TCL and Hisense Announce Roku TV Availability


TCL and Hisense are getting ready to release the first Roku TVs into the market. We've seen Roku Ready TVs that bundle the MHL version of the Roku Streaming Stick with MHL-equipped displays, like the Sanyo FVF5044 and the JVC EM55FTR, but these new models represent the first HDTVs with Roku built-in, and will start hitting stores this fall.


Both companies' new Roku TVs use Roku OS, the operating system found in Roku media hubs, as their interfaces. Roku OS controls both access to Roku's content channels and the HDTVs' own settings, using a modular, two-pane interface to navigate menus. Roku OS lets smartphone and tablet users both directly control and stream media to their Roku TVs through Roku's free Android and iOS apps, just like separate Roku devices.


Roku currently offers over 1,500 different content channels, with new channels getting released daily. Most major content providers are already supported by Roku, including YouTube, Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, and HBO Go. Roku OS integrates content search across many of these services, letting users see if and how a title is available through multiple channels.


TCL and Hisense's Roku TVs each come with their own versions of Roku's remotes, modified to double as direct HDTV controllers. The remotes retain Roku's oblong, capsule-style design, but add four dedicated content provider buttons for Netflix, Amazon, Rdio, and Vudu, along with volume controls. The volume controls are for the HDTVs themselves, and the remotes lack the headphone jacks found on the Roku 2 and Roku 3, and the placement of some buttons on either company's version of the remote differ slightly.


TCL's Roku TVs include four models in its FS4610R series ranging from 32 to 55 inches and featuring 120Hz panels. The 32-inch 32FS4610R is a 720p display and will retail for $229, while the 40FS4610R, 48FS4610R, and 55FS4610R are 1080p screens and will respectively retail for $329, $499, and $649. All four HDTVs are available for preorder now, and are scheduled to ship in the next month.


Hisense's H4 series includes 40-, 48-, 50-, and 55-inch models. The 40- and 40-inch screens sport 60Hz panels, while the 50- and 55-inch screens feature 120Hz panels. Hisense has not specified suggested retail prices for any of the models, and will leave pricing completely up to retailers' discretion. All four Hisense H4 HDTVs are expected to ship in September.


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