Roku just announced Roku 2 XD and XS streamers are headed to Canada. Online pre-orders start today and retail availability is expected by the end of the month. The 1080p XD runs $89.99 CAD, while the Roku 2 XS, with Wii-esque gaming remote and external USB drive support, clocks in at $109.99 CAD. Of course, plenty of “channels” are available including Netflix… but YouTube remains M.I.A.
In order to fully support Canada, Roku has implemented French language UI translations — Hence, the limited rollout of firmware version 4.6 to Roku 2 devices. I assume we’ll see widespread deployment within the next week or so, along with the requisite bug fixes and software improvements.
If you want to quicken rollout of the firmware to your box, just bring your Roku into a Walmart, and they’ll do it for you in-store.
It was as brutal as you’d imagine… If they work out the kinks and UltraViolet doesn’t fold, it’ll be pretty cool. Wonder if Best Buy will try similar disc-to-digital under their CinemaNow brand?
I hope this gets them one but closer to a launch in France.