As announced earlier this year, Roku today announced that its Pro Series TVs, its line of high-end TVs, are now available in the US
Starting today, the Roku Pro Series TVs will be sold in Best Buy stores and online. There are three sizes to choose from – 55, 65 and 75 inches – with prices ranging from $899 to $1,699.
Compared to the Roku brand’s first smart TVs – the Select and Plus series – the Pro series features a slimmer design that can be mounted flush to the wall. (Roku also sells a wall-mount kit for $100.) Sound has also been improved thanks to new side-firing speakers that provide improved sound clarity, spatial effects, and deeper bass. Like the Roku Plus TVs, the Pro Series features HDR10+ and Dolby Vision for a cinematic experience, as well as 4K QLED displays and local dimming.
Photo credit: Year
In addition to the launch of the Pro Series, Roku announced new software updates for all Roku TVs designed to improve the viewing experience.
The most notable feature is Smart Picture, which uses AI and machine learning to automatically adjust image quality to match the content. For example, when you watch a basketball game, the Roku TV recognizes it as sports content and selects sports mode, which adjusts brightness and colors to provide the best experience.
“Think of Roku as the smart TV assistant that automatically selects the best picture mode for you,” explained Lei Yu, head of product at Roku, during a demo briefing with the press last week.
Photo credit: Year
Smart Picture mode is enabled by default. However, you can adjust the settings in Settings. For example, you can tell it to automatically adjust the contrast when watching movies.
Roku also introduced Backdrops, a decorative background that replaces your TV’s boring blank screen when not in use. You can choose from a variety of artworks and upload a collection of your favorite family photos.
In the coming months, Smart Picture and Backgrounds will roll out to all Roku TV models in the US
Other improvements to the Roku TV experience include the introduction of IMDb ratings and trailers on a TV show or movie’s details page. There’s also a smarter feature for saving lists of new badges in the top right corner of titles to indicate price drops or new episodes or seasons.
Photo credit: Year
Finally, Roku revealed details about its second edition Voice Remote Pro, such as a larger battery and USB-C charging. It’s the first Roku remote with motion-activated backlit buttons.
There are also two new buttons: a Live TV Guide button to quickly jump to over 400 free live, linear channels, local news and live sports, and a programmable shortcut button that you can program to that she accesses the search, connects Bluetooth headphones or turns on your favorite station.
The new remote is included with the Pro Series, which has a dedicated remote search button on the side of the TV. It’s also available as a standalone accessory for $30. The remote will be available at other major retailers in the coming months.