Roku has introduced its 2017 lineup of streaming media players, all of which are now available for preorder and will arrive in stores on October 8. The new models are designed to offer better performance, improved wireless reception, and some new features at lower price points. Prices range from $29.99 for the entry-level Roku Express to $99.99 for the 4K-/HDR-capable Roku Ultra (shown here). Details on the upgrades to the 2017 boxes are described in the press release below.

From Roku
Roku, Inc. has announced five new streaming players giving people who enjoy TV better ways to connect to the streaming entertainment they love. The new lineup includes a range of player models that offer better performance, improved wireless reception, new convenience features and greater value than ever before. Starting at just $29.99 MSRP, the new more powerful Roku Express makes HD streaming easy, while those who want Roku's ultimate player can get the new lower-priced $99.99 MSRP Roku Ultra. In addition, the company also unveiled the newest version of its operating system, Roku OS 8, in a separate announcement.

"Our new streaming player lineup provides performance, price and features to meet our users needs so they can sit back, relax and enjoy their TV viewing experience even more," said Chas Smith, general manager of Roku TVs and players. "Consumers will love our new sleek Roku Streaming Stick+ with an innovative advanced wireless receiver that gives up to four times the wireless range and a remote that controls TV volume and power. It makes 4K and HDR streaming simple."

Roku Express and Roku Express+:
Great for those who are looking to stream to the TV for the first time or extend their Roku OS experience to other TVs in the home. The second-generation Roku Express and Roku Express+ are five times more powerful than their predecessors and start at only $29.99 MSRP.

The Roku Express+ is great for classic TVs. It offers the same streaming experience, with options to connect via HDMI or composite A/V ports (red/yellow/white jacks). $39.99 MSRP, exclusively at Walmart.

Roku Streaming Stick and Roku Streaming Stick+:
Small, powerful and portable for those who are on the move or want their streaming player hidden behind their TV. Features a quad-core processor and 802.11 AC dual-band MIMO wireless. Now comes with a voice remote that includes TV power and volume buttons that can control compatible TV models and the Roku Streaming Stick together. The Roku Streaming Stick offers exceptional HD streaming. $49.99 MSRP.

The Roku Streaming Stick+ boasts exceptional wireless performance with its advanced wireless receiver that is innovatively built into the power cord. This new model offers up to four times the wireless range than the 2016 Roku Streaming Stick to minimize buffering. It combines brilliant 4K Ultra HD and HDR picture quality with the portability of the popular stick form factor. Great for HD, 4K and 4K HDR up to 60 frames per second (fps) streaming. Channels launch quickly to get to favorite shows fast. $69.99 MSRP

Roku Ultra:
Our most powerful and feature-packed player offers our best wireless performance and can stream HD, 4K and 4K HDR with up to 60 fps. The Roku Ultra features an Ethernet port for wired connectivity and a micro SD slot to help speed up streaming channel load times. With our new remote, consumers can power up and change volume on the TV, plus use voice to find favorite shows. There's also a headphone jack for private listening and a remote finder button that helps locate lost remotes. New lower $99.99 MSRP.

The Roku platform provides streamers with access to 500,000 movies and TV episodes plus more than 5,000 channels. The Roku Channel, which launched just weeks ago, features hundreds of Hollywood hits and more with no fees, subscriptions or logins required.

Availability
The new line of streaming players will be available for pre-order beginning today from Roku, Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon and other retailers; and is expected to be in stores around October 8. The Roku Express+ is available exclusively at Walmart beginning October 8. Customers who purchase a new Roku player will receive a $10 VUDU credit towards a rental or purchase. Offer expires 10/31/17.

Additional Resources
• Visit the Roku website for more product information.
• TCL Officially Debuts New Roku 4K TVs with Dolby Vision at HomeTheaterReview.com.