First look
Roku is a popular name in consumer electronics and they have an unprecedented edge on producing streaming media players. With the inception of Roku DVP on May 2008, their first commercially available internet video streamer receiver box for Netflix, Roku made sure that they came on the market for a presence and they are not letting it go that easily. They made a number of updates in the meantime on their lineup and announced their brand new Roku LT which is going to be released on November this year. We will have a closer look at the new device today.
Whatâs new?
The first noticeable thing with the new Roku is the sheer purple colour they used on the device. Although it looks a bit gaudy at first, the cuteness factor and minimalistic design is fantastic and surely catches the eye. While the device is primarily targeted at the budget minded segment on the market, Roku LT does not disappoint in terms of features. Roku LT also works with any modern TVs and offers award winning streaming experience.
Whatâs been refreshed?
Roku has made available all the nifty little features Roku LTâs costlier cousins enjoy, like Bluetooth, MicroSD card reader but for a lower price. The small and completely negligible 3 inch size still remains and looks brilliant. Rokuâs motion gaming feature that debuted with Roku 2 XS is also supported here but the motion gaming remote is an optional accessory and does not feature with standard Roku LT.
Features walkthrough
1. 720p streaming
Roku LT offers hassle free and PC less streaming to your HDTV and it works irrespective of the brand or model of the TV. While not as good as full HD 1080p, Roku LT is enough to drive those 32 inch HDTVs and the quality is awesome. Be it movies from Netflix, current TV shows from Hulu Plus, instant videos from Amazon or huge number of free movies from Crackle, Roku LT supports them all and does that without a hitch.
2. Entertainment hub
Roku LT is more than just a streaming media player, it is a complete entertainment hub for your HDTV. Apart from the usual suspects, Roku LT also supports over 300 different channels and online radio with more in the pipeline in recent future. Truly speaking, there is something for everyone here with Roku LT.
3. Motion gaming
With the optional motion gaming controller on Roku LT which features a accelerometer and gyroscope built right into it, motion gaming was never so easier without a dedicated gaming console. Popular games like Angry Birds and Texas Holdâem All are already available with more coming in near future.
4. Most comprehensive music streaming
Roku has partnerships with Pandora, MOG, rdio and tons of other music services that gives fantastic quality music streaming on Roku LT. Just search for your favourite track and it is available just right there, at your fingertips, just waiting to fill you up.
5. HBO Go
Already a crowd favourite on the smartphone and portable device arena, HBO Go is also available on Roku LT which makes it pretty fantastic. Also HBO Goâs native support for 720p videos makes it even better to look at the HDTV.
Whatâs good?
Roku LT offers a plethora of interesting streaming features and thatâs only for a low cost of $50. It supports 720p HD streaming, huge number of providers to choose from, fantastic online music service with a library matched by none in terms of sheer number of tracks, provides motion gaming support even without the need of a dedicated gaming console and all from a negligible 3 inch box which fits any environment.
Whatâs not so good?
Roku LT is just $10 cheaper than the Roku 2 HD which makes it does not make it too significant. And Roku is also charging $10 for shipping, so one can look for the better options from them.
The lack of full HD 1080p is a step backwards for a device that is being released at the end of 2011.
Industry buzz
Roku LT is more or less well received by the media and enthusiast alike. Although it does not feature full HD support and the motion gaming controller does not come with the package, the reduced price and the cute design is not forgotten.
Price and availability
Roku LT is priced at $50 and going to available for sale very soon in November. Roku is also charging a sum of $10 for the shipping.
Wrap-up
While not a big profile gadget like smartphones or tablets or gaming consoles, Roku LT is a nicely built device with undeniable capabilities that made Roku an award winning company. For the hard pressed budget conscious buyers, Roku LT is a nice choice, given the price point and available features.
