Roku · Roku
2 XD (3050)
The Roku 2 XD is a compact 1080p streaming box with composite video and microSD expansion for channels and games.
- Type
- Box
- Resolution
- 1080p
- HDR
- –
- Software
- Roku OS
What reviewers say
Both reviews praised its simple interface and good streaming picture quality. The Gadgeteer found playback quick and dependable but local media support limited. SoundStage liked its responsive menus and intuitive remote, while wanting a search across services. Both noted that available subscriptions and programmes limited its ability to replace cable television.
From the-gadgeteer.com and soundstagexperience.com
Specifications
Report a wrong or missing specVideo and audio
- Resolution
- 1080p
- HDR
- None
- Video
- 1080p, 720p or 480p through HDMI; 480i composite video through the included custom A/V cable (The Gadgeteer)
- Audio
- Analogue stereo through the A/V cable; HDMI digital audio with 5.1 passthrough where available. The maker's original Netflix implementation supported Dolby Digital Plus
Performance
- Software
- Roku OS
- Chip details
- ARM11 at 600 MHz in Roku's exact Giga/3050X developer row
- Memory
- 256 MB in Roku's exact 3050X developer row
- Storage
- microSD expands storage for Roku channels and games, rather than playing personal files from the card; no published aggregate user capacity
- Software and services
- Roku lists OS 9.1 as the last compatible version for 3050X. Channels and services depend on region and software; this is the 2011 Roku 2 XD rather than the original 2010 XD
Connections
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 4
- Ethernet
- No
- Voice remote
- No
- Ports
- HDMI, microSD channel-storage slot, 3.5 mm composite/stereo A/V, power and reset; no Ethernet or USB media port
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- 802.11n Wi-Fi, compatible with b/g; Bluetooth 3.0 for the optional gaming remote (The Gadgeteer)
- Remote
- Original standard infrared remote with Back, Home, Options and Instant Replay; no microphone, headphone socket or motion control. Bluetooth gaming remote sold separately
Design
- Type
- Box
- Power
- Less than 2 W stated in the original maker announcement; 5.2 V / 1.0 A power adaptor identified in The Gadgeteer's XD test
- Size
- 3.3 × 3.3 × 0.9 inches (The Gadgeteer)
- In the box
- Player, infrared remote, two AAA batteries, custom RCA-to-3.5 mm composite/stereo cable, mains power adaptor and setup guide; HDMI cable and microSD card sold separately
Pros and cons
Pros
- 1080p HDMI and composite video outputs
- microSD expands channel and game storage
- Supports the optional Bluetooth gaming remote
Cons
- No Ethernet or USB media port
- No 4K or HDR support
- Legacy software no longer receives updates
Closest rivals
Model | Type | Resolution | HDR | Software | Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box | 1080p | – | Roku OS | Jul 2011 | |
| Box | 1080p | – | Apple TV Software | Mar 2012 | |
| Box | 1080p | – | Roku OS | Sept 2010 |
Sources
- wwwimg.roku.com/Roku2-XD-QSG_2.pdf
- developer.roku.com/dev/docs/hardware
- wwwimg.roku.com/static/press/roku_2_final_release.pdf
- the-gadgeteer.com/2011/11/28/roku-2-xs-and-xd-streaming-media-players-review
- soundstagexperience.com/index.php/wesworld-menu/feature-articles-reviews-menu/2…
- newegg.com/roku-3050r-media-player/p/N82E16815328001
Photo: Original Roku 2 XD product render from Newegg's exact 3050R listing
