Roku “announced” its Pro-tier series of TVs at CES, but provided few details at the time. But now we're firmly into the season where 2024 TVs really begin. shipmentSo today, the company is sharing more information about what sets these models apart from its own-brand budget TVs released last year and the many Roku TVs available from other manufacturers.
Like Roku's other products, the appeal all comes down to simplicity and ease of use. These TVs will automatically adjust and optimize their picture (and brightness) from scene to scene based on the content being displayed. Roku calls its version “Smart Picture Max” and says its image quality engineers are obsessed with performance. A less advanced version, Roku Smart Picture, is coming to all Roku TVs (including those from other companies) as part of an upcoming operating system update.
We already knew that the Roku Pro series would use Mini LED panels, but now the company has confirmed that they will feature 120Hz refresh rates for smooth gaming. Roku is also checking the boxes for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and VRR support. They also have Wi-Fi 6 for smooth streaming. And as for HDR, you get Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10 Plus.
Roku is also building on the success of Samsung's Frame TV by rolling out a new feature it calls Backdrops. You can choose from a variety of art, “including famous classics, museum collections, abstract designs and more,” to display on your TV when you're idle. At least for now, Backdrops don't cost anything, but at a press conference, company executives hinted that they could become another source of monetization as time goes on. (Samsung charges a subscription for its art store at The Frame.)
The Pro series TVs will come with Roku's second-generation Voice Remote Pro, which now has backlit buttons and a rechargeable battery (with USB-C charging) while retaining the custom shortcut button. The TVs have side-mounted speakers and support Dolby Atmos “for wide, cinematic sound.”
Roku is also bringing some thoughtful touches to the TV. There's a remote location button right on the side (shaped like a Roku remote) and the company will sell an optional $99.99 slim profile wall mount that has a hinge and kickstand to make life easier when do Occasionally it is necessary to access those HDMI ports or other hardware components.
Roku Pro Series TVs are available starting today in 55-, 65-, and 75-inch sizes, ranging in price from $899.99 to $1,699.99. Obviously, those prices are significantly higher than the company's previous sets, but they're still somewhat aggressively priced for the Mini LED sets. You can order them from amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. Stay tuned for a review in the coming weeks to see how Roku fares against Hisense, TCL and others who have been selling impressive Mini LED TVs for years.
