Hasta La Gadget!

It’s fair to say, no one was expecting Sky to release a dedicated streaming box for its Now TV service the same week Google entered the same market. But, it did, and with relative panache, too. Why? Well the hardware it’s using is based on Roku’s popular LT player, and it’s only charging £9.99 for it. That, in itself is a pretty good deal. There are, of course, some caveats. Most notably a custom version of the UI that denies access to certain channels — high profile ones at that. And, of course, it heavily pushes Sky’s own premium channels. Still, for such a low price, with no subscription to Sky’s own services actually needed, could this be the ultimate budget TV box for UK viewers? We compare it to the pure Roku experience to find out.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

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BSkyB started investing in Roku last year and it’s leveraged that involvement to develop this new Now TV set-top box. Going on sale today for just £9.99 (including shipping), it brings a rebranded Roku 2 XD (no gaming remote) with software built for Sky’s IPTV platform and a curated list of additional channels. Notably missing from the list are Netflix, Lovefilm, ITV Player, and 4oD, however Now TV (of course), iPlayer, Demand Five, Spotify, Facebook and several Sky channels are included. It gives up a bit in flexibility compared to the standard player, but the ultra-low entry price certainly makes for a compelling option. Roku is facing more competition than ever with new game consoles, Google’s Chromecast and even Apple’s TV ambitions, we’ll see if partnering with traditional providers makes it the “operating system for TVs” CEO Anthony Wood wants it to be.

For Sky, this is just part of a multi-pronged plan to move its TV offerings into the future, detailed in today’s earnings report. Starting in September it will offer a WiFi equipped Sky+HD box to customers as the standard, and low cost wireless adapters to those with older hardware that isn’t already connected. It’s also enhancing Sky Go, with plans to add 10 new channels in the next year while marketing Sky Go Extra more. Finally, it’s adding more content to the Catch Up TV and Sky Store VOD bundle — check the PDF linked below for more details.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

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Source: Now TV, Sky FY 2013 earnings (PDF)

Roku introduced a new remote with audio out for its third-generation player, and an FCC filing reveals its Streaming Stick will get the same treatment soon. The new remote adds a headphone out and… that’s it, since the Streaming Stick already used WiFi Direct for communication and control. Users shouldn’t notice much difference however, in our review the batteries lasted for hours even with headphones plugged in. How does this revised unit align with Roku’s plans to become the front end for your TV? We’re not sure yet, but it appears the dongle is still a part of its plans.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

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Via: Zatz Not Funny

Source: Federal Communications Commission

Hulu Plus has been on a roll in the mobile world this month, dishing out a brand-new Windows Phone app and updates to its Android UI. Fortunately, the service is pushing out similar efforts to the home entertainment side as well: a new refresh is rolling out to Samsung Smart TVs, select Blu-ray players and newer Roku hardware, with the Wii getting the update treatment in the near future. Enhancements in the new “experience” include a new tray-style user interface with a “shows you watch” feature, simplified controls, better search and Hulu Kids. Sounds like a pretty solid effort by the company, but if you’re not convinced, head to the source link for the full list of changes.

Update: A post on the Roku blog indicates the new UI is coming to the Roku HD (2500) and later models including the Roku 2, 3 and Streaming Stick. Earlier devices will still get the old UI.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

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Source: Hulu Blog, Roku Blog

Despite its image as an underdog, Roku knows how to court some heavy hitters in the TV business: on top of a total $80 million in previous investments, it just received a $60 million boost this week. The new funding round has BSkyB and News Corp returning with checkbooks in hand, but it also includes a fresh contribution from Hearst, which wants Roku’s help in building services for its TV channels. The media hub maker is getting more than partnerships in return, however. It’s using the cash to expand its Roku Ready program, which now includes 24 hardware partners. The company’s Anthony Wood ultimately wants Roku software to be commonplace — it can be an “operating system for televisions,” he tells The Hollywood Reporter. While there’s no guarantee that Roku will reach that kind of ubiquity, it may well have the cash to get there.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

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Via: Chip Chick

Source: Hollywood Reporter