What All Roku Boxes Are Available on the Market?-Differences Between Each Roku Box

The biggest advantages to owning a Roku box is the ability to view content from Netflix, Amazon VOD, Hulu Plus, Major League Baseball TV, NHL Network, Flixter and many other online movie and television sources. You can also access pictures from Facebook, Flicker and several other social networking websites using a Roku box. While there are similar content streaming devices available, very few have access to as many online video and music services as the Roku box does.

Currently, Roku offers three boxes that share the same small form factor- The Roku HD, Roku XD and Roku XDS. Although all three Roku boxes look similar, there are several differences between each model you should examine before making a purchasing decision.

Common Features

Let's start off by explaining the common features all three models share- The HD, XD and XDS include HDMI connections that will enable you to view streaming content on your television in full High Definition clarity. If you do not own a high definition TV with an available HDMI, you can easily hookup your Roku box using the standard composite RCA connections, which provides 480i resolution for standard definition televisions.

Being Internet media streaming devices, Roku boxes need a viable broadband Internet connection to operate. Thankfully, Roku has implemented both Ethernet and Wireless connection options to deliver content to your television, seamlessly. When connecting your Roku box wirelessly, I highly recommend that you utilize the faster Wireless N router, as opposed to a slower Wireless G device (for XD and XDS models).

Menu navigation on all three Roku boxes is easy and extremely fluid. Roku also provides periodic updates for their devices, designed to add new features and any fixes to any bugs that may pop up. All Rokus feature a simple "hand-friendly" remote control that will allow you to navigate through the menus quickly. Because the Roku uses an infrared remote, you can do away with the standard offering and use your universal remote to operate the device.

Initial setup is an easy and painless process that takes minutes to complete. You also have the option to customize the channel selection to match your particular viewing habits.

Power consumption for the Roku boxes are a paltry 6-watts when turned on and a very likable 4-watts in standby mode.

Roku HD

The Roku HD is the most cost effective box out of the lineup, chiming in at the low price of $59.99.

The HD features the standard remote control, 720p resolution and digital 5.1 audio (using the HDMI connection) and a Wireless G network adapter.

The Roku HD is a great entry level box for those who do not own a full High-Def television or people that are satisfied with viewing content in 720p.

Roku XD

The Roku XD expands upon the HD, providing full 1080p support, Wireless N technology with extended range capability and upgraded remote control that provides "instant replay" buttons.

For only $20 more, the Roku XD provides a good value for those who simply can't live without full 1080p resolution while needing a boost with regard to wireless range.

Roku XDS

The XDS is the top tier device in Roku's arsenal, while being available at the equally affordable price of $99.99.

The XDS steps it up notch by providing a Dual-Band Wireless N adapter, component video outputs and a digital optical output for those who wish to connect the box to a compatible external audio device.

The Roku XDS also features an external USB port for viewing pictures, music files and select video formats.