If you like the idea of a Roku TV but have been reluctant to buy into a brand you’re not familiar with, then you may be interested to know that Sharp is now partnering with Roku and will soon be offering several models of TVs that run on Roku’s operating system.
Sharp is now the fourth and most recognizable TV brand to make a Roku TV, following Insignia (Best Buy’s house brand which was also just added), Hisense and TCL.
“We believe the benefits of the Roku platform combined with the superiority of the Sharp brand makes an appealing combination for consumers looking for a great smart TV experience,” said Vishnu Rao, director of technology planning for Sharp Electronics, in a press release.
The Roku TV home screen can be personalized to feature TV entertainment choices, various devices such as game consoles, cable boxes and Blu-Ray players, as well as other streaming channels like Netflix and Hulu. The service also provides access to the Roku Channel Store, which features more than 2,000 channels, with movies, TV shows, live sports and more all available.
The models will also feature Roku Feed, which informs customers when their most wanted shows and movies are available to stream and how much doing so would cost. After selecting a movie or show to follow, Roku will send automatic updates regarding when the program is available, or any changes to its status, such as a price drop.
Roku TV is controlled through a separate remote designed specifically for the platform. If you’re so inclined, you can also download the Roku TV app on any iOS or Android compatible device, which will let you cast Netflix, YouTube and other entertainment directly onto your TV.
Currently Sharp’s Roku line is limited to two TVs, both sold exclusively through Best Buy on only available for in-store pickup: a 43-inch for $380 and a 50-inch for $500. Both models are 1080p, LED sets with three HDMi inputs and one USB port.
