Roku TVs Coming In 2016
At CES 2014 Roku 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 smart TVs using the Roku OS. Roku TVs combine the personalized home screen, 3,000+ streaming channels and search and discovery features of the Roku OS. 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.
Beginning this spring, consumers are expected to be able to purchase the first 4K UHD Roku TVs. 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 features such as Roku’s 4K Spotlight Channel. TCL is the first Roku TV partner to announce a 4K UHD Roku TV, with multiple models expected to hit store shelves this spring.
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 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.
In 2015, nearly 40 Roku TV models were available from Haier, Hisense, Insignia, Sharp and TCL with models ranging in size from 28" to 65". Availability is expanding into more countries with TCL Roku TVs expected to hit store shelves in Mexico in the first half of the year.
Roku TV is one of three ways Roku distributes its 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.