The first Hitachi TVs with Roku’s TV platform are now available in the US. Hitachi will offer three TVs ranging from 50” to 65”, all with Ultra HD resolution. Prices start at $499.

Roku welcomes Hitachi
Roku says that these are” the first ever 4K Ultra HD Hitachi Roku TV models”. Roku is probably best known for its streamer boxes but the company has also started licensing the Roku OS to TV manufacturers.

The Hitachi TVs will be available in 50, 55 and 65” sizes. All three offer Ultra HD resolution and a quad-core processor to power the Roku OS platform. From the Roku user interface you have access to popular services such as Netflix, HBO Now, Hulu, Amazon Video, and Vudu.


The new Hitachi TVs do not support HDR (High Dynamic Range). Roku’s platform technically supports HDR but for now it is reserved for the company’s own line of streamer boxes that were upgraded in late September.

4K streaming is available from Netflix, Amazon, Vudu, and others. Roku is also highlighting a “4K Spotlight” channels that curates 4K content from many of the popular streaming services. 


Roku grows its share of Smart TV pie
Roku used the opportunity to say that it has grown its share of the US Smart TV pie from 8% at the end of 2015 to 12% in the first half of 2016.

On top of that you can add Roku’s media boxes that are amongst the most popular boxes for video streaming in the US together with Apple TV, Chromecast, and Amazon Fire TV.

It appears that Roku’s strategy of partnering with TV manufacturers plus selling own-branded streamer boxes is working. With Hitachi on board there should be over 100 different Roku TV models available in the US this year.

Hitachi 55” 55R7 is available exclusively from Sam’s Club for $599. The 50” 50R8 and 65” 65R8 will cost $499 and $999, respectively, and arrive later in October.a