Roku LT

The Roku LT is Roku's newest and least expensive set-top video streaming box. Differences between it and the step-up Roku 2 HD (*Est. $60) are fairly minor -- the cheaper Roku LT lacks a microSD memory card slot and Bluetooth connectivity. For most, that means the biggest sacrifice is the ability to play one of Roku's small selection of games -- such as Angry Birds -- and it's not much of one as you also would also need to add Roku's Wii-like game controller (*Est. $30) to the Roku 2 HD if that's of interest. Though intended primarily for game storage, added microSD memory can also be used to store additional channels with the Roku 2 series of digital media players. However, there seems to be more than enough internal memory in the Roku LT for that task, and we encountered no complaints about channel capacity in either user or professional reviews.

Differences between the Roku LT and the top of the line Roku 2 XS (*Est. $100) are more notable. The Roku 2 XS ups the resolution to 1080p, adds an Ethernet connection for those who don't wish to rely on Wi-Fi, has a USB port for playing back your own video files from a flash drive, fully supports gaming and even includes the game controller. The fourth member of the Roku lineup is the Roku 2 XD (*Est. $80). Its features are identical to the Roku 2 HD, but like the Roku 2 XS, resolution is 1080p rather than 720p.

The Roku LT draws good reviews for its value and for its ease of set-up and use. Most say that Wi-Fi is pretty reliable, though not every router plays well with Roku's technology. Despite the 720p resolution, reviewers say that picture quality will leave most viewers very happy. In terms of its core function -- bringing streaming video from a huge selection of providers, more than 400 at last count -- the Roku LT performs on a par with the rest of the Roku lineup; in other words, very well.

We found several reviews for the Roku LT. The best are at PCMag.com and CNET. The report at Time magazine lacks detail, but it gives a positive assessment. User feedback can be seen at Amazon.com and at Roku's web site.