Until now, the only way the Roku player has been available is via online retailers or Roku.com. That hasn't stopped the company from pushing more than 1 million units in the past few years. Roku has managed to build a loyal fanbase, thanks in part to its wide support of streaming content services, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, MOG, Rdio, Vimeo, NHL GameCenter Live, NBA Game Time and the MLB. The device also has a relatively low price point, starting at $59.99.
Just yesterday, Sony's Crackle video site launched a new free ad-supported movie service for Roku owners that brings users full-length movies, including titles such as The Da Vinci Code and Ghostbusters to their connected device for free. The only catch is that users have to watch ads pre-roll and every 10 minutes or so.
The verdict might still be out on connected devices, but a big part of making these devices -- and the various streaming and subscriptions services -- part of the mainstream is nationwide retail availability. The fact that customers can now buy a Roku XD at Best Buy may just help the streaming video revolution take off.