The 2 XS Roku HD player is a Wi-Fi streaming media device that streams internet video sites to your HD or standard TV.
If you belong to a paid subscription video streaming service for your PC and would like to view the same services on your TV take a close look at the 2 XS Roku HD Player. It streams to both HD and standard TVs, and it comes with a Bluetooth Wii style motion controller for games. (Don’t expect a Wii like gaming experience yet. As of this writing Angry Birds the only game available but you can expect more to come online in the future.)
This second generation HD player includes support for hundreds of internet video and audio services including all the major providers: Hulu Plus, Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Crackle, Pandora, MLB, and a ton others. In total there are over 300 channels available delivering movies, TV shows, music, & more.
For a complete list of channels supported by the 2 XS Roku HD player go to the Roku website.
The CNET review declared “The streaming box battle is over: Roku is king.” (CNET | August 16, 2011)
The 2 XS Roku HD player is extremely simple to use and thanks to a great variety of content offerings it shines as the best streaming media device you can get for under $100.
- Wi-Fi enabled HD player.
- Ethernet port for wired Internet connection if needed.
- Plays the highest quality HD video (1080p) when available. (Netflix now supports 1080p and Dolby Digital Plus!)
- SD card slot for additional channel storage.
- Video formats supported: WMV/ASF up to 480p, MP4 and MOV up to 1080p.
- Audio formats supported: MP3 and AAC.
- Image formats supported: JPG and PNG.
A few things to note: The Roku 2 XS doesn’t currently support DLNA access (streaming media from networked PCs). USB file support is somewhat limited (a software upgrade is likely to be available in the near future). No power button.
Netflix
Pros
- Built in Wi-Fi
- Compact
- Easy to set up
- Easy to use
- Great value
- High quality picture
- Reliability
- Video selection
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- No power button
Best Uses
- Living room
- Primary TV
- Bedroom
The Bottom Line
Pick up the 2 XS Roku HD player if you have Wi-Fi in your home and want to stream Netflix to your TV. Watching streaming video on your TV, sitting in the comfort of your couch or easy chair, with family or friends around is a great entertainment experience.
