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Roku is entering the OLED TV market for the first time, launching the Pro Series and Pro Series LX lines. The new models are intended as a response to the growing availability of cheaper OLED TVs. The company focused on 55- and 65-inch sizes and features useful for both movie watching and gaming. The cheaper models use 120 Hz panels, while the higher-end Pro Series LX can run at 144 Hz. Prices start at $999, although sales have so far been announced only for the U.S. market.
Roku Pro Series OLED focuses on low price
The core lineup is the Roku Pro Series OLED TVs, which use an OLED panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate. The manufacturer declares 95 percent coverage of the DCI-P3 color 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 polarizing anti-reflective layer that helps reduce light reflections in more expensive models. Roku positions these TVs directly against models such as the LG B6/B6E, Samsung S85H, and Sony Bravia 6. The company is leveraging the fact that the baseline picture quality of OLED TVs is already very high. That does not mean the new Rokus will compete with the most advanced premium TVs. More expensive designs use, among other things, Tandem WOLED and QD-OLED panels, which can deliver better picture performance. Examples of such devices include the LG G6, Samsung S95H, and Sony Bravia II. The Roku Pro Series OLED is available in 55- and 65-inch sizes. The smaller variant costs $999, while the larger one costs $1,200. For now the TVs are available only through Amazon in the United States. The manufacturer has not announced larger screen sizes.
Pro Series LX offers a better panel and 144 Hz
Higher-tier Pro Series LX models are set to receive more advanced OLED panels. Roku has applied a polarizing layer to them to reduce reflections from ambient light. Pro Series LX TVs also support refresh rates up to 144 Hz. The manufacturer also claims a wider color 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, for example, in LG's C-series and the Samsung S90. The Pro Series LX ships with 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. The TVs support HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, as well as Dolby Atmos audio. Users also get HDMI 2.1 with VRR and ALLM. Other features include backlit remote buttons, AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth 5.2. Pro Series LX will go on sale in October, with the 55-inch pre-order price set at $1,300 and the 65-inch at $1,600.
Roku is bringing OLED TVs to its lineup for the first time, and the cheapest 55-inch model is priced at $999. The base Pro Series features a 120 Hz panel, while the Pro Series LX adds 144 Hz, higher brightness and improved anti-reflective performance. Both lines come with Roku OS, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and HDMI 2.1 with VRR and ALLM. So far Roku has announced only 55- and 65-inch variants, and sales of the new models have begun or will begin in the U.S. market.
source: flatpanelshd
