Via Roku @ CES 2012
As Internet speeds increase so to the cost of cable and satellite television services, many are opting for only subscribing to Internet service, since television programming is widely becoming available online.
Roku Inc., a relatively small emerging company, is trying to feed into this market by creating devices that allow you to stream Internet video directly to your high definition television. Their latest product is called the Roku Streaming Stick and is being showcased at this year CES in Las Vegas. It promises to deliver hundreds of high definition entertainment options in a finger-sized wireless device. It does, in fact, deliver what it promises.
In order to use the Roku Streaming Stick, a television that includes a mobile high-definition link (MHL) is required. Much like a USB port, televisions supporting this technology have an MHL port to which this device will connect. The Streaming Stick can be controlled with the television remote and will feature a built in processors, Wi-Fi and include needed memory and software to access all 400+ channels currently available to Roku users. Customers will also receive free software updates and channel enhancements.
The MHL technology required is currently included in televisions produced by Samsung Electronics Co., Toshiba Corp., and Sony Corp. among others. Roku will likely increase in popularity due to plans by Best Buy to include the Steaming Stick with its in-store brand, Insignia, televisions.
The Roku Streaming Stick will need no cables and no additional power source. With all its features it will turn any MHL HDTV into a Smart TV. While they did not say the price at the booth, expected it to sell for less than $100 and should be available to the public in the fall of 2012.
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