Roku is a familiar name among fans those who loves streaming video because they were the first to provide a device to view over the television. It makes a small puck-size box used for viewing video streamed over the Internet on viewer’s television set. Cost of the box varies from $50 to $100. According to the company they sold more than five million set top boxes in the U.S. during last five years. Since the introduction of Netflix broadband broadcast in 2008, Roku benefited more than any other in the U.S. for viewing streaming videos on living room television sets.
Roku is under attack by many. The main competitor to Roku is Apple and it claims that it sold 13 million Apple TV devices worldwide so far. Due to iTunes, iPads, iPhones and others, Apple has the advantage over Roku to reach more customers in the U.S. and worldwide. Besides Apple, there are others who compete in the streaming video arena. Google stream broadband video through Chrome browser or apps and cost only $35. Video game consoles especially Microsoft’s Xbox One and Sony PlayStation allows Netflix’s apps and other video rental and purchase options.