Roku streaming TV players arrive in the UK

INTERNET STREAMING HARDWARE provider Roku has bought its players to the UK market, just days after it announced that it is working on a USB stick-like solution for watching web TV.

Two models will be released in the UK. They are available for pre-order at Amazon now and cost £49 and £99, respectively. Both offer access to streaming TV services, but the more expensive model also lets users play games like Angry Birds and has extra hardware features.

The Roku LT is the cheaper option and the Roku 2 XS the more expensive model. Users can access a variety of channels, including the paid for Netflix, as well as a host of free broadcasters, according to the firm. The company reckons to have some 40 channels, including live sports, news and entertainment and casual gaming. More channels are expected to follow.

"Roku launched the first ever streaming player to deliver Netflix to consumers in the US and now we are among the first to bring Netflix to residents of the UK and Ireland," said Clive Hudson, VP and general manager for Europe at Roku.

"In addition to Netflix, we are launching with a variety of entertainment channels and look forward to expanding our content selection in the same way that we have in the US where we have more than 400 channels today."

Both devices are like set-top boxes, and the Roku LT connects using WiFi and supports up to HD 720p video. The Roku 2 XS has a MicroSD slot for game storage, supports up to HD 1080p video and includes an Ethernet port and a motion-controlled game remote that uses Bluetooth to connect. Other features include a USB port for playing music, video or photos from a USB stick.

Roku plans to start shipping both units by the end of this month. µ