Corona, Calif. — TCL expanded its selection of LCD TVs incorporating the Roku TV operating system to 10 with the shipment of seven new models that join three models shipped earlier in the year.
The new models appear in the 3800 Design and top-end 3850 Decorator series, both of which will be available later this month in-store and online at major retailers nationwide. They’ll join three lower-priced 3700-series models available since March.
The selection of 10 Roku TVs is up from four Roku TV SKUs offered by TCL in 2014.
All of TCL’s Roku TV models also carry the Netflix Recommended TV designation, indicating they meet select performance criteria.
The TCL Roku TV 3800 series consists of the 32-inch 32S3800 at $229, 40-inch 40FS3800 at $339, and 50-inch 50FS3800 at $479, all with 1080p FullHD resolution and 120Hz refresh rates on all models that are 40 inches and larger. A 48-inch model previously planned is not included. The 3800-series TVs come with a quad pedestal stand.
The top-end 3850 series features four models: the 32-inch 32S3850 at $249, 40-inch 40FS3850 at $359, the 50-inch 50FS3850 at $529, and the 55-inch 55FS3850 at $699. The 3850 series adds a metallic gunmetal finish and all-aluminum quad pedestal stand.
The currently available 3700 series consists of three models from 32 to 55 inches, with the 32-inch model sporting 720p resolution and 60Hz refresh and the other two stepping up to FullHD and 120Hz refresh rates.
All models also feature built-in Wi-Fi to access streaming services and display smartphone content.
By incorporating the Roku OS smart-TV platform, Roku TVs access all of Roku’s streaming audio and video services, which consists of more than 2,000 streaming channels including Sling TV and WatchESPN. The Roku TV platform is also promoted as simplifying content selection by putting all video sources — TV, Roku streaming services, and connected sources such as game consoles — on a homescreen UI. The TVs also display video, pictures and audio sent wirelessly from a smartphone or tablet running a Roku app.
Netflix Recommended TVs undergo an evaluation program whose criteria include instant-on capability to display apps, including a prominently displayed Netflix app, as soon as the TV is turned on; a dedicated Netflix button on the TV’s remote; the latest version of Netflix; fast app launch and resume, and fast playback start.
Roku has expanded its Roku TV program to include select Sharp TVs. Best Buy’s Insignia brand has also announced plans to offer its first Roku TVs this month in Best Buy stores and BestBuy.com.
Haier and Hisense also plan to offer Roku TV.
