Roku to Open Its Box to Anyone
The Roku set-top box is closely associated with Netflix, but during a speech at Streaming Media West this morning, company CEO Anthony Wood said that it will open up the little box to any content provider over the next few months. Wired reports:
“We’re opening up the platform to anyone who wants to put their video service on this box,” says Wood. “We’re going to release the software developer kit, so anyone can publish any channel, and users can access web content on their TVs.”
This news isn’t surprising. The company has spoken before about adding additional partners to its content offerings. The more content available through the box, the more attractive the device’s $99 price tag.
The question becomes how users will navigate through their options if a lot of companies jump on the Roku bandwagon. Right now, the only option for users is Netflix, so it will be interesting to see how Roku creates an experience that is simple enough for its minimally-buttoned remote.
This also sets up the battle of the li’l $99 boxes between Roku and Verismo box (which looks like it has changed its name from the PoD to the VuNow), which partnered with VTap to allow users to search and access web video.
Wood told Contentinople after his talk that Roku owners are clamoring for HD, a feat that will be tricky to pull off, considering current bandwidth limitations. But earlier this month, the company told us that codecs are getting better as bit rates are dropping, so the quality will continue to improve.
Follow us on Twitter or subscribe to the feed
Sponsor Gallery
Recent
GigaOM Network
© 2009 The GigaOM Network. Marketing consulting by ACS.
Roku also told TechPulse360.com that the Netflix Player will change its name after other online video partners get on board. The SDK will also be free. Also the box is also HD ready and can be enabled by a software update. Check more on the TechPulse360.com blog.
Jean-Baptiste on September 24th, 2008 at 2:42 pm - Permalink
Oops. Forgot to give the direct link to the TechPulse360 post on Roku:
http://techpulse360.com/2008/09/24/streaming-media-west-roku-to-open-netflix-player-with-sdk-shifting-to-new-name-soon/
Jean-Baptiste on September 24th, 2008 at 2:45 pm - Permalink
Until I can buy a VuNow box and for $99, we can’t compare it. With a custom enclosure and that DaVinci chip, it may not come in under $100.
Dave Zatz on September 25th, 2008 at 6:04 am - Permalink
[...] Roku’s gone on the record and put a stake in the ground: “We’re opening up the platform to anyone who wants to put their video service on this box,” says Wood. “We’re going to release the software developer kit, so anyone can publish any channel, and users can access web content on their TVs.” [...]
Roku Netflix Box: Open For Business on September 25th, 2008 at 6:54 am - Permalink
[...] kit, so anyone can publish any channel, and users can access web content on their TVs.” [via / via / [...]
Roku to “Open” Netflix Player to Third Parties | eHomeUpgrade on September 25th, 2008 at 11:25 am - Permalink
[...] alternatives are looking more attractive: Apple and Hulu keep adding content to their services, the Roku is opening up its box to more video than just Netflix, and Amazon is making its own streaming pay-per-view moves. But for [...]
In Defense of Cable - GigaOM on October 22nd, 2008 at 8:38 am - Permalink
[...] their Netflix subscription — all for just $99. And since Roku said last year that it was opening up its box and streaming video from other “big name” providers, you can bet your bippy more [...]
Roku to Add Amazon VOD « NewTeeVee on January 5th, 2009 at 11:19 am - Permalink