Roku 4K TVs due this spring


Details

Michelle Clancy

| 05 January 2016




Leading online video enabling technology provider Roku is prepping for a 4KTV launch later in 2016.



The company announced that it now claims an 8% smart TV market share in the US, with one million Roku TVs in the homes of consumers at the end of 2015. As Roku enters 2016, it’s planning the first 4K UHD Roku TV models and the introduction of the Roku TV HDR reference design, while 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 programme in 2014,” said Chas Smith, general manager of OEM, Roku. “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. 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 US, Canada and soon Mexico.”

Much like the recently launched Roku 4 streaming player, 4K UHD Roku TV models will help consumers find 4K entertainment features such as Roku’s 4K Spotlight Channel. TCL is the first Roku TV partner to announce a 4K/Ultra HD Roku TV, with multiple models expected to hit store shelves this spring. 4K/Ultra HD 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.”