If you are a fan of Roku's Smart TVs, then you'll be pleased to learn that the company has inked a licensing deal with Hitachi America, Ltd., thanks to the latter's Hitachi Roku TV models offer to consumers this year.
Come fall, Hitachi will introduce a new lineup of smart TVs in various display sizes, which run on Roku's OS and offer 4K Ultra HD and HD resolutions.
On Thursday, June 29, Roku TV's General Manager Chas Smith revealed in a blog post that it was working in tandem with Hitachi America for the impending launch of the Hitachi Roku TV.
"Hitachi Roku TV models will feature a simple, personalized home screen, 3,000+ streaming channels and powerful search and discovery features. Both HD and 4K Ultra HD Hitachi Roku TV models in a variety of screen sizes will be available this fall," disclosed Smith.
Hitachi is the third manufacturing partner that has come on board with Roku TV. The company already has smart TVs that have been made by TCL and the Haier and Best Buy-owned Insignia.
Having a Roku Smart TV basically means that users can access Roku's streaming channels and do so without using the Roku Streaming Stick or the set-top box.
"Roku offers us everything we need in a smart TV solution — a cost-effective way to produce great TVs that run a powerful operating system, access to a compelling streaming channel store and software features that make it easy for consumers to find and discover entertainment," noted Hitachi's Bill Whalen.
Neither Roku nor Hitachi America have divulged any information on the display sizes of the impending HD and 4K UHD Hitachi Roku TV models. It is also not known how many HD and 4K Ultra HD models Hitachi America will be pushing out this fall. Details on how much the TVs will cost or their exact release date are not known.
TCL currently has a 40-inch LED Roku TV model, which is priced at $300. The 32-inch LED 720p model is cheaper and costs $170. If we were to take an educated guess, Hitachi's 4K UHD model will be priced higher than the HD version, and the latter's pricing should be in the similar price range of TCL's models.
Roku TV's with UHD and HD resolutions generally come in display sizes that range from 24 inches to 65 inches. With Smith promising that more details on the Hitachi Roku TV models will be shared "in the coming months," we have a short wait ahead!
