newsroom.roku.com/press-release/roku-announces-all-new-streaming-player-line-starting-2999
I notice Roku claim
Roku Express and Roku Express+
High Speed HDMI® cable included. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Roku Express+ also includes:
Composite jack and included composite A/V cable (red/white/yellow)
I am not aware you can buy slow HDMI cables?
@Theguyuk
My mistake you can buy high speed.
Q. What about HDMI standards and certification, surely different cables make a difference?
A. Although there are different HDMI standards, with HDMI 2.0 being the most recent, there are only two HDMI cable standards: Standard and High Speed. Standard is out-of-date now and supports lower resolutions; High Speed supports everything, including the HDMI 2.0 standard, which gives you 4K TV at 60fps (Ultra HD).
Ref: http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/tvs-entertainment/7976/expensive-hdmi-cables-make-no-difference-and-heres-why
If any UK people want a cheap Roku based Now TV box for kids, spares or Plex, here is a little bargain.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NOW-TV-1-Month-Entertainment-Box-Pass-Refurbished-/172354831219?hash=item2821260373%3Ag%3AE1gAAOSwOyJX6P7B&clk_rvr_id=1110132034290&rmvSB=true&ul_ref=http%253A%252F%252Frover.ebay.com%252Frover%252F1%252F710-53481-19255-0%252F1%253Fpub%253D5574929384%2526toolid%253D10001%2526campid%253D5336714961%2526mpt%253D728388%2526mpre%253Dhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.ebay.co.uk%25252Fitm%25252FNOW-TV-1-Month-Entertainment-Box-Pass-Refurbished-%25252F172354831219%25253Fhash%25253Ditem2821260373%25253Ag%25253AE1gAAOSwOyJX6P7B%2526srcrot%253D710-53481-19255-0%2526rvr_id%253D1110132034290&ul_noapp=true
Once Plex installed try channelpear.com or ccloudtv.org