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Sky's Now TV Smart Box looks a lot like a Roku 4
While Sky might be busy readying its new Sky Q service, the company has also found time to show Now TV customers some love. Just five months after it launched its second-generation Now TV streamer, Sky has ramped things up a bit by introducing the new NOW TV Smart Box, a device that it says will bring together a "wide range of pay TV content and over 60 live free-to-air channels."
DirecTV will begin live 4K broadcasts early next year
4K is the way of the future, but until now, the selection of ultra-high-def content has been limited. Enter DirecTV. In an announcement made at New York's TranSPORT conference, the company noted that it will start broadcasting live 4K content in early 2016. The firm stated that it already has the technology in place and wants to start streaming UHD shows before its competitors. However, DirecTV wants to make sure that it has an impressive arsenal of broadcasts ready before launch, as "content is king," (that's a direct quote). Services like Roku and TiVo have both released 4K-capable set-top boxes but don't have a lot of UHD content to offer, which makes the technology somewhat moot.
Roku 4 review: 4K is nice, but otherwise it's not a huge upgrade
It's no surprise that the Roku 4 is a solid set-top box -- Roku has been making them for a while now, after all. It's also not surprising that the new Roku's search is smart, that the interface is fast and fluid or that there's a bountiful selection of apps. In fact, there isn't much that's truly surprising, or revolutionary, about the Roku 4 ($130). It's a solid, if somewhat unexciting upgrade, especially after the Roku 3 from earlier this year, which brought voice search into the mix. Just like the new Fire TV, Roku is betting that the addition of 4K ultra-high-definition video (UHD) is exciting enough on its own. And, while it's certainly noteworthy, it's also something that will only appeal to just a handful of consumers. Basically, if you're happy with your Roku 3, or any other equivalent set-top box, you won't need to rush out and grab this one. Although when you do finally go 4K, it's a worthy choice.
Vudu starts streaming 4K movies to the Roku 4
Vudu's 1080p HDX streams were once considered high quality for streaming movies over the internet, (now they're even watchable on phones) but in the last year Amazon and Netflix surpassed them with 4K resolution and even HDR. Now Vudu is stepping up its game with some 4K flicks, currently available only through the new Roku 4. For the moment it has 12 movies viewable in 4K (check the list after the break), with prices of $10 for a rental and $25 - $30 to purchase. According to Vudu, you'll need an 11Mbps connection to stream the high-res versions that it's marked Vudu UHD. The option will be coming to other platforms including Vizio's 4K TVs soon, and for the ones that can handle it, there's support for HDR and Atmos surround sound too.
The new Roku does 4K and finds the remote for you
It's clearly video-streaming box season. Apple finally dropped an updated Apple TV, the Chromecast got all colorful and the Fire TV upped its resolution to 4K. Now it's Roku's turn with the new Roku 4. The flatter and wider set-top box sports 4K, has a remote locator (YES!), an updated OS and a redesigned app that makes it easier to travel with your favorite shows. The new device joins the rest of the Roku line instead of replacing anything. Priced at $129, it sits between the Apple TV and Fire but without all the recent drama.
Roku's next-gen player surfaces at the FCC
The evidence that Roku is near launching a 4K-capable player just got decidedly stronger. A fresh FCC filing (spotted by Zatz Not Funny) has revealed an upcoming Roku "4400X" that looks like it should be the company's next streaming hub. The entry doesn't confirm the presence of 4K video playback, alas, but it does point to a big wireless upgrade: the future set-top box will support faster 802.11ac WiFi (helpful for 4K) and Bluetooth peripherals that might include headphones or remotes. Roku is reportedly shipping its new device as soon as early October, so you'll likely get the full story in a matter of days.
Is a Roku 4 with 4K coming this way?
It was 2013 the last time that Roku launched a new flagship streaming box, and while we still adore the 3, the hardware can't avoid the ravages of time. Our friends over at Zatz Not Funny are reporting that the company is gearing up to replace it with a new high-end unit, the imaginatively-named Roku 4. As well as being the fourth in the series, the hardware expected to launch with 4K video playback as its primary selling point. The rumor began when streaming service Cinema Now accidentally launched a promotion for free HD rentals with every new Roku 4. Whoops.
