Many of the great Black Friday TV Deals this year are on great-looking LED and plasma TVs that are a bit light on features. And although there aren't too many people crying over the absence of 3D features in many of these sets, they are a bit disappointed about the lack of apps and media streaming capabilities. Well cry no more bargain-hunters because Roku turns virtually any TV into a media streaming powerhouse.
Roku streaming media boxes are about the size of a hockey puck, but pack built-in wireless networking (WiFi 802.11b/g/n), and a rich assortment of streaming media channels and games, including Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, Roku, Hulu+, Pandora and much more. Roku says the channel count is now over 600, with new channels popping up on a regular basis. The top of the line Roku 2 XS even offers gaming capabilities and comes with a free copy of "Angry Birds," which you can play on your big screen TV or projector thanks to the included wireless gaming remote.
But the big news today is that Roku has authorized an across-the-board sale on their media streamers, with $20 savings on every model on Amazon, even the entry-level "Roku HD" which is now just $39.99 (regularly $59.99). The sale is good until November 26, or while supplies last. Also, this deal actually got better after it was first posted as Amazon is now offering a $5 Amazon VOD credit to buyers of these Roku boxes. Here's a link for all three of the current Roku streaming media boxes on sale at Amazon:
The Roku HD is the basic model, but it offers the same channel assortment as the Roku 2 XD and Roku 2 XS. However the "HD" only offers 720p video output so it isn't the best match for a 1080p TV. The Roku 2 XD (now $58) and Roku 2 XS (now $78) both offer HD output up to 1080p, support for 5.1 channel sound on Netflix, VUDU and Amazon, and enhanced WiFi capabilities.
The primary difference between the Roku 2 XD and the Roku 2 XS is the inclusion of "Angry Birds" and the gaming remote on the XS (not included with the XD, but available later via additional purchase). Also, the XS includes an ethernet network port in case you'd prefer to have a hard-wired connection back to your network router (it also includes WiFi). The Roku 2 XS includes a USB port for local media file playback.
So if you want to give the gift of media streaming to yourself or a loved one, check out this limited time offer.
Where to Buy:
More Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals:
