Roku “announced” its Pro-tier series of TVs back at CES but provided little in the best way of details on the time. But now, we’ve firmly entered the season when 2024 TVs begin actually shipping, so today, the corporate is sharing more on what sets these models aside from its self-branded budget TVs released last 12 months — and the various Roku TVs available from other manufacturers.
Like Roku’s other products, the appeal all boils all the way down to simplicity and ease of use. These TVs will mechanically adjust and optimize their picture (and brightness) from scene to scene based on what content is being displayed. Roku calls its version “Smart Picture Max” and says its picture quality engineers have obsessed over performance. A less advanced version, Roku Smart Picture, will likely be coming to all Roku TVs (including those from other firms) as a part of an upcoming OS update.
We already knew the Roku Pro Series would use Mini LED panels, but now the corporate has confirmed that they’ll feature 120Hz refresh rates for buttery smooth gaming. Roku’s also checking off the boxes for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, auto low latency mode (ALLM), and VRR support. They’ve also got Wi-Fi 6 for smooth streaming. And as for HDR, you’re getting Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10 Plus.
Roku can also be capitalizing on the success of Samsung’s Frame TV by rolling out a latest feature it calls Backdrops. You can pick from a wide range of art — “including famous classics, museum collections, abstract designs, and more” — to display on the TV when it’s idle. At least for now, Backdrops don’t cost anything, but on a media briefing, the corporate’s executives hinted they might turn into one other source of monetization as time goes on. (Samsung charges a subscription for its art store on The Frame.)
The Pro Series TVs will include Roku’s second-generation Voice Remote Pro, which now has backlit buttons and a chargeable battery (with USB-C charging) while preserving the custom shortcut button. The TVs have side-firing speakers and support Dolby Atmos “for wide, cinematic sound.”
Roku can also be constructing some thoughtful touches into the TV. There’s a distant locator button right on the side (shaped like a Roku distant), and the corporate will sell an optional $99.99 slim-profile wall mount that has a hinge and kickstand to make life easier once you do occasionally have to access those HDMI ports or other hardware components.
The Roku Pro Series TVs can be found starting today in 55-, 65-, and 75-inch sizes, starting from $899.99 to $1,699.99. Obviously, those prices are significantly higher than the corporate’s previous sets, but they’re still priced somewhat aggressively for Mini LED sets. You can get them organized at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. Stay tuned for a review in the approaching weeks to see how Roku fares against Hisense, TCL, and others which were shipping impressive Mini LED TVs for years.
