There’s some good news for those looking for budget-priced Smart TVs: This week, Roku has announced the launch of Polaroid Roku TV models, set to be sold exclusively in… Asda supermarkets.
This move is another step in the retail landscape for Smart TVs, which were traditionally found in electronics stores or online, but are now often seen next to the grocery aisle.
This comes on the heels of the recent unveiling of the Sharp Roku TV models, indicating a growing trend of Roku’s operating system being utilised by various manufacturers.
The Polaroid brand, once synonymous with instant cameras, has been licensed by different manufacturers since the original company’s bankruptcy in 2001.
The new Polaroid Roku TVs, manufactured under this brand, are available nationwide in Asda stores from today (see more tech details below).
The initial offering will be a 55″ screen size, at a price of £349, with a promise of more sizes to be introduced later in the year.
Roku, known for its user-friendly streaming platform, has been steadily gaining traction in the UK TV market.
Roku’s primary hardware offer (especially in the UK) is the set-top streaming devices, with the Roku Express, Roku Express 4K and Roku Streaming Stick 4K (see our full Roku comparison).
Roku TV models, including the recently announced Sharp Roku TVs, along with TCL, Hisense, Metz and others – and now the Polaroid Roku TVs – offer Roku’s simple, intuitive interface, a powerful search function, and automatic software updates, enhancing the user experience over time.
Roku Polaroid TVs Coming To Asda
Asda shoppers will be familiar with the ‘Polaroid’ brand – as the chain was selling low-cost Smart TVs carrying this brand in the past.
The new Polaroid Roku TV models, soon to be available at Asda supermarkets, come equipped with a range of technical features.
The 55” 4K model supports Dolby Vision, an advanced HDR imaging technology that enhances picture brightness and contrast.
This is complemented by Dolby Audio, which aims to provide clear and powerful sound, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
The TV also includes HDMI inputs with HDMI 2.0, which allows for easy connectivity with other devices, such as game consoles or streaming devices.
The TVs also support Airplay 2 and are compatible with popular voice assistants, including Apple Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant.
The design of the Polaroid Roku TV models is sleek and slim, providing more viewing space.
Despite the advanced features, these models are intended to be affordable and accessible, offering a balance between advanced technology and simplicity.
Freeview Play Support (But No Recording)
One of the important features of the new Polaroid Roku TV models is the support for Freeview Play.
This allows users to access a wide range of live TV channels and on-demand content from popular broadcasters, synched with Freeview’s EPG.
It includes channels such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and My5, providing a comprehensive TV viewing experience, along with Roku’s vast library of apps – such as Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Paramount+ and many others.
However, it’s important to note that while Freeview Play offers a wealth of streaming content, these Polaroid Roku TV models do not include recording features.
This means that while users can enjoy live broadcasts and catch-up TV, they won’t be able to record shows or movies for later viewing.
This lack of recording functionality is a common characteristic of many Smart TVs, including the recently launched Sharp Roku TVs.
The focus is on providing a seamless streaming experience, with the assumption that the vast array of on-demand content available through various apps and services will meet the viewer’s needs.
For actual recordings – you would have to get a Freeview Recorder Box.
The Polaroid Roku TV 55″ 4K (£349) model is available nationwide in Asda stores from today.
“Our customers will love Polaroid Roku TVs for their simplicity, advanced features and affordability. We expect them to fly off the shelves when they hit stores this week”, said Joanna Stenhouse, TV Buying Manager at Asda.
So, next time you go grab a pint of milk in your nearest Asda – you’re likely to see a Roku TV sitting nearby.