Streaming device maker Roku has announced that it will enter the gaming show with two lines of Roku-branded TVs. The new models will complement third-party sets that currently leave the Roku Smart TV interface behind and are the next logical step in the company's expansion into hardware manufacturing following the advent of branded soundbars and wireless speakers. Roku in XNUMX and XNUMX.
The next two Roku TV lines are the Select and Plus series, with the latter offering local dimming LED backlights. There will be eleven models altogether, with screen sizes ranging from XNUMX inches to XNUMX inches. Les details sur la résolution de l'écran et la prize en charge HDR n'ont pas été redus libres dans le release de presse que la société a programmé pour coincider avec le début du CES XNUMX, well that all the models are censés être expédiés in spring.
The main difference between the Select and Plus TVs seems to be the latter series' inclusion of a Roku Voice Remote Pro feature that allows for hands-free voice commands. Meanwhile, top models will come with a standard Roku voice remote with a built-in microphone that offers push-to-chat control.
The Roku launch also includes a new Roku TV wireless soundbar that will integrate with new Roku wireless sets and other speakers, and has a shipping date of spring XNUMX.
Roku OLED TV Reference Design
In addition to the new TVs and soundbar, Roku announced the availability of a premium OLED reference design that company associates can use as the foundation for future Roku-branded OLED TVs. Although no Roku-branded OLED TVs were announced for CES, this news notes that cheaper third-party OLED Roku TVs may be available later in XNUMX or XNUMX.
Analysis: Roku TVs were a must, but an OLED Roku TV is a welcome surprise
Roku products have always ranked among the best streaming sticks, and models like the Streaming Stick 4K remain a popular choice due to their mix of affordable and desirable features like Dolby Vision HDR support.
However, the streaming hardware market has become very competitive, with companies like Amazon with its Fire TV Stick 4K Max selling streaming sticks that compete well with Roku in terms of features and cost. Even Apple has dropped the cost of its latest-generation Apple TV 4K to the point that someone buying a Roku streamer could estimate Apple hardware on their site.
At the same time, the Roku interface used by TV brands like TCL and Hisense has also won competition from Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, and now TiVo. Clearly, Roku needs to diversify to stay competitive, and home entertainment hardware is the obvious answer. With Roku-branded wireless soundbars, speakers, subwoofers, and even smart family devices now on the market, Roku-branded TVs were a must.
The bonus for viewers here is that Roku hardware has always been sold at affordable prices, and the company's upcoming TVs, which top out at $XNUMX for a XNUMX-inch model, will follow. that pattern and they're also going to provide some fierce competition for Amazon itself. Fire TVs. . We can't wait to hear more details about the new Roku TVs, and in particular about a future OLED model that, based on value alone, could end up on our list of the best OLED TVs.