Roku has officially released their new model, called the Roku 4, which will support 4K resolution video for Ultra High definition television viewing. The new streaming media box features a faster processor, greater memory capacity, better Wi-fi and a new operating system as well. Roku is also releasing a new mobile app which will provide better integration with your mobile phones, and will allow you to have remote control functions from a smartphone.
Here is the list of features:
- A quad core processor
- Up to 60fps when playing 4k video resolution
- HDCP 2.2
- 802.11ac MIMO Wi-Fi
- 1.5 GB Ram
- Remote finder (for those of you who can never find the remote control)
The market for streaming devices is becoming crowded these days, with new entries from Google, Amazon, Tivo and even a refreshed Apple TV, but the Roku has the advantage of not being limited to any particular source in the way of online video, and thus, as an independent third party, can provide access to virtually all the major online shows. One exception so far is the lack of support for HBO Now.
Since the Roku 4 has HDCP 2.2, with its greater restrictions in DRM, it will be able to transmit full Ultra HD video without having the signal degraded. You will, of course, need an Ultra HD television set with HDCP 2.2 as well, to take advantage of this feature.
The Roku 4 is a fair amount more expensive than the previous model. The price has gone up thirty dollars to $129.99. For those of you who do not have a 4k television yet, there is little incentive to buy this newer Roku.
You can read more at the Roku site.
Update: HBO Now and Roku announced that Roku 4 owners will have access to HBO Now. This goes into effect on October 8th, and was first reported by Cord Cutter News. HBO Now requires a $14.99 per month subscription. There is no word yet if older Roku models will also have access to HBO Now.
