Roku, the makers of set top boxes which stream internet video content to TVs, has struck a deal to place its software inside TVs made by two of the largest TV makers.
The firm’s set top boxes have long been a populate buy amongst tech-savvy TV viewers and in the UK have been used by Sky as the basis for its NOW TV box.
In addition to Sky’s portfolio of film, sport and entertainment channels, Roku boxes also offer access to video streaming service Netflix and catch-up players such as iPlayer and 4oD.
Today’s deal with TCL and Hisense will see the Roku software embedded in TVs, eliminating the need for a separate set top box.
Between them, TCL and Hisense accounted for around 10% of the worldwide TV market in 2012, shipping more than 21m TV sets.
“Consumers will enjoy the ease and satisfaction of Roku TV while manufacturers leverage our design specifications, content relationships and software expertise. At the same time the content community will gain additional distribution and revenues through an already popular and trusted streaming platform – now in the TV,” said Roku Chief Executive Officer Anthony Wood.
“I’m very excited about our partnerships with TV manufacturers and the first Roku TV models planned for release this fall from TCL and Hisense.”
