Roku heading to the UK

Posted on 18 Nov 2011 at 09:48, by Gareth Halfacree

Streaming media specialist Roku has confirmed that it is finally making a push across the pond, expanding from its native US to the UK - and taking on Canada for good measure.

While firm details are not yet available as to pricing and an official launch date, it marks the first time that the company's ultra-slim streaming media boxes will be formally available in the UK.

Like Google TV, Roku's interactive set-top boxes connect to the internet via home broadband connections to allow access to the Roku Channel Store which holds over 350 channels of streaming video, music and even games.

Many of the company's partnerships - including Hulu Plus, Pandora and NBA Game Time - are, however limited to US subscribers, suggesting that the service UK Roku buyers receive could be limited at launch.

One of the company's biggest partners, Netflix, has itself announced plans to move to the UK - meaning that it will almost certainly become one of the premium channels on offer when the Roku services launches in the UK.

"This year has been one of many accomplishments for Roku in the US," claimed chief executive Anthony Wood in a statement. "And now we're looking forward to kicking off 2012 by expanding to Europe and Canada to give consumers the best in streaming entertainment - a natural evolution for Roku."

The company has yet to confirm an official launch date beyond "early 2012."

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User comments

No Need To Get Excited?

Netflix do not answer or respond to emails and if you phone them won't answer the direct questions 'When are they are ever coming to the UK - citing wwwide-film licensing problems. Roku are playing silly b--ggers asking double RRP prices what they charge in the USA for their $10-00 Chinese boxes. They seem to think £99-99 is a good price, or £85-00 + vat wholesale. You can buy for 40% of these prices from any Tom Dick & Lasky NY electric store, and these stores are making a profit on these low prices. When it comes to marketing they seem to think UK buyers are smucks!

By LetsMoveOnThis on 20 Mar 2012