I was surprised at the lack of USB support at launch, given that the previous-generation Roku had a USB port across all three models. Roku's previous implementation was less than satisfying; it remains to be seen what Roku does here with the latest models. Still missing from the personal content perspective is the ability to stream content stored elsewhere on your network--a PC hard drive or network-attached storage device. It's difficult to fathom why Roku has shied away from, say, DLNA support--although I suspect it may be to avoid troubling copyright issues with many of the content providers Roku works with. Also notably MIA is YouTube support, which at one point was available via a private channel but has since disappeared completely.

Finally, I'm disappointed that none of the new models support 5GHz Wi-Fi (the version of 802.11n that is backward-compatible with 802.11a). In crowded urban environments such as the downtown San Francisco neighborhood where I live, the 2.4GHz (802.11b/g/n) Wi-Fi spectrum is almost always overcrowded, and media streams frequently stutter, freeze, or stall completely. Unfortunately, the XS, XD, and HD support only 2.4GHz b/g/n spectrum.

Existing Roku owners have little reason to upgrade if they've been satisfied with their current version of the product--except for the games, the new content is available to all Rokus. But if you're looking for a way to stream Internet media to your HDTV that doesn't require technical expertise, Roku remains a great option. With this series, the Roku 2 XS is clearly superior to the lower-end models, if only for its Bluetooth remote and USB support.

I highly recommend paying extra for the XS and setting up a wired home network (perhaps using existing powerline or cable TV wiring) to ensure smooth streaming. Consider the lower-end models only if you've been happy with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi streaming in the past and have no interest in loading your own media onto a USB flash drive for playback on your set.