Roku adds 2 new streaming sticks, announces plans for projectors
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It’s been several years since Roku updated its streaming sticks, but now there are two new models: The HD-resolution, $30 Roku Streaming Stick, and a 4K, HDR-capable, $40 Roku Streaming Stick Plus. The new sticks replace the company’s Express streaming devices, creating a more streamlined product line up consisting of the two new sticks, Roku’s current Ultra, Streaming Stick 4K, and Streambar SE. Both new Streaming Stick models can be preordered starting today.
The new Sticks are touted as being 35% smaller than sticks from other brands. Roku’s research suggests the stick design is a fan favorite, saying, “Almost all streamers (90%) want a clean setup with streaming devices or wires hidden behind the TV.” The new sticks get the same voice-enabled Bluetooth remote that ships with the Streaming Stick 4K. The remotes also let you control volume on the connected TV.
The Streaming Stick 4K remains in the mix and is still priced at $50. That might be because even though the new Streaming Stick Plus supports 4K and HDR (like the Streaming Stick 4K), it doesn’t work with Dolby Vision.
The company also announced its 2025 lineup of Roku TVs including a new 85-inch Roku Select Series model.
The Roku TV Pro Series will receive “custom factory calibration” which Roku claims will ensure that every TV delivers a stunning picture right out of the box.
However, it’s company’s Roku Plus Series TV that will see the biggest changes. It gets Roku Smart Picture Max — a feature that automatically adjusts picture settings on a scene-by-scene basis. It will also use mini-LED backlighting for the first time, which Roku says will deliver better dynamic contrast, deeper blacks, and a wider color range. Lastly, the Roku Plus Series gets a remote finder button and integrate cable management, both of which were previously only available on the Roku Pro Series. Roku also says that its 2025 TVs will feature headphone Bluetooth connectivity.
Roku also teased the future availability of projectors with Roku built-in. As it did in the past with TVs, Roku says a new Roku TV Smart Projector reference design has been created and the company has shared it with all of its existing Roku TV partners. No other details were shared, but Roku promised more info will be available soon.
Editor’s note: an earlier version of this story said that the Roku Streaming Stick 4K had been discontinued. This has been corrected.
Simon Cohen is a contributing editor to Digital Trends’ Audio/Video section, where he obsesses over the latest wireless…
Hisense’s new PL2 Laser Cinema is big on brightness and style
Hisense today announced that its new PL2 Laser Cinema ultra short throw (UST) projector, which launched in the U.K. in August and boasts a stylish new look and brighter 2,700 lumens of brightness, can now be had in the U.S. for $2,500.
A reasonably-priced UST, the second model in Hisense’s PL series of laser projectors might just be a sweet spot for those looking to get into the ultra short throw space (or any higher-end projector, for that matter), and don’t want to spend the additional thousands on something like AWOL Vision’s $6,000 LTV-3500 Pro or even Hisense’s own premium PX3-Pro that runs $3,500.
The PL2 features Hisense’s advanced X-Fusion laser technology that has support for both Dolby Vision and HDR10 HDR formats as well as a native contrast ration of 3,000:1 for excellent contrast and deeper blacks. Of course, its all-important 2,700 ANSI lumens of brightness (the PL1 sat at a substantially less 2,200) means the projector should do well even in brighter rooms. The Hisense PL2 is a 4K projector with 4K AI upscaling and active 3D capabilities, which offers a ton of diversity in terms of what you can watch.
What is DirecTV Stream: plans, pricing, channels, and more
DirecTV has been around for a long time, and now you can get the channels you want without a pesky satellite dish with DirecTV Streaming. Previously known as AT&T TV, this streaming service might not be one of the most popular streaming services, but it’s worth peeking at. It gives you access to both live TV and an on-demand library like Hulu Plus Live TV, or YouTube TV. While it does tend to be a bit on the pricier side, you get plenty in return.
DirecTV is isn’t as well known as some other live streaming services, but it isn’t a dud either. It delivers four tiers of subscription options, with a VOD library of over 65,000 titles. Since it doesn’t release streaming numbers, we have no real insight on how many people are watching. The last time we got numbers was at the end of 2020, when the service was at about 656,000 subscribers, or about half that of Fubo, or no bigger than 12% of YouTube TV’s base.
What is Fubo? Channels, price, plans, packages, and add-ons
With so many excellent streaming services out there, finding the perfect fit for you can be more difficult than anticipated. This only gets more complicated if you’re cutting the cord with cable, but still want to stream live TV. If your household lives for sports, then one of the best options available is Fubo (formerly Fubo TV). It features plenty of sports, along with related content to inhale in between games. It also has access to plenty of great new movies and TV shows. You’ll even be able to record them, thanks to the integrated cloud DVR feature.
There’s still plenty to learn about Fubo though, so we’ve put together this guide to teach you everything you need to know about it; including pricing, device compatibility, and what some of the channels are you’ll be able to enjoy. There’s also a decent handful of competitive platforms to choose from, including Hulu Plus Live TV and Sling TV.
