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Roku enters the OLED TV market for the first time, launching the Pro Series and Pro Series LX. The new models are Roku's response to the growing availability of cheaper OLED TVs. The manufacturer has focused on 55- and 65-inch sizes and on features useful for both watching movies and gaming. The cheaper models have 120 Hz panels, while the higher-end Pro Series LX can run at 144 Hz. Prices start at US$999, though for now sales have been announced only for the US market.
Roku Pro Series OLED targets a low price point
The entry line is the Roku Pro Series OLED, which uses an OLED panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate. The manufacturer claims 95 percent coverage of the DCI-P3 colour space. In terms of the panel used, the new TVs resemble the cheaper OLED SE models introduced earlier this year. However, the Pro Series lacks the polarising anti-reflective layer that helps reduce light reflections in more expensive models. Roku is positioning these TVs directly against rivals such as the LG B6/B6E, Samsung S85H and Sony Bravia 6. The company is banking on the fact that the baseline picture quality of OLED TVs is already very high. That doesn't mean the new Roku models will compete with the most advanced premium TVs. More expensive designs use, among others, Tandem WOLED and QD-OLED panels, which can deliver better picture performance. Examples include the LG G6, Samsung S95H and Sony Bravia II. The Roku Pro Series OLEDs are available in 55-inch and 65-inch models. The smaller variant is priced at $999, while the larger one costs $1,200. At the moment the TVs are available exclusively through Amazon in the United States. The manufacturer has not announced larger screen sizes.
Pro Series LX offers an improved panel and 144 Hz
The higher‑positioned Pro Series LX models will get more advanced OLED panels. Roku has applied a polarising layer designed to reduce reflections from room lighting. The Pro Series LX TVs also support refresh rates up to 144 Hz. The manufacturer also claims a wider colour gamut and higher brightness. According to Roku, peak brightness should be twice that of the base models. This is similar to the capabilities of OLED EX panels used in, among others, LG's C series and Samsung's S90. The Pro Series LX includes the Roku Voice Remote Pro with USB‑C charging. The TVs also support Wi-Fi 6. Both lines run Roku OS, which provides access to popular streaming services and content up to 4K with Dolby Vision. They support HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, as well as Dolby Atmos audio. Users also get HDMI 2.1 with VRR and ALLM support. Also included are backlit remote buttons, AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth 5.2. The Pro Series LX will go on sale in October, with the 55‑inch model available for pre‑order at US$1,300 and the 65‑inch at US$1,600.
Roku is introducing OLED TVs to its lineup for the first time, with the cheapest 55-inch model priced at US$999. The base Pro Series features a 120 Hz panel, while the Pro Series LX adds 144 Hz, higher brightness and better protection against reflections. Both lines come with Roku OS, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and HDMI 2.1 with VRR and ALLM. For now Roku has announced only 55- and 65-inch variants, and sales of the new models have begun or will begin in the US market.
source: flatpanelshd
