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Roku - First Take

Roku - First Take

John Falcone Senior Editorial Director, Shopping
John P. Falcone is the senior director of commerce content at CNET, where he coordinates coverage of the site's buying recommendations alongside the CNET Advice team (where he previously headed the consumer electronics reviews section). He's been a CNET editor since 2003.
Expertise Over 20 years experience in electronics and gadget reviews and analysis, and consumer shopping advice Credentials
  • Self-taught tinkerer, informal IT and gadget consultant to friends and family (with several self-built gaming PCs under his belt)
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David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews
Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.
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John Falcone
David Carnoy

The Roku XD ($69.99) and Roku HD ($79.99) are the step-down versions of the Roku XDS ($99.99).

The Roku XD is mostly identical to the XDS, except that it does not offer component video and optical audio output; it does not include the USB port (for future local media playback); and it offers single-band 802.11n Wi-Fi (not the better dual-band 11n found on the XDS). If you don't need any of those features, you can save $20 by going with the XD.

Shop for Roku XDS (2100X)

See all prices

(Shoppers should note that the Netgear Roku Player NTV250 is just the Roku XD sold under a different brand.)

The Roku HD is the entry-level model in the 2010 Roku line. It's available for $69.99 with free shipping, or $59.99 plus shipping. It's similar to the Roku XD, but it lacks the enhanced remote control; it doesn't have the capability to output 1080p video (just 720p and standard-def); and it has slower 802.11g Wi-Fi instead of 11n.

CNET recommends the Roku XDS as the best choice, with the Roku XD being an acceptable substitute (with a $20 savings).

Read the full review of the Roku XDS.