Update (3/10 3:45pm): The first Roku-enabled 4K UHDTVs have landed over at Best Buy with prices starting at $399.99 shipped.
Roku is continuing its expansion in the world of HDTVs as it licenses its technology to manufacturers. After announcing the first 4K sets last year at CES, it is kicking of the 2016 show with news of increased expansion and fresh TCL UHDTVs. All told, Roku plans to release some sixty new models with its built-in OS system in 2016. Brands like TCL, HiSense and Insignia have seen steady growth since introducing its partnership with Roku. According to Roku’s press release, over one million units have shipped.
Head below for more details on upcoming 4K UHDTV releases, plus Roku’s plan for a Reference Series line of products and a deal on the previous generation 48-inch 1080p model.
Roku plans to release the first 4K UHD resolution television with full integration of its streaming media player operating system. This news comes on the heels of Roku’s latest set-top release that added 4K functionality. It’s no secret that interest in 4K television and content is picking up as Netflix and Amazon Instant Video have started streaming the higher resolution medium. This Black Friday we saw some of the best 4K UHDTV deals across the entire spectrum, with prices hitting $350 or less.
While 2015 didn’t bring as much success with 4K televisions as Roku would’ve hoped, it’s banking on a solid performance this year. The streaming media player service will continue its strategy of hooking up with second-tier manufacturers like TCL, Haier and others. Roku plans on undercutting major players in this category while alluring customers customers with its familiar streaming interface. While the ability to play Netflix or other subscription services was once a luxury, most HDTVs now ship with smart functionality built-in or consumers can add it for just $35 with a Chromecast. By partnering 4K resolution with Roku’s operating system, these brands hope that their lower-priced offerings will entice users away from big brands like Samsung and Sony.
We also expect high-dynamic range or HDR televisions to be a big trend out of CES this year. Roku doesn’t want to miss out on this feature set either. Also included in today’s press release is details on a new HDR reference design that implements Dolby’s Vision technology. TCL will be the first partner to release Roku’s TV HDR reference design, an availability date has yet to be announced.
“The introduction of 4K UHD TCL Roku TV models is a significant step in our partnership with Roku,” said Chris Larson, vice president of sales and marketing, TCL. “We’re confident we’ll deliver one of the richest experiences available on a 4K smart TV, and that consumers will love the complete 4K entertainment package these TVs deliver. TCL is also thrilled to be one of the first partners using the new Roku TV HDR reference design to enhance the great picture quality of TCL Roku TVs.”
Along with today’s news, the TCL (48DS3700) 48-inch 1080p 60Hz Roku Smart LED HDTV dropped to $349.99 shipped over at Amazon. This highly-rated HDTV regularly goes for $400 or more, today’s price is the lowest that we’ve tracked on this model. Features include three HDMI inputs, 60Hz or 120Hz effective refresh rates and Roku’s streaming platform with over 2,000 channels.
Be sure to keep it locked to the entire 9to5 family of sites as we cover latest Apple, Google, electric vehicle and consumer technology news out of CES 2016.
[9to5-press-release]
Roku Plans for Continued Roku TV Expansion in 2016; Announces Roku TV HDR Reference Design
LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–At CES 2014 Roku Inc. unveiled Roku TV™, a smart TV platform licensed to TV OEMs, with the goal of providing its TV partners with a cost-effective solution to build the best smart TVs in the industry using the Roku® OS. Roku TVs combine the simple, personalized home screen, 3,000+ streaming channels and powerful search and discovery features of the Roku OS with sleek hardware designs and affordable prices, making them some of the most-awarded, highly sought after smart TVs available today. Now, with approximately 8% smart TV market share* in the U.S., and one million Roku TVs in the homes of consumers at the end of 2015 alone; Roku enters 2016 with plans for the first 4K UHD Roku TV models, the introduction of the Roku TV HDR reference design, and its TV OEM partners expect to introduce nearly 60 Roku TV models.
“We’re very pleased with the success of Roku TV since the launch of our licensing program in 2014. Consumer response and engagement has been tremendous, and our TV partners have secured great retail placement and stellar product reviews that have led to strong sales results,” said Chas Smith, general manager of OEM for Roku. “We expect momentum for Roku TV to accelerate as we continue efforts to add new TV partners while expanding our work with existing partners to bring many more Roku TV models to the U.S., Canada and soon Mexico.”
Delivering the Next Era of Roku TV
Beginning this spring, consumers are expected to be able to purchase the first 4K UHD Roku TVs that combine the full Roku TV experience with the beautiful picture and detail of 4K UHD resolution. Much like the recently launched Roku 4 streaming player, 4K UHD Roku TV models will help consumers easily find entertainment with access to what is expected to be one of the largest lineups of 4K UHD streaming channels available on a smart TV, and unique features such as Roku’s 4K Spotlight Channel. TCL®, the fastest growing TV brand in America, is the first Roku TV partner to announce a 4K UHD Roku TV, with multiple models expected to hit store shelves this spring. 4K UHD TVs from additional Roku TV partners are expected to be available this year.
Roku is also releasing the Roku TV HDR reference design for TV partners to incorporate HDR technology into future 4K UHD Roku TV models. Roku is working closely with Dolby® to implement support for Dolby Vision™ HDR into the reference design. The Roku TV HDR reference design will also include support for the HDR 10 standard. TCL will be an initial TV partner to integrate the Roku TV HDR reference design.
“The introduction of 4K UHD TCL Roku TV models is a significant step in our partnership with Roku,” said Chris Larson, vice president of sales and marketing, TCL. “We’re confident we’ll deliver one of the richest experiences available on a 4K smart TV, and that consumers will love the complete 4K entertainment package these TVs deliver. TCL is also thrilled to be one of the first partners using the new Roku TV HDR reference design to enhance the great picture quality of TCL Roku TVs.”
More Models, More Regions, More Choice
In 2015, nearly 40 Roku TV models were available from five TV partners including Haier, Hisense, Insignia, Sharp and TCL with models ranging in size from 28” to 65”. Entering 2016, Roku TV is well positioned for growth as the company’s TV OEM partners are expected to introduce nearly 60 Roku TV models. Availability is also expanding into more countries with TCL Roku TVs expected to hit store shelves in Mexico in the first half of the year. This international expansion follows the successful spring 2015 launch of Roku TV in Canada with models available from both the Insignia and Sharp brands.
Always Up-to-Date Smart TV Experience
Roku TV models receive software updates to deliver an always up-to-date streaming entertainment experience. In 2015, Roku OS updates for Roku TV models included the Roku Feed, a feature that lets consumers follow actors, directors and titles to automatically receive updates when favorite entertainment becomes available to stream – including which streaming services have it available and at the lowest price. A software update also enabled Voice Search for Roku TV customers using the Roku Mobile App for iOS and Android devices, helping them quickly search for entertainment across more than 20 top streaming channels.
Three Distribution Paths to Customers
Roku TV is one of three ways Roku distributes its powerful operating system (Roku OS) purpose-built for the TV screen. The Roku OS also powers Roku streaming players such as the new Roku 4, as well as streaming players offered by pay TV operators around the world as part of the Roku Powered™ program.
Roku TV Presence at CES
Roku TV models, including the new 4K UHD TCL Roku TV, will be on display at the Pepcom Digital Experience! event from 7:00 to 10:30 pm on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016 at the Mirage Hotel. CES attendees can also see Roku TV models on the show floor in the Haier, Hisense and TCL booths.
* Based on smart TV retail sell-in data from IHS and Roku data
About Roku, Inc.
Roku is the creator of a popular streaming platform for delivering entertainment to the TV. Roku streaming players and the Roku Streaming Stick® are made by Roku and sold through major retailers in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., the Republic of Ireland, France and Mexico. Roku licenses a TV reference design and its operating system to TV OEMs to create co-branded Roku TV models. Under the Roku Powered™ program, Roku licenses its streaming platform to pay TV operators around the world who want to use the Internet to deliver entertainment services through streaming players. Roku was founded by Anthony Wood, inventor of the DVR. Roku is privately held and headquartered in Saratoga, Calif., U.S.
Roku and Streaming Stick are registered trademarks and Roku TV and Roku Powered are trademarks of Roku, Inc. in the U.S. and in other countries.
TCL is a registered trademark of TCL Corporation.
[/9to5-press-release]
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