Cracking Open the Roku 2 XS
Bill Detwiler cracks open the Roku 2 XS. Inside the streaming media player (now with Angry Birds), he found hardware from Samsung, SMSC, and Broadcom.
In July, 2011, Roku revamped its line of streaming media players with the Roku 2 HD, XD, and XS. The new Roku boxes are smaller and have a more-rounded design and a glossy exterior.
The HD model provides video playback at 720p, while the XD and XS support 1080p. All Roku 2 players have built-in Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n connectivity, but the XS also has Ethernet and USB ports. The XS version comes with a motion-control remote (needed to play games, such as Angry Birds).
We cracked open the Roku XDS in January, and couldn't wait to see the tech packed into the new player's smaller case. Follow along as I crack open the Roku 2 XS for a look at the hardware inside.
Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
Caption by: Bill Detwiler
As of this writing, the Roku 2 HD is $59.99 (US), the XD is $79.99 and the XS is $99.99. The motion remote is included with the XS, but HD and XD owners will soon be able to purchase the remote for $29.
Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
Caption by: Bill Detwiler
On the PCB of the Roku 2 XS motion control remote are the following chips:
- Broadcom BCM20730 Human Interface Device (HID) Bluetooth 3.0 Single-Chip Solution
- IMU-3000 Triple Axis MotionProcessor Gyroscope
- Microchip Technology 4F236I 114BGH
- 2115 C3H 99XDM
- Unknown chip