This week in Digital Media: Roku 2, inexpensive, easy-to-use. Will others follow?

On Monday (8/7), Roku released an updated version of its media player, drawing more attention from the tech world and media consumers alike. While the improvements to the device are minimal, as described here, the device’s release sparks more interest as a possible prototype for other companies, and a glimpse into what might be the future for digital media content.

Is this the beginning of the end for physical copies of digital media? In a previous post we discussed the possible meaning behind the re-pricing structure of Netflix streaming services. It was thought that the new pricing was an attempt to usher consumers away from using hard copies of media. After looking at the capabilities of this device, and similar ones like it, the case for owning a Blu-Ray or DVD player is quickly losing its value.

Consumers want their media delivered to them with the least amount of cost and effort. The platform with more content and distribution will always trump the other, regardless of its quality; e.g.- VHS vs. Laserdisc, and Blu-Ray vs. HD-DVD (in both cases, the later competitor lacked popularity due to its limited selection) Despite the fact that DVD does outnumber the number of digital rentals, this will not be for long.

By no means is the Roku player the only media device of this sort. But what it is doing is showing that consumers can get streaming movies for free (via Crackle) and access many other applications at only the cost of the device, and their network connection (which most people presumably have). Whether the consumer chooses to purchase services like Hulu Plus or Netflix, is up to them. But with many people going through severe cost cutting, streaming on demand movies and TV shows is a clear choice for budget conscious consumers.

With more buzz surrounding streaming devices, combined with a push to cut back on physical copies of media, expect to see devices like the Roku 2 popping up.