Roku has announced it is further expanding the Roku TV™ licensing program to Europe. Showcased this week at IFA, a world leading consumer tech show in Berlin, attendees can see the first Hisense Roku TV in action in hall 26, booth #234 and hall 6.2 booth #201.
Hisense is the first European Roku TV partner and is expected to launch Roku TV models in the UK later this fall. TV makers can license Roku TV reference designs and use the Roku OS to quickly build leading world class smart TVs. Roku TV was first introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2014, and today 100+ models are available from 10+ brands in North America. Roku estimates that in the first half of 2019 more than one-in-three smart TVs sold in the U.S. were Roku TVs, making the Roku OS the #1 selling smart TV OS in the U.S.
“While consumers love the simplicity, advanced features and price competitiveness of Roku TV, manufacturers recognize that it is a superior smart TV solution. Most, if not all, TV OEMs will eventually license a TV OS. Creating an easy-to-use consumer experience that is packed with entertainment gives an edge to TV manufacturers. Maintaining, or even improving it over the years makes it even better,” said Roku CEO and Founder Anthony Wood. “Unlike other TV operating systems, the Roku OS is built specifically for TV and keeps adding functionality and new entertainment over time. Roku TV enables TV manufacturers to offer consumers a better and always up-to-date entertainment experience and we are pleased to announce bringing new options to European markets.”
Simple Entertainment Experience for Consumers
Roku TV simplifies the TV experience for consumers by removing complicated layers using powerful software. Roku TV models give consumers a customizable home screen that combines all their entertainment sources in one place, including live programming, streaming movies and TV shows, and music from multiple providers. Roku TV models can be controlled with either a simple TV remote or with the Roku mobile app. With the Roku mobile app consumers can stream entertainment to their Roku TV, search for new shows or movies with their voice or enjoy private listening with headphones of the TV audio.
Maintenance-Free, Low-Cost Smart TV Platform for Manufacturers
TV manufacturers receive the Roku TV reference platform complete with TV and remote-control designs as well as certified broadcast middleware and streaming software and technical support to manufacture the best TV experience. A variety of hardware options are available to choose from – such as 2K, 4K, different SOC technology levels, voice, private listening, and more. Roku TV models provide full access to the Roku Channel Store with thousands of streaming channels, universal search, Roku Connect for seamlessly connecting soundbars and wireless speakers, and more. Roku maintains the entire software ecosystem for all Roku devices, including obtaining and updating streaming channels and delivering new features with regular software updates.
Availability and Pricing
Hisense Roku TV models are expected to be available for purchase this fall in the UK, in sizes ranging up to 65 inches. Hisense Roku TVs combine Roku’s intuitive and easy to use operating system, including thousands of streaming channels, with Hisense’s picture and screen technologies delivering 4K Ultra HD resolution and enhanced detail and contrast levels of HDR. Hisense Roku TVs bring an affordable yet enhanced viewing experience to UK consumers. Pricing, features, models and sizes will be announced by Hisense later this year.
