These HDTVs will be MHL-compliant, capable of supporting the Roku Streaming Stick.
Westinghouse Digital will showcase during CES 2013 a new line of LED-lit HDTVs for 2013 that will be Roku Ready. So far pricing and availability is unknown, but we'll know more soon.
According to the company, these HDTVs will feature Mobile High Definition Link (MHL) compliance which will allow users to plug in an HDMI-based Roku Streaming Stick, a flash-stick sized device containing the Roku streaming platform. The TV will then be recognized by the user's home network "within minutes", turning it into a Smart HDTV packed full of streaming video, games and more.
"The new Westinghouse TVs with Roku are designed to be future-proof," said Rey Roque, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Westinghouse Digital. "Westinghouse Digital believes MHL-Compliant displays are the future of the connected TV market. Consumers are no longer forced to buy a smart TV only to have it become outdated two years later when new technology is released."
Roque added that with the Roku Streaming Stick, consumers can upgrade "a fairly inexpensive piece of hardware" instead of being forced to spend hundreds of dollars to buy a new HDTV in order to gain the latest and greatest streaming options.
The Roku Stick currently retails for $99.99, and includes built-in dual-band 802.11 b/g/n connectivity, a separate game remote with motion control, and support for 1080p streaming video -- it doesn't even require separate power or video cables. Programming includes Hulu Plus, HBO Go, Crackle, Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Angry Birds and more.
Westinghouse said that in addition to introducing a 60-inch IPTV during the show, the company will also introduce a full line of edge-lit LED TVs, with models ranging from 28 to 60-inches, as well as a new series of 4K UHDTV models.
The Roku Stick requires an MHL port, not an HDMI. Similar looking, but different.
can't you just connect a small PC to the TV? or be like me and have my main PC hooked up to it for big screen gaming lol
Go Go Gadget.... TV!
I totally agree! But for those who are less tech savvy, I think this is a much better idea. Also, it should make the TV's cheaper since it will be shipping without the smart TV hardware.
Until they 'upgrade' from MHL to something else. Think about it. If they offload the 'smart' part of the TV, TV's go back to being relatively simple appliances that you won't be upgrading as often. Not good for the business models of the manufacturers.
To a point. Anything over a certain price point (typically $800 and above) is less likely to have consumers willing to upgrade to the latest version. This works best on iPhone/iPad and similar since the price point is more manageable for upgrading and ability to sell/trade mobile devices for latest model is common. With that being said I wont buy another LED TV until 4K is affordable :-P