We knew something was up when you saw a Netgear-branded Roku XD hit a FCC as well as subsequently spin up during Fry’s, as well as now it’s official: Netgear will be offered the Roku XD as a — wait for for it — Netgear Roku XD Player. Hardware as well as functionality-wise, it’s a expect same Roku XD you’ve come to know and love — 720p Netflix as well as Amazon streaming with await for 1080p upon certain channels — but Netgear’s immeasurable distribution network means which it’ll be sold in Best Buy, Radio Shack, Fry’s and anywhere else Netgear products routinely show up. It’s a flattering assertive move for Roku, that was previously online-only — the company has been saying its idea is to put a box by each TV in your residence, as well as a XD is positively poor as well as stretchable enough to lure quite the couple of big-box shoppers. Of march, you’re be profitable a little extra for which additional silkscreen as well as distro love: Netgear’s MSRP is $89.99, $10 more than a straight Roku. (Fry’s selling it for $79.99 after “present savings,” yet That’s not just impulse-buy pricing, though it’s still $10 cheaper than the Apple TV, so it looks similar to a feverishness is on — check out the Roku XDS review as well as only omit a partial about USB playback to get a feel for the XD.

Update: Did we say “entrance” to big box sell? One tipster tells us a Netgear Roku Player during a Salt Lake City Best Buy store right now. You’ll find pictures of the box right away next. [Thanks, Jeremy] Netgear Roku Player during Best Buy

Via Engadget