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Roku-powered TVs now let you skip the set-top box
With scads of set-top boxes and sticks on the market, you could just choose a basic TV and play the field. But if you like Roku enough to shack-up, HDTVs from TCL and Hisense powered by the Roku OS are finally available. You can access the usual array of Roku content, including 1,500 channels like YouTube, Netflix, Hulu Plus and Amazon. The company's iOS and Android apps also work on the TVs to stream and control your content, just as they do with Roku streaming devices. Rather than Roku's standard remotes, however, you'll get custom TCL and Hisense models with prominent buttons for Netflix, Amazon, Rdio and Vudu (no headphone jacks though). TCL has four models from 32- to 55-inches, with the top-end 1080p model running $649, while the Hisense lineup has 40- to 55-inch 1080p models and pricing to be set by retailers. You'll be able to grab them starting next month.
A closer look at TCL and Hisense's Roku TVs
It's only been hours since the little black box maker introduced Roku-loaded TVs and now we're getting our first look at a few sample sets from Hisense and TCL. The sets we saw were of the 48 to 55-inch variety and were all accompanied by standard Roku remotes. The company's representative pointed out that we can expect the standard 20-button remote, with different manufacturers controlling the overall design. The 48-inch TCL set that we saw has a 1080p, 60Hz display and contained a Sigma UXL processor. Roku has yet to release pricing details, but said we will be seeing that closer to launch. For a closer look, check out the gallery below.
