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RCA will launch budget Android Ultra HD TVs, Roku Ready 1080p versions and even curved LCDs
As predicted, CES 2014 is featuring a flood of Ultra HD televisions, and they're not all from the big names. RCA is at Digital Experience showing off a 65-inch version of its new series with 3,840 x 2,160 res screens. Manufactured by On Corporation, they're also smart TVs, including the Android TV platform (formerly known as Google TV), complete with Search, Chrome and the PrimeTime guide, plus Miracast for screen mirroring. The LED-lit TVs will ship in 55-, 65- and 84-inch variants later this year and while they don't have pricetags yet, we're expecting these to come in at a lower price, similar to previous TVs from the brand. Not ready to make the 4K jump? RCA will also have Roku Ready TVs that ship with the Streaming Stick packed-in available in a multitude of sizes, Android-packing 1080p TVs, and even promises two curved LCDs in 46- and 55-inch sizes.
Roku takes $60 million in funding, wants to be the front end for your TV
Despite its image as an underdog, Roku knows how to court some heavy hitters in the TV business: on top of a total $80 million in previous investments, it just received a $60 million boost this week. The new funding round has BSkyB and News Corp returning with checkbooks in hand, but it also includes a fresh contribution from Hearst, which wants Roku's help in building services for its TV channels. The media hub maker is getting more than partnerships in return, however. It's using the cash to expand its Roku Ready program, which now includes 24 hardware partners. The company's Anthony Wood ultimately wants Roku software to be commonplace -- it can be an "operating system for televisions," he tells The Hollywood Reporter. While there's no guarantee that Roku will reach that kind of ubiquity, it may well have the cash to get there.
Roku celebrates 700 channel milestone with new partners: Coby, Harmon Kardon and others now Roku Ready
Sure, Roku's compact Streaming Stick will happily pipe streaming content to any MHL-ready TV, but there's nothing like the guarantee of certification to convince you you're buying the right flatscreen. Roku has announced partnerships with six more hardware manufacturers, ensuring future devices from Hisene, Harmon Kardon, Coby, Voxx Accessories, Apex and TCL will be "Roku Ready." New TVs from partners old and new will be on display at CES, Roku teased, all flaunting the Streaming Stick's access to a wealth of streaming content. There's news on that front too, Roku says its devices now offer access to over 700 channels of streaming entertainment. Brands such as Blockbuster On Demand, PBS, SyFy, VEVO and Fox Now give consumers choices from some of the top brands in streaming video, the company says in a press release, with services like Amazon's Cloud Player and Big Fish Unlimited's casual gaming portal rounding out the Roku experience. Read the announcements for yourself after the break. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
