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Roku launches 2 new devices

Roku announced the launch of 2 new devices this week; the Roku SD and the Roku HD-XR. The former all-by-itself model, which was previously known as just the Roku player, is now known as the Roku HD.

The Roku SD is actually a downgrade, featuring Standard Definition picture quality. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as this model is designed to appeal to consumers who lack a high definition TV. To that end, the Roku SD also weighs in at a lower price point, at a mere $79.99.

So what’s up with the Roku HD-XR? Well, the unit comes packed with a networking upgrade, sporting an 802.11n wireless antenna (in addition to support for wireless b/g). That’s the major difference, including a price-tag bump up to $129.99. The wireless n support should ensure that you have no issues streaming 720p content to your Roku player.

Another intriguing aspect of the Roku HD-XR is the inclusion of a USB port for “future use”. Roku wouldn’t elaborate on what that might be, but it could lead to some cool new features in the future.

The “Roku Channel Store” is also launching soon, expanding the content offerings of the devices (which currently supports Netflix instant viewing, Amazon Video on Demand and MLB TV). I’m particularly excited about this, as I’d love to see more and more content accessible from Roku boxes. For one, you can expect to see support added for the TWiT podcasting network soon, as one of their recent shows has mentioned.

To read our take on the Roku player, check out our review here.

Netflix instant viewing coming to the PS3

This week, Sony and Netflix announced that Netflix instant viewing will soon be supported on the PS3 game console. Our reaction? Fina-friggin-ly!

The Xbox 360 has supported Netflix instant viewing for quite some time, but PS3 gamers have been left out in the cold until now.

Netflix for PS3 launches in November and will initially require users to insert a special disc into their PS3 console. Long term, support for Netflix instant viewing will be embedded directly into the PS3 system software via a firmware update. The launch date on the embedded support has not been announced.

Sign up for Netflix: http://bit.ly/1MQWU7
Already signed up? Reserve a PS3 instant streaming disc: http://bit.ly/2S3fxb

Hulu may begin charging in 2010

We’ve written about the possibility of Hulu introducing a subscription service in the future, but could the entire site move to a pay-only model in 2010? It’s possible.

The interwebs are abuzz after News Corp president Chase Carey said “I think a free model is a very difficult way to capture the value of our content. I think what we nee to do is deliver that content to consumers in a way where they will appreciate the value.” “Hulu concurs with that, it needs to evolve to have a meaningful subscription model as part of its business.” “I think Hulu has done a fabulous job of building a market leading Web site to find content, but we need to grow with it”.

Is this the beginning of the end for all free TV network content online? I doubt it, but either way, the demise of free ad-supported viewing on Hulu will be a huge loss for consumers.