New update out for Roku NP S/W version 1.5 Build 901

[kringles]

Could no longer access selected movies for playing, after trying a few things went to software update. Guess what the Beta phase has apparentely ended and the update is being pushed out!

[djwilso]

Could no longer access selected movies for playing, after trying a few things went to software update. Guess what the Beta phase has apparentely ended and the update is being pushed out!

No update is available for me yet.

Perhaps they're doing a phased rollout to get early feedback before releasing it to the masses.

Dennis

[dvo01]

Turned my TV on and voila there's the new version. Updated so that it knows that I have HD and the Office and 30 Rock in my queue now show in HD. Also, both my regular and Starz SD content are loading with 4 dots where it was mainly 3 dots and a lot of 2 dots for Starz. Sound is clearer with more separation.

For $99 and six months on the market, I think Roku and Netflix have delivered a definite winner. Can't wait to see the new content in 2009 that is mentioned on the update screen.

[JeffElkins]

No 1.5 in Ocala FL...yet.

[rokumarv]

What is happpening?

[jitroku]

dude, what is the MAJOR NEW FEATURE ?????

First, let me apologize for our delay in responding to this thread. Typically we don’t comment on unannounced products and features, but clearly this is an important topic to you, our most loyal and involved fans. So, I’m pulling back the curtain a bit earlier than usual. Here’s the scoop…

- Roku will be delivering Netflix in HD by the end of the year
- Roku will be using Advanced Profile encodes which will deliver HD at substantially lower bit-rates than what Xbox is offering
- The number of titles is up to Netflix but the library will be the same as or larger than the Xbox library
- The UI will be updated to run in 720p and more covers will be visible on the screen at a time
- And the release will include another major new feature that you’ll have to wait a bit longer to learn about ;)

All of us at Roku truly appreciate your interest and support. We build these products for you and it’s hugely gratifying to get your feedback – even when you’re unhappy with us. We will continue to do everything we can to deliver the best content at the best value in the most consumer-friendly manner possible.

Thanks for your support,
Tim

[eri3k]

Perhaps they're doing a phased rollout to get early feedback before releasing it to the masses.

You're right about the phased rollout, but it has more to do with logistical considerations rather than a desire for feedback. The Roku engineers' response to this post about the last firmware update gives their rationale.

[snarler]

No update as of 6:30 in Gainesville, FL...

[kojimanard]

We beta testers can reveal that the new release is being made available to all users. It is as, you figured out, being phased in, but everyone will get it before long. The surprise is new content. It will no longer be a NF only device. We, the beta testers, don't know what the new content will be.

Others can correct me, but I found the 720p image to be very sharp. For example, The Office on Roku HD was as good as the cable TV 1080i.

[Bron]

Nor here in Richmond, VA as of 8:30 PM.

[Bron]

We beta testers can reveal that the new release is being made available to all users. It is as, you figured out, being phased in, but everyone will get it before long. The surprise is new content. It will no longer be a NF only device. We don't know what the new content is.

Others can correct me, but I found the 720p image to be very sharp. For example, The Office on Roku HD was as good as the cable TV 1080i.

This is great news as is the fact that HD will be available via component (I have an older set with component, no HDMI). Can't wait to see what the new content will be -- this is all so cool!

[Cuschoolie1]

Roku support said that the updates were being delivered based on your serial number. They said all updates have gone out today and that they would start again on the 23rd and continuing for 10 days after that. Looks like some of us will be waiting a bit longer.

Nor here in Richmond, VA as of 8:30 PM.

[kojimanard]

Roku support said that the updates were being delivered based on your serial number. They said all updates have gone out today and that they would start again on the 23rd and continuing for 10 days after that. Looks like some of us will be waiting a bit longer.

Nor here in Richmond, VA as of 8:30 PM.

Serial numbers means lowest to highest, I guess. Nice that the early adopters get rewarded.

[shawmaan]

Just found this forum and saw the post about the update. I checked my Roku and the update was waiting for me. Now all we need is some more HD content!

[nathug]

Just found this forum and saw the post about the update. I checked my Roku and the update was waiting for me. Now all we need is some more HD content!

Go to Netflix, Watch Instantly and under Genres there is a new HD tab for you.

Just make sure you select 'Include rated and seen titles'

I would recommend Star Trek Season 1, The Thing, The Host, Pans Labrynth and the Orphanage.

I just helped with the Beta testing. Some tips for you all!!! Keep the stream settings on Automatic, don't specify the stream else you won't get the better streams when they are available. This selection screen forces the Roku box to get the stream from Netflix closest to the number you choose. So if you select 2.6mb you won't ever get the 3.8mb streams when they are available (you have been warned!!!). And before you say it, no this selection screen isn't to specify your network speed!!

Also as we have found out over the last few weeks, Netflix is really bad at the encoding, so before shouting on these forums at Roku that it don't work. Go and nag Netflix instead!! We were told this will be sorted out very soon.

Nate