Roku Launches Today in Canada.

[thenewdc]

They are launching with over 100 channels in Canada. Here is the link.

http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/16/r...launch-canada/

[hugh]

Roku Streaming Players Launch in Canada

Saratoga, Calif. – April 16, 2012 – Roku®, the leading streaming platform in the U.S. today announced the official launch of its products in Canada. Two Roku streaming player models – the Roku 2 XD and the Roku 2 XS – are available for purchase in Canada starting today. These small set-top boxes use the Internet to stream entertainment to the TV instantly.

At launch in Canada, Roku features more than 100 entertainment channels including movies and TV shows from Netflix and Crackle; live and on-demand sports from the National Hockey League and Major League Baseball; music from Rdio and TuneIn Radio; photos and videos from Facebook and Flickr; news and weather from the Wall Street Journal and CNBC – plus casual games like Angry Birds, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Roku expects to broaden its channel selection in Canada at a pace similar to its growth in the U.S. – now at more than 450 channels.

“We have a simple formula for our best-selling streaming players: provide access to a ton of entertainment at a low price, while maintaining a best-in-class streaming experience,” said Chuck Seiber, vice president of global marketing at Roku. “We’ve set the same high bar for ourselves with the launch of our players today in Canada.”

The Roku 2 XD Streaming Player offers tremendous value for streaming video and music directly to a TV. The Roku 2 XD connects to the Internet instantly via built-in WiFi and supports up to 1080p high-definition video. The Roku 2 XS is the top-of-the-line Roku streaming player. In addition to the features of the Roku 2 XD, the Roku 2 XS comes paired with an enhanced remote with motion control for playing games like Angry Birds. It also features an Ethernet port and a USB port for playing music, videos and photos off of any USB drive.

Roku is an open streaming platform and content providers – whether they are big entertainment brands or new Internet services – can develop a channel on Roku. Content providers interested in developing a channel can contact Roku at partners@roku.com for more details and to access the software development kit.

Pricing and Availability
The Roku 2 XD and the Roku 2 XS streaming players have suggested retail prices of CAD 89.99 and CAD 109.99, respectively. Both models are available now for pre-order online from Roku.ca, Amazon.ca LondonDrugs.com and Walmart.ca; and are expected to be available at London Drugs and Walmart retail locations at the end of the month.

[supergenius]

Too bad they aren't offering the $50 Roku LT. I have one and it's a great little device, pretty much does everything the more expensive models do except hard-wired network.

[billpaidJr]

Be interesting to see the channel lineup first. I do like the open source platform idea.

[North_of_Calgary]

I love the small size, and RF remote of my Roku2 XS - it's easy to velcro behind the TV and be completely out of site.

But their most recent software update disabled the Instant Queue functionality in the Netflix app. Major bummer and disappointment to me. Just when it was my favorite little device.

But if you can live with the IQ then the box itself is stellar for watching Netflix. I used to say that the ATV was the best but the RF remote and Adaptive Steaming of the Roku moves it ahead. With the later, the movies start fast! Way faster than any other device including on the ATV.

So I give it an 8 out of 10. Would be a 9.5 if they'd add back the IQ functionality to the Netflix app.

[dunlop]

How does this compare to a Boxee?

I've never really looked into this device as it wasn't available here.

I have and love my Boxee for the TV in the bedroom but really want to get rid of cable in the living room. The web TV from Boxee was not ideal

edit: nvm found details on the rollout:

http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2012/0...mes-to-canada/

I'll hold off for a while