In early 2022, Sharp will return to the American consumer market after six years in order to sell smart televisions with Roku streaming capabilities. Nikkei Asia reports that the parent company, Foxconn, will assemble the 50- to 75-inch liquid crystal display TVs with superhigh-definition 4K display. With these televisions, buyers will be able to use Roku software, which allows viewers to watch movies and shows on Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and lots more.
Sharp Corp. says the new televisions will have “features that take full advantage of 4K technology bring you the purest, most vibrant colours, immersive sound, and easy access to all of your favourite entertainment media.”
You can bet that the TVs will also put the Roku Channel front-and-center. Roku’s free ad-supported video service is among The Streamable’s picks for Best Free Streaming Video Services.
Why Did Sharp Leave the U.S. Market?
Sharp no longer sold TVs in the Americas after reaching a brand licensing agreement with Hisense, a Chinese home electronics maker. In 2016, the Taiwanese Foxconn Group took control over the majority of Sharp Corporation and planned to terminate the deal with Hisense, ultimately filing a lawsuit in 2017. A year later, both companies dropped the case and ever since then, Sharp has been devising a way to re-enter the United States television market.
What Devices Does Roku Have?
The Roku is a media streaming device that allows you to watch live TV streaming services and on-demand streaing services.
- Four versions of streaming players: Roku Express, Roku Express 4K+, Roku Streaming Stick+, and Roku Ultra.
- Two “Smart Soundbar” devices called the Roku Streambar and the Roku Streambar Pro.
The Devices are Compatible With:
Live TV Streaming: DAZN, DIRECTV STREAM, ESPN+, Frndly TV, fuboTV, Hulu Live TV, Philo, Sling TV, Spectrum TV Essentials, Vidgo, XFINITY Instant TV, and YouTube TV.
On Demand Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, BritBox, CuriosityStream, discovery+, Disney+, Hallmark Movies Now, HBO Max, Hulu, IMDb TV, MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, NCAA March Madness Live, Netflix, NFL Sunday Ticket, Paramount Plus, Peacock, Pluto TV, Roku Channel, SHOWTIME, STARZ, among many, many others.
Roku Channel
The Roku Channel is a free live TV streaming service that provides 350+ live linear streaming channels and more than 80,000 free movies and TV shows. The library contains entertainment from several different decades, including some major hits.