Roku Launches The Smallest Set-Top Box Ever
Roku, the company that introduced streaming media devices to the masses, announced five new set-top boxes for streaming media on Monday. Possibly the most interesting model is the Roku Express, a tiny streaming media device with 1080p high-definition video capabilities for only $30. For legacy TV owners, Roku is also offering the Express+ ($40) with a standard definition connection.
That’s cheaper than Google’s $35 Chromecast, the top-selling streaming media device.
Roku is also introducing the Roku Premiere ($80), which is equipped with a quadcore processor and provides 4K resolution streaming and up to 60 frames per second. And the Premiere+ ($100) allows users to stream video in high dynamic range.
Finally, Roku is releasing its most premium device with the $130 Roku Ultra, which offers high definition, 4k, 60 frames per second and high-dynamic range. The Ultra also comes with an optical digital audio port to connect to a sound bar; a USB port; and a remote control with voice search.
Roku is competing in the streaming media device category with Apple, Google and Amazon.
Roku is trumpeting the universal search capabilities in its operating system that look across more than 100 streaming media services.