If you’re looking for an affordable small TV for a second room, this new Roku set might be for you. It’s part of RCA (opens in new tab)‘s first range of TVs to launch in the UK, all models of which will run Roku’s smart operating system, giving them access to thousands of apps and streaming services.
RCA (Radio Corporation of America) has been around for over 100 years, beginning in 1919 as a reorganization of the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of America. It then purchased the Victor Talking Machine Company, then the world’s largest manufacturer of both records and gramophones, and also created the technology used in the first color TVs (renamed NTSC). So in TV circles, RCA is quite a big deal.
The TVs in this new RCA range are eminently wallet-friendly, as is the HD 32-inch model which is only £129.99 (opens in new tab). The larger sets are still very reasonably priced for their spec – there’s a 40-inch FHD model for £169.99 and a 4K 55-incher for £269.99. They are all available on Amazon today.
Roku’s smart operating system is the jewel in their crown. This provides access to global streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ for those with a subscription, in addition to local (and free) favorites such as Freeview Play, BBC iPlayer and All 4. There are many more video, music and utilities apps available, such as is The Roku Channel – home of the recent Strange: The Story of Al Yankovicwhich stars Daniel Radcliffe and has received quite good reviews.
Roku’s OS also offers a customizable home screen and a universal search that sorts results by price. It supports Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants and is compatible with AirPlay 2 wireless technology for one-touch casting from an iOS device.
TVs with integrated Roku operating system are also made by Hisense, TCL and Metz, although the RCA sets are all made at the company’s factory in South Wales.
Buy an RCA Roku TV and you also get 30 days of free Discovery+ when you activate your account.
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