Roku Debuts OTA/OTT Hybrid 4K Device for Pay TV Partners

Roku took the wraps off a new over-the-air/over-the-top hybrid device for its pay TV and telco operator partners worldwide, with Australia’s Telstra being the first to sign on for a deployment.

In addition to being equipped with a terrestrial TV tuner, the new box also supports 4K and High Dynamic Range (HDR) video formats.

Roku has added the device to a “Roku Powered” license program for pay TV partners, enabling them to use Roku’s TV-connected hardware with customized interfaces.

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Telstra, which joined Roku’s program in 2015, plans to introduce the new 4K HDR hybrid streaming player for its TV service later this month.

“Our new 4K HDR hybrid streaming player is ideal for countries where over the air TV is available. It really brings together entertainment sources in a clever way, so consumers can watch live and on demand entertainment with one single remote control,” Andrew Ferrone, vice president pay TV at Roku, said in a statement.

Others on board with Roku Powered include Sky (in the U.K., Republic of Ireland, Germany, Austria, Italy, and Spain), Econet/Kwese TV (South Africa); PLDT and Globe Telecom (Philippines).