Roku goes into retail with Netgear-branded Roku XD Player
updated 10:20 pm EDT, Wed October 13, 2010
Roku hits stores with Netgear Roku XD Player
Roku ventured beyond its online-only strategy tonight by launching its first media hub destined for retail. The Netgear Roku XD Player is identical to the regular Roku XD but will reach retail stores such as Best Buy that haven't been in reach before. It supports full 1080p video from sources and streams Amazon VOD and Netflix at their native 720p, with 802.11n Wi-Fi and a buffer for instant rewind.
The involvement of a third-party also hasn't altered software or most other features. To get the Roku XD into physical stores, Netgear is charging an extra $10 over Roku itself and is asking $90 for the finished product. Units should be in stores by tomorrow.
