Roku's 2020 lineup includes a new flagship media player and a compact soundbar with built-in video streaming — here's how to preorder
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Roku
- Roku has announced two additions to its product lineup: an updated Roku Ultra and a brand-new Streambar.
- The upgraded Roku Ultra features improved wireless performance, along with the addition of Dolby Vision HDR support, for the same $99.99 retail price of the previous generation model.
- The brand-new Roku Streambar is a compact soundbar with built-in Roku streaming support, offering a convenient speaker and media player combo for $129.99.
- You can preorder the new Roku Ultra and Roku Streambar now, and both products are scheduled to officially launch in October.
Roku has revealed its latest streaming devices. The 2020 lineup includes an improved version of its flagship Roku Ultra streaming player, and a brand-new Streambar. Both products will be available at retailers in October, and you can preorder them now through Roku's online store and Amazon.
The new Roku Ultra is the successor to the current 2019 model, offering some key upgrades in wireless performance and high dynamic range (HDR) capabilities. Meanwhile, the Streambar is a compact soundbar model that combines video and audio playback into one device.
Below, we've detailed everything you need to know about Roku's new products, including pricing, release dates, specifications, and where you can buy them.
Roku
The all-new Roku Ultra will be available in October for $99.99. That's the same retail price that the 2019 model launched for. The Roku Ultra is Roku's flagship streaming player with 4K playback, HDR capabilities, Dolby Atmos audio, a quad-core processor, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Though the general design and functionality of the new Roku Ultra largely remains the same as older versions, the updated model does include a few key improvements. Most notably, the new Roku Ultra finally features Dolby Vision playback. Dolby Vision is an advanced HDR format supported by several streaming services, like Netflix and Disney Plus, offering enhanced colors and contrast. Amazon's Fire TV Cube and the Apple TV 4K both already support Dolby Vision, so this addition puts Roku's flagship streamer more in line with the competition.
Also new for the 2020 model is upgraded wireless performance, which Roku says can offer up to a 50% increase in range over previous models. For added convenience, the new Roku Ultra now comes with everything buyers need to get it set up and running, including a high-speed HDMI cable. A voice remote and headphones are also included in the package.
You can preorder the 2020 Roku Ultra now for $99.99. If the new Dolby Vision, Bluetooth, and wireless range upgrades don't interest you, you can currently pick up the 2019 Roku Ultra for $79.99 instead.
Roku StreambarRoku
Roku's new Streambar will be released in October for $129.99. The compact soundbar includes integrated Roku streaming support, combining video and audio playback into one device.
The Streambar supports Dolby Audio and uses four integrated full-range speakers, including two side-facing drivers and two front-facing drivers. Roku has also developed a special algorithm to help achieve a wide soundstage despite the Streambar's small form factor. We'll have to test the device ourselves to see if its performance lives up to the company's goals, but the specifications are promising.
If you'd like an even more expansive audio experience, the Streambar can also be paired with a separate Roku Subwoofer and Roku speakers to create a surround sound setup. The device also supports Bluetooth for wireless music streaming.
In addition to sound, the Streambar is a full-fledged Roku media player, with 4K HDR playback and access to Roku's entire library of streaming apps. Unlike the new Roku Ultra, however, the Streambar does not offer Dolby Vision support.
Roku actually already has a similar device, called the Roku Smart Soundbar, that also features built-in speaker and media player capabilities. That model is much larger, however, and costs $179.99. The new Streambar is a less expensive and more compact alternative for buyers who want to save space and money.