Posted Mon Jan 6, 2014 at 11:00 AM PST by Steven Cohen
The company is partnering with TCL and Hisense to manufacture its own Smart TVs.
Roku, the company behind the Roku 3 Streaming Media Player and several other popular streaming devices, has announced plans to license and integrate its software platform into Smart TVs. The initial lineup of Roku TV models will be manufactured by TCL and Hisense.
"Consumers will enjoy the ease and satisfaction of Roku TV while manufacturers leverage our design specifications, content relationships and software expertise. At the same time the content community will gain additional distribution and revenues through an already popular and trusted streaming platform – now in the TV," said Roku Chief Executive Officer Anthony Wood. "I'm very excited about our partnerships with TV manufacturers and the first Roku TV models planned for release this fall from TCL and Hisense."
The new Roku TV platform aims to simplify current Smart TV design, giving users a more streamlined and convenient experience. A home screen serves as a hub for all the TV's content, making it easy for consumers to access live shows and streaming media, which includes the full Roku Channel Store that offers more than 1,200 channels with 31,000 programming options. In addition, the TV's remote features a similarly simplified design and users can also control the display with their mobile devices using the Roku app.
Pricing has not been detailed yet, but Roku TV models ranging from 32-inches to 55-inches are expected to hit US stores in the fall. Both TCL and Hisense will have their Roku TV models on display in their booths at CES.
Source: Roku
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
The latest news on all things 4K Ultra HD, blu-ray and Gear.