Sharp is announcing a new lineup of Roku TV models for the U.K., available in sizes ranging from just 24-inches all the way up to 65-inches. They’re pretty run-of-the-mill in terms of their display and functionality, but the affordable price tag may well be enough to entice those who’re looking for a bargain-basement alternative to Android TVs.
The Sharp Roku TVs come with regular LCD displays, but the company promises some nice and sharp, realistic and colourful pictures, with support for high dynamic range formats such as Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG on all 4K models. There will also be some HD models available in the selection, which support HDR10 only. Dolby Audio Technology is also on board to help enhance the audio quality and ensure the sound experience is more immersive.
It’s a pretty standard set of features, and the main attraction may well be the localised version of the Roku TV platform, which offers a fully customisable home screen that allows users to set up content access to their liking. There’s a built-in tuner for live broadcast channels, and WiFi connectivity for access streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV. Because the Roku TV platform is localised, it also offers access to U.K. streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, My5 and NOW.
If that’s not enough, Sharp says users can also access the Roku Channel Store and find hundreds of additional free and paid streaming channels. Roku TV also offers an integrated search experience to discover titles, actors and directors across all integrated channels and services, with the search results ranked by the price of access.
“Sharp Roku TV models bring the popular Roku TV experience to consumers, with easy access to live TV, streaming services and free entertainment,” said Arthur van Rest, VP International at Roku.
Another nice feature of these TVs is their compatibility with existing smartphones. Simply download the free Roku mobile app on iOS or Android and your phone will be able to act as a remote control for the TV, while enabling voice search and private listening through the phone’s speaker or connected headphones or buds. The TV also integrates with smart homes, connecting to voice assistants such as Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri. Further, the TVs support Airplay 2 and Miracast for smartphone screen mirroring.
Sharp said the new Roku TVs will go on sale at retailers such as Asda, Currys, Amazon, Very.co.uk and others in August, with prices ranging from £150 for the smallest 24-inch display, up to £450 for the largest 65-inch model.
