TVB Tech Alert: Roku HD-XR

SARATOGA, CALIF.: Roku added two new models of its boxes that play Internet fare on TV sets. The Roku SD and the Roku HD-XR were rolled out his week, joining the current Roku HD model.

The devices connect home networks and TV sets for display of Internet video, Netflix, Amazon VOD and select Major League Baseball fare.

The $100 Roku HD is the current flagship product. The new SD player goes for $80; the HD-XR is $130 and adds a higher-level protocol of WiFi connectivity on top of the Roku HD features, which include HDMI, component, composite, S-video and RCA output as well as Ethernet and earlier WiFi protocol connectivity.

The HD-XR also has a USB port for future upgrades that will enable storage of new content channels--Hulu’s been mentioned.