Marantz America announced today the addition of Roku streaming services to their 9004, 8004, 7004, and 5004 series Blu-ray players ... in a round-about way, but one that should please Marantz fans. 

Unfortunately, the players, which range from $549 to $5,999, won’t get these services via a firmware upgrade or even a mail-in hardware upgrade. Instead, Marantz is offering a free Roku HD box via mail in rebate for anyone who buys an eligible player from an authorized dealer between now and March 31, 2010. 

While a valiant effort to compete with the plethora of streaming services most down-market CE brands are offering in Blu-ray players, it seems like Marantz may be a little too round-about here without a true firmware streaming solution. At the same time, this shows that higher-end consumers aren’t thumbing their nose at streaming services the way many higher-end dealers and custom-installers have tended to. 

While not the most elegant solution, it’s nice to see such a brand trying to service those interested in streaming content. Maybe Marantz’s 2010 model line will show a more integrated approach?

Stephen Hopkins

Stephen Hopkins is chief technology editor for EH Publishing. He writes product reviews, features, and focuses heavily on 3D TV, iPhone and iPad apps, and digital content.