What started out as a means of streaming Netflix ‘Watch Instantly’ content has now evolved into something more. And it could just be the start.
The Roku box has now had 10 new, free channels added to its line-up, and thanks to the open platform nature of its Channel Store this could increase massively over the next few months/years.
Roku Netflix Player
The Roku set-top box made its debut in May 2008 when it was known as the Netflix Player. That, rather obviously, is because Roku had teamed up with the DVD-by-mail and video streaming company to provide a means of getting the content to televisions.
The Roku box cost $99 at launch and, despite reservations from some due to the distinct lack of content, it sold rather well at that super-budget price point. But the time has come to move the product on a little.
More Content, More Choice
The Roku box had/has to evolve mainly because Netflix’ ‘Watch Instantly’ service is available on a huge number of devices. Anyone (in the States at least) who owns a PS3, an Xbox 360, an LG television or Blu-ray player, and more besides would have no need for a Roku box is Netflix was “it.”
As early as September 2008, Roku signaled its intent to become a fully-fledged video player. Deals with Amazon VoD and MLB followed. And then just last month, two new models of Roku box were unveiled.
There were also promises of new channels, and they have no arrived.
Channel Store Line-Up
The 10 new channels being added to the Roku box are Blip.tv, Facebook Photos, Flickr, FrameChannel, Mediafly, MobileTribe, Motionbox, Pandora, Revision3, and TWiT. All are optional and all are free, although some will require users to sign up.
Some of these channels are better than others, with two being nothing more than photo viewers. However, rather than being about the channels themselves, this is about what their addition represents.
Open TV Platform
has made its Channel Store an open platform, meaning there is nothing stopping other content providers from setting up home on it in order to push their wares to owners of Roku boxes.
While network content such as Hulu would be ideal, that looks like being a pipe dream thanks to the networks and cable providers wanting to keep control. If the powers-that-be won’t allow Hulu on Boxee then they sure as hell won’t allow it on Roku.
[Via NewTeeVee]
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