You probably know Roku best for its media streamer boxes, but Roku wants to power TVs, too. Sharp is the latest TV manufacturer to join the Roku TV initiative. So what about Sharp’s plans for Android TV?
Sharp TVs with Roku built-in
Sharp and Roku announced the partnership today. It comes shortly after Sharp was announced as a partner for Google’s Android TV platform, and it is currently unclear what is going on here. Sharp has been struggling to make its TV business profitable and has started licensing the Sharp brand to other manufacturers in some regions, which might explain things. But we still need confirmation.
Nevertheless, Sharp has started selling two TVs with the Roku OS built-in. The TVs will offer all the apps that you know and love from your Roku TV box. The 42 and 50-inch models feature 1080p resolution. Roku’s 4K platform is still not ready for prime time.
Sharp’s Roku TV are available exclusively through Best Buy
in the US for $380 and $500, as well as Canada.
Roku also announced that the new Insignia Roku TVs will be available this month, also from Best Buy. The 32” and 55” Insignia TVs will sell for $230 and $550. With the addition of Sharp, Roku now has a total of five partners; Sharp, TCL, Haier, Hisense, and Insignia.
