Roku Internet players to reach Canada, UK in early 2012
updated 10:10 am EST, Thu November 17, 2011
Roku leaves US for first time
Roku branched outside of the US for the first time Thursday with word it would sell its media hubs in Canada and the UK. Both countries will get devices like the Roku LT and Roku 2 sometime in earl 2012. As part of the expansion, Roku is also adding regional support for its Internet channels, letting local providers support just one country.
Details of who would supply service wasn't mentioned, although PC distributor Synnex is helping sell Roku boxes in Canada. US-only services like HBO Go, Hulu, and Pandora won't go to other countries.
The players have gained momentum as some of the cheapest, and in most models costs below the Apple TV's $99 benchmark. The more advanced XD and XDS models can play 1080p video, and the XDS comes with a motion controller for Wii-like casual gaming.
