Roku has bulked up its integrated TV strategy, albeit temporarily for the holiday buying season, with integrations on two HD models from LG Electronics being sold at Best Buy – a 55-inch model that’s on sale for $549.99, and a 65-inch version that runs $999.
But this work between Roku and LG isn't part of a long-term deal, at least not yet. Those models are available via a “limited-time promotion with Best Buy,” according to CNET, which first reported on the new LG-Roku combos.
Still, the connection with LG broadens Roku’s overall integrated TV strategy. Roku, which recently introduced a 4K-capable streaming player (the Roku 4) also has TV deals with Haier America, Sharp, TCL, Hisense and Insignia, which is Best Buy’s in-house brand.
LG, meanwhile, told CNET that the Roku partnership centers on “entry-level” series models and that its own webOS platform will continue to power its core smart TV lineup.
"As part of a limited-time promotion with Best Buy, LG is offering one entry-level series of TV with non-LG Smart TV technology this holiday season. While the Roku platform was chosen for this brief, cost-competitive promotion, LG's own webOS platform remains at the core of our extensive Smart TV lineup," the TV maker told CNET.
Roku, meanwhile, expanded on its Black Friday deals. Starting tonight, it will offer discounts on the Roku Streaming Stick ($39.99); the Roku 3 ($79.99); and the recently announced Roku SE (special edition, $25). On the Roku TV end, it’s hawking a 32-inch TCL Roku TV for $125, and a 55-inch TCL model for $348.
