Roku Streaming Stick with HDMI launched at $49.99 (£49.99)

by Mark Tyson on 5 March 2014, 09:45

Tags: Roku

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Roku has launched a new version of its Streaming Stick. The Roku Streaming Stick (HDMI version) updates the previous model by working with any HDMI TV (not just MHL compatible TVs) and it is also half the price, at just $49.99 in the US.

The new price and wider TV compatibility obviously brings the Roku Streaming Stick into the Google Chromecast ($35) territory. However, Roku thinks it has that device beat as it doesn't need another device to cast content to it. This standalone media streamer and included remote has its own OS which provides "access to 1,200+ channels of movies, TV episodes, music, news, sports, kids' shows and free programming streamed in up to 1080p HD video". From all that choice Roku Search can help you find things to watch.

If you like to 'cast' content Roku lets you do that too with both Android and iOS apps available to browse and queue available content. Similarly users can also cast Netflix, YouTube and personal media from their devices to their TVs. Roku promises further casting features are on the way including the ability to cast content from a computer.

The $49.99 Roku Streaming Stick (HDMI version) is available to pre order now including free shipping, with availability scheduled for April. In Canada it is priced at $59.99, in the UK we will have to cough up £49.99.

Roku Streaming Stick specifications:

  • Video Outputs: 720p, 1080p
  • Audio Output: Digital over HDMI (7.1 and 5.1 surround sound pass through
  • Wireless network compatibility: 802.11 dual-band (a/b/g/n compatible) with WEP, WPA and WPA2 support
  • Wireless connection (player and remote): Remote with Wi-Fi Direct. No line of sight required.
  • Player Size: 78.6 x 26.8 x 11.3 mm
  • Player weight (without remote): 18 grams
  • Power Consumption: Less than 2W (typical) when streaming HD video
  • Power Input: 230VAC Input - 5.99VDC 2A output


HEXUS Forums :: 3 Comments

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Sounds good to me, especially if they introduce the proposed ability to “cast” from a PC. Will follow this device and see how it turns out.

Also is that a “Blockbusters” logo on the remote? Might be a bit of a dead service over here in the UK…
Does seem like its looking to compete with the Chromecast, and I think a lot of people will appreciate having a remote, think they'll need to drop that price a bit though to compete.

I'd still rather have a dedicated small android box than either of these and just use my phone, tablet, pc, laptop, KB & mouse etc. as the remote. I can install most of the typical media apps (and low end games) and not worry about what is ‘cast’ compatible. Its a bit bigger than these sticks but it sits behind the TV so doesn't really matter!

Be nice when one of these sticks can easily mirror the whole phones screen rather than just ‘cast’ a selected app for those devices without a video out and don't want to mess around rooting etc.
It's good to see that they care about currency conversion rates lol.