Roku has announced the addition of 10 new content channels, giving users more options than the current Netflix, Amazon VOD and MLB TV lineup.
The new channels are Blip.tv, Facebook Photos, Flickr, FrameChannel, Mediafly, MobileTribe, Motionbox, Pandora, Revision3, and TWiT. Each will be available through the newly updated Roku Channel Store interface via their set-top boxes.
The interface will be similar to App Stores, where Roku box owners can choose which apps they want. From there, the content will be sorted as “new,” “most popular” and “top-rated.”
The firmware update is being rolled out now and should take about two weeks to reach all users.
Result for: new channels
Sky has announced that they will be adding channels to their web TV player, the Sky Player, for free, giving users more options no matter what package they have.
The new channels are Sky Movies Screen 1 and 2, Nat Geo Wild, G.O.L.D. and Sky Real Lives, which are all free as long as you have the basic online entertainment package, which costs £15 per month. That budget bundle gets you 12 channels total with the new additions.
For those who want Sky’s full lineup of channels, including futbol games, cricket matches and kids TV programming, the price per month is £41.
The company adds that more content is coming soon.
Result for: new channels
Roku has announced that the popular Netflix Player by Roku has been updated to support HD video, following the recent trend started last month by Samsung, TiVo, LG and Microsoft.
The firmware upgrade, version 1.5 will add the ability for users to watch 300 HD movies from Netflix’s Watch Instantly streaming library.
Additionally, Roku has noted that they will soon be bringing non-Netflix programming to the device. A splash screen under “What’s New?” reads:
“This screen will become your launching pad for a number of great new channels that will begin to appear on your player in early 2009. In addition to the hugely popular Netflix channel, you’ll see new movie channels, TV channels, web video channels and more.”
Also, watch out for a Netflix Player by Roku review coming soon from Afterdawn.
