With the exception of its Streaming Stick, Roku has not updated its media streamers since 2011, but it looks like we’re about to see at least one new model based on documentation filed with the FCC. The new model, which is currently being referred to as the 4200x (Roku 3, anyone?) is smaller than the Roku 2 XS with a tiny 2.25 x 2.25-inch footprint, and seems to support both 2 and 5 GHz WiFi bands. Roku is being rather tight lipped about the technical details, but expect to see an HDMI output, Ethernet and USB ports, and even more channels of content. The new model will offer 1080p playback and a Bluetooth gaming remote, unless something changes on that end.
Roku now offers more than 700 channels through its media steamers, but an official YouTube channel is still missing. Users have been waiting a long time for one and, we’re holding out hope that the time has finally come.
If Roku wanted to make its dedicated base really happy, it would upgrade the Ethernet port to a gigabit connection, and launch its own media server channel so that those of us with movies on a NAS drive could stream them without having to use third-party solutions. The fight between Roku, Apple, and Boxee is getting hot again, and it’s only February.
The NEED YouTube if they want to remain the top dog… If everyone but their old grandma watches YouTube and have on their streaming media box, then why not Roku? Wake up guys! It not 2004, this is the present and needs to be the reality. Put it on the Roku 3 please!!
when do you think this new Roku will be released? how soon after FCC filings do products come out?
I’m looking to buy a Roku any day now, but don’t know if i should wait for this “imminent” Roku 3?
Roku has a history of filing with the FCC and releasing less than a month later. As long as the price stays the same, I’d wait to see what it offers over the top model.
What I really wish they would do is turn on the support for mpeg2 so that you could stream from hdtv tunners like the hdhomerun, or use it as a front end to your dvr without needing to transcode and lose quality.
Why should they put in a gigabit ethernet port? It is not needed for the streaming, and would only raise the cost, heat output and power consumption. That would do the opposite of make me happy.
As for the youtube channel, youtube made them pull it, and wants money to have it put back. Again it would raise the cost, we should be petitioning youtube for a channel or to allow one to be written, not roku who was forced to pull it.
Really the only reason I can think of for a new roku model would be to add h.265 support, though this seems a bit early for that already.
Roku could always add HTML5/Web Technologies support for Channel creation, and possible web browser. It could then browse YouTube no problem.
This is great news, as I have one tv without a ROKU on it.