Celebrating its 50th anniversary and in the first part of European rollout for such sets, Hisense is to make available in the UK Roku TV models from retailer Argos on 29 November.
The smart TVs are powered by the Roku OS and are designed to off offering consumers a premium TV experience at an affordable price. The TV models offer consumers a customisable home screen, and access to the Roku Channel Store where consumers can pick and choose from over 5000 streaming channels including popular streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video and NOW TV. Hisense Roku TVs also include Freeview Play, bringing live TV and on-demand content from BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4 and My5.
Hisense Roku TV models will be available in 43”, 50”, 55” and 65” screen sizes offering HD, 4K and 4K HDR and can be controlled with a remote control or through the free Roku Mobile App for iOS and Android devices. The mobile app also enables consumers to cast photos and videos to their Roku TV and use voice search.
“We are incredibly proud to launch the first Roku TV models in the UK,” commented Arun Bhatoye, senior marketing manager at Hisense. “These new 4K TVs offer stellar picture quality, endless entertainment and an affordable price. We are now just days away from the UK’s first Roku TV models to hit the stands; it’s a very exciting time.”
Bart Bomers, VP EMEA at Roku, added: “We are thrilled to launch Roku TV in Europe, starting with the UK. Roku TV models have been incredibly popular in the US for years. Roku TV models simply offer a fantastic smart TV experience. [They are] simple to use, packed with entertainment and deliver exceptional value.”
Offering Roku on Hisense sets was a partnership made in heaven noted Paolo Pescatore, technology, media and telecoms analyst at PP Foresight. “Viewers are starting to get frustrated as to where and how to watch their favourite TV shows. They no longer want another TV set-top-box or download another app. Hisense do great looking hardware while Roku bring these TVs to life with a great range of content.
“These TVs are packed with sought after features at a jaw dropping price. Access to a wide range of content from a simple user interface will strongly resonate with consumers. The biggest challenges will be standing out in a crowded market. More so as these TVs will only be available at Argos for now. Both companies need to be available in more retailers like John Lewis as they’ve done in the US.”