AUSTIN, Texas—Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton today announced lawsuits against Sony, Samsung, LG, Hisense and TCL Technology Group Corp., accusing them of secretly recording what Texans watch in their homes.

Hisense and TCL are both based in China, which Paxton’s office says raises serious concerns about consumer data harvesting. The situation is exacerbated by China’s National Security Law, which allows its government to collect data on U.S. consumers.

At issue is the use of Automated Content Recognition (ACR) technology, which Paxton alleges unlawfully collects personal data. ACR software can capture screenshots of a user’s TV display every 500 milliseconds, monitor viewing in real time and transmit that information to the company without the knowledge or consent of viewers, the AG’s office said.

Consumer electronics companies can then sell the consumer data ACR collects to target ads across platforms for a profit. The attorney general alleges that the practice puts sensitive consumer information, such as passwords and bank information, at risk.

“Companies, especially those connected to the Chinese Communist Party, have no business illegally recording Americans’ devices inside their own homes,” said Paxton. “This conduct is invasive, deceptive and unlawful. The fundamental right to privacy will be protected in Texas because owning a television does not mean surrendering your personal information to Big Tech or foreign adversaries.”

The lawsuits against Sony, Samsung, LG, Hisense and TCL are available online.

SUWANEE, Ga.—Hisense, the second largest maker of TV sets in the world announced today that it has joined the 8K Association (8KA), a cross-industry group promoting the growth of the 8K ecosystem. 

“Hisense’s membership in the 8K Association marks a significant step in our ongoing mission to  enhance the home entertainment experience,” said David Gold, President of Hisense Americas  and Hisense USA. “We are eager to contribute to the 8K ecosystem and collaborate with other  industry leaders to accelerate the integration of 8K technology into the home entertainment  experience.” 

Hisense says it has been investing in  R&D to improve the resolution and image quality of its televisions and that its membership in the 8K Association “will further strengthen Hisense’s position as a leader in the television industry and  will allow the company to have a more significant influence on the development and deployment  of 8K technology.”

Currently, the only 8K Hisense TV on the U.S. market is the U800GR Roku TV.  

“Hisense’s addition to the 8K Association expands our collective of industry leaders,” said Mike  Fidler, Executive Director of the 8KA. “Their dedication to innovation and excellence in  consumer electronics will be instrumental in our shared efforts to promote 8K technology and its  benefits.” 

SUWANEE, Ga.—Hisense will introduce mass market ATSC watermark detection for NextGen TVs across its ATSC 3.0 product line, the company and Verance said. 

The addition of the watermark will make it possible for broadcasters to deliver new interactive experiences to 3.0-equipped Hisense ULED and Laser TVs via cable, satellite or antenna, they said.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Hisense, which is once again proving to be an industry leader in developing innovative NextGen TV solutions. Its embrace of the Verance Aspect watermark will serve as a driving market force for consumers to fully realize NextGen TV functionality,” said Verance CEO Nil Shah. 

The Verance Aspect watermark implements the ATSC audio A/334 watermark specification. Hisense is the first consumer electronics company to launch watermark detection commercially, thus bringing interactivity to its NextGen TV sets, they said.

Broadcasters including the watermark signal in their services enable their content to pass transparently through all distribution paths and set-top boxes. Hisense NextGen TVs will detect that signal to trigger a rich set of interactive viewer experiences, such as opt-in sports betting, fantasy sports, watch parties, personalized news and weather and advanced emergency information, the companies said. 

Without the Verance watermarking more than 80% of U.S. households that receive TV via cable, satellite or over-the-top distribution are unable to receive NextGen TV interactive services, they said.

“We are excited to expand NextGen TV interactive services to all of the viewers of national networks, local stations and cable networks regardless of how they receive their television signal, all while bringing many new interactive services to Hisense consumers,” said Douglas Kern, Hisense USA head of product marketing.

More information about the watermark is available on the Verance website.

LAS VEGAS—Hisense, Sinclair Broadcast Group and Advanced HDR By Technicolor are demoing technologies at CES 2023 showcasing high dynamic range (HDR) programming using NextGen TV, aka ATSC 3.0, broadcasts.  

Sinclair Broadcast Group is delivering high dynamic range content broadcast over the air to Hisense TVs that have integrated Advanced HDR by Technicolor solutions on display at the Hisense booth located at Tech East, LVCC, Central Hall – 16659. 

Currently 36 NextGen Broadcast (ATSC 3.0) stations owned by Sinclair transmit over-the-air content in HDR 24 hours a day, seven days a week, using Advanced HDR by Technicolor solutions. 

“The integration of Advanced HDR by Technicolor into Hisense TVs -- a brand that is rapidly growing in the United States -- means more viewers will be able to enjoy vibrant HDR content offered by leading broadcasters, such as Sinclair,” said Tony Bozzini, head of business development for Advanced HDR by Technicolor at Philips. 

The single-stream solution from Advanced HDR by Technicolor uses metadata to upconvert legacy standard dynamic range (SDR) content to HDR on devices like the U7K and U8K models of Hisense TVs, which can decode the metadata and display the enhanced signal, greatly increasing the viewing experience compared to SDR. Meanwhile, households that still need to purchase TVs capable of displaying content in Advanced HDR by Technicolor can continue to receive the highest quality SDR signal. 

“Hisense is committed to providing the best possible picture quality to consumers. With leading broadcasters, like Sinclair, offering a growing array of HDR content, especially live sports, Hisense ensures those in service areas of Sinclair’s increasing number of deployed NextGen Broadcast stations can access and enjoy the full visual benefits offered by the latest technological innovations”, said David Gold, President of Hisense USA. 

The companies noted that live sports remain a key differentiator for major broadcasters. Including Advanced HDR by Technicolor in the ATSC 3.0 standard ensures broadcasters remain the top choice for viewing live sporting events. 

“For broadcasters who put the customer experience at the top of the list, delivering the best visual image is essential. This is especially true when it comes to broadcasting live sporting events. That is why Sinclair Broadcast Group is ensuring that stations implementing ATSC 3.0 do so with Advanced HDR by Technicolor,” said Mark Aitken, senior vice president of technology for Sinclair Broadcast Group and president of ONE Media 3.0.

The demo is available at the Hisense booth located at Tech East, LVCC, Central Hall – 16659. 

NEW YORK—Hisense’s smart TV operating system and streaming platform VIDAA has announced an agreement for Google TV and other Android TV OS devices to carry VIDAA's premium sports content, which includes FIFA+.

As a long-term partner of VIDAA, Tremor International Ltd., a global end-to-end digital advertising technology platform specializing in connected TV ("CTV"), video, and data, will act as the exclusive global CTV monetization platform – specifically Tremor's SSP, Unruly – for the content across all VIDAA and Android TV OS devices.

The premium content includes the FIFA+ app, with thousands of hours of original, live and archive soccer and original programming, and The FIFA World Cup Daily, By Hisense, a new daily show filmed on-site and airing throughout the tournament.

This year's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, of which Hisense is an Official Sponsor, is expected to draw 5 billion viewers around the world. With the combined reach of VIDAA- and Android TV OS devices, the World Cup content will be available in key markets globally, with an emphasis on the UK, Canada, Latin America, Germany, Australia and Japan.

"Our relationships with Google, FIFA and Tremor International will bring scaled opportunities for advertisers to reach hyper-engaged sports fans all over the world with precision and custom creative on the biggest screen in the house," said Guy Edri, President, VIDAA. 

"Our priority is to bring our users the content they love. Through this collaboration, we're able to help World Cup fans around the world celebrate and tune in wherever they are through exclusive and engaging content across Android TV OS devices," said Jonathan Zepp, Managing Director, Media & Entertainment Partnerships, Google.

PARIS—Technicolor this week touted Hisense’s announced support for ATSC 3.0 and Advanced HDR by Technicolor in upcoming ULED TVs, saying it demonstrates how the broadcast and consumer electronics industries have converged on advancing high-quality over-the-air (OTA) and over-the-top (OTT) television.

“This is an exciting step. Technologies, like those embedded in Advanced HDR by Technicolor, will greatly enhance how consumers experience OTA broadcasts, even as NextGen TV enables broadcasters to compete even more effectively in the OTT market,” said Tony Bozzini, head of business development with Advanced HDR by Technicolor.

“The availability of free, high-quality programming – especially sports and live event broadcasts – will provide consumers who purchase the equipped ULED TVs from Hisense with immediate return on their investments," he continued. 

Sinclair Broadcast Group, a supporter of Advanced HDR by Technicolor, is continuing its aggressive rollout of NextGen TV. The availability of the new Hisense U8H and UH9 TVs with support for Advanced HDR by Technicolor ensures viewers of Sinclair’s 3.0 stations will be able to enjoy sports, local news and other programming transmitted in HDR.

“ATSC 3.0 continues to change the way the world experiences entertainment and broadcast television. More importantly, the ATSC has focused on ensuring that no one gets left behind as innovations are introduced,” said Mark Aitken, senior vice president of technology for Sinclair and president of ONE Media 3.0.

“Broadcast is one of the most ubiquitously available platforms in the market, meeting the needs of all segments of the market," Aitken continued. "Hisense is demonstrating how HDR –especially Advanced HDR by Technicolor –can enhance engagement and the user experience. It offers a clear path for the entire ecosystem, including broadcasters like Sinclair, to establish early differentiation in this fiercely competitive market.”

The new Hisense U8H and U9H, announced at this year’s CES, introduce MiniLED technology to the company’s 2022 television lineup. The sets deliver HDR performance with a bright picture, vivid color and excellent contrast. 

“Hisense, ATSC 3.0 and Advanced HDR by Technicolor are working to deliver technologies that will allow all viewers – including sports fans and gamers – to enjoy the latest next-gen features with a tear-free, stutter-free and low latency HDR experience,” said David Gold, president of Hisense USA.

More information is available on the Technicolor website.

SUWANEE, Ga.—Hisense has announced that the 8K U800GR Hisense Roku TV is now available for purchase online at Amazon and BestBuy.com

"Alongside growing screen sizes, the prospect of enjoying the best possible picture continues to intrigue many consumers,” says David Gold, president of Hisense USA. “Hisense’s ability to bring an 8K option to the table for the early adopter group is also crucial in creating even better TVs and pushing the industry forward. We’re proud to combine our high-performing and high-quality products with Roku’s massive selection of free, live, and premium TV, and be at the forefront of premium TV offerings.”

Hisense’s latest ULED Series TV model combines extraordinary 8K streaming and display, three-dimensional Dolby Atmos sound and the Roku OS, America’s #1 TV streaming platform, Hisense said. 

The U800GR Series features 8K ULED technology, Quantum Dot technology, Dolby Vision, up to 1000 nits peak brightness, and 180 local dimming zones to bring a new depth of realism to the TV watching experience. 

It also noted that viewers also experience smoother gaming sequences and scenes with the TV’s 480 Motion Rate, native 120Hz panel and auto low latency game mode and Variable Refresh Rate. 

With the 8K Upscaler, the TV analyzes content frame-by-frame and automatically adjusts the displayed image to deliver greater clarity and depth, regardless of the content resolution, Hisense said. 

The U800GR Series ships with the new Roku Voice Remote Pro.

The 75” U800GR is available now for $2,699.99 MSRP at Amazon and BestBuy.com, Hisense said. Amazon was, however, listing the TV at $2399.99. 

More information on the set’s features is available at Hisense-usa.com. 

PHILADELPHIA, Penn—In a move that could have major implications for the future of cable companies in a streaming landscape, Comcast has formally launched its XClass TV smart TV, making its entertainment and voice platform direct to consumers across the U.S., without an Xfinity subscription, both inside and outside of Comcast’s service areas.

The TVs are being manufactured by outside companies based on Comcast’s operating system for entertainment and voice services. 

The first XClass TVs from Hisense are available this week in select Walmart stores and in the coming weeks through Walmart.com.

The move is notable because it will expand Comcast’s footprint outside the areas of its traditional cable footprint and open-up opportunities for new revenue from advertising, subscription and other services.   

The smart TV launch will also create new areas of competition and cooperation between cable operators who have traditionally not competed directly for customers. 

Very notably, Comcast said that streaming apps from Xfinity and Charter will launch on XClass TV, joining the multichannel streaming services already available on the platform including Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV and Sling TV, giving consumers more options to stream live sports, shows and news directly on the TV.

It also puts Comcast in direct competition with other players, notably Roku, Google, LG, Samsung and others who offer their own operating systems and platforms for smart TVs. 

On a tech level, it also highlights the rapidly changing character of cable networks and operations, which have in recent years shifted towards streaming and broadband services. 

The launch follows Comcast’s recent introductions of Sky Glass, a new streaming TV now available in the UK, and XiOne, a new global streaming box, which are all built on Comcast’s global technology platform.  

Currently, Comcast’s platform delivers nearly five billion entertainment streams per week to customers across Comcast, Sky and its syndication partners and powers more than 75 million Comcast entertainment and connectivity devices, the company said. 

“We’re thrilled to bring our award-winning entertainment experience to smart TVs nationwide and for the first time offer consumers inside and outside our service areas a simple way to navigate their live and on demand content, whether streaming or cable,” said Sam Schwartz, chief business development officer at Comcast. “Hisense XClass TVs are the next products in a growing portfolio built on our flexible and scalable technology platform, bringing the best innovative products - whether that’s a streaming box or a smart TV - to each territory and customer segment.”

XClass TV is built on the same global technology platform that powers the company’s entertainment and connectivity products and services, including Xfinity X1, Xfinity Flex, Sky Glass and Sky Q. The platform’s technology integrates streaming, on demand, broadcast, and cable options in one place under unified voice search, discovery, apps and interactive features. It offers customers intuitive navigation across thousands of apps, movies, shows and sports with a simple voice command or remote click, Comcast said. 

The XClass TVs offer hundreds of streaming apps and services, including Peacock, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube and more.

Peacock Premium included for one year at no additional cost (a $50 value). Consumers will have access to current season hits from NBC and Telemundo, a library of exclusive favorites like "The Office," "Parks and Recreation" and "Yellowstone," hit Peacock originals like "Dr. Death" and "Saved by the Bell," and live sports including Sunday Night Football, English Premier League soccer and the Winter Olympics.

For more information on the XClass TV operating system, visit www.xclasstv.com.

LONDON—As stay-at-home orders sent streaming through the roof over the past 12 months, the TV remains the centerpiece for home entertainment. A quarter of all TV viewing in North America is now from streamed services, according to Nielsen. Households also upgraded their TV sets, setting a record for TV shipments in 2020, according to the Consumer Technology Association, which expects steady demand for displays in North America through 2021. An estimated 43 million units shipped this year will be sets over 70-inches and/or those with 8K UHD. 

TV vendors have had a tough time in recent years as consumers tended to pay more money, more frequently for smartphones. Greater attention from consumers on the value of the main screen and the maturation of a number of technical ingredients, which—combined, make for more immersive viewing experiences—has opened the window for TV makers with CES as ever the perfect place to launch a sales pitch. 

“The killer app for TV is TV,” is how Madeleine Noland, president of the ATSC, put it during a CES panel session about NextGen TV. ATSC research reveals that home viewers want higher resolution and enhanced audio (from built-in 3D speakers to sound bars and 21.1 channels). 

They also want higher dynamic range, higher frame rates and bigger displays and Filmmaker Mode, a button that sets a film’s color-palette, contrast, aspect ratio and frame rate supposedly as the director envisioned. In fact, they want the whole package to which can now be added “smart interactive personalization.” 

“What is exciting is the synergy between these consumer desires and today’s TVs, which are bringing these features to life,” she said. 

It’s been a while getting here. Michael Davies, senior vice president, field and technical for Fox Sports said on the same CES panel, that while visiting Japan last year he was “embarrassed” to admit that Fox was still broadcasting 720p SDR when the Japanese were talking about 8K. 

“We’ve been living with HDTV for 20 years,” he said. “It’s been a pretty slow roll from there. We had three 8K cameras at Super Bowl LIV but that pales beside the other 120 cameras we had there.”

AI AND UPSCALING

CTA predicts 8K TV sales will grow by 300% in 2021 albeit comprising a relatively small 1.7 million units. 

“Even in 4K there is limited content today,” acknowledged Grace Nolan, vice president, integrated marketing at Samsung. “It will be a little stretch to get to 8K on a more mainstream level—[but] we won’t get there unless the industry is pushing. It’s encouraging to see 8K games consoles [PS5 and Xbox Series X support 8K gaming] coming out. We will catch up with Japan.” 

In the meantime, vendors are relying on upscaling technology to make incoming lower-resolution pictures “8K-ish.” “We lean hard on AI and upscaling tech,” said Nolan. “The more data that is input into the TV, the better the processor is able to work to produce a more beautiful upscaled image.” 

Aside from UHD, HDR and enhanced audio, the other near universal component of TV hardware 2021 is applications for gamers. Larger, brighter screens with higher refresh rates and special gamer-only features as well as tie-ups with cloud gaming vendors should help TV brands shift more gear. 

Decoding the barrage of branding and acronyms, which go hand in hand with new TV launches is a minefield, and two in particular make for confusion this year: MiniLED and MicroLED. 

MiniLED could overtake LCD to become the main illumination source for the bulk of consumer electronics, let alone flat panel displays if news of recent developments comes to fruition. Apple is widely-rumored to be using MiniLED panels in its upcoming iPad Pro and MacBook upgrades. 

By siting tens of thousands of LEDs behind an LCD panel, combined with “dimming zones,” this technology helps deliver more precise differentiation between bright details without the light spilling into surrounding dark areas. Black levels, of course, have a direct impact on accurate color representation in SDR and HDR images but overall brightness levels are superior to those produced by OLEDs. 

MicroLED, the more expensive solution to manufacture, involves assigning microscopic LED arrays to individual pixels, therefore allowing even greater control over the picture brightness. Like OLED, this technology allows true blacks to be shown by switching any pixel off, but unlike OLED, MicroLED can deliver much brighter dynamic range and more impressive contrast. 

Compared with LCD technology, MicroLED displays offer better contrast, response times and energy efficiency. MicroLEDs form the basis of Sony’s Crystal LED screens, which it is now marketing to film and TV productions wanting to shoot on virtual sets. 

SAMSUNG

Samsung, the world’s largest TV seller, has made MiniLEDs the backlight system for its range of new NEO QLED TVs. By shrinking the LEDs to a 40th of their traditional size, Samsung is upping both brightness and black levels while allowing for more precision and less bleeding of bright areas into darker spots. 

The flagship 85-inch Neo QN900 comes with a bezel-less screen similar to the infinity screens of its Galaxy smartphone. It’s less than a centimeter thin too with the speakers embedded behind the screen. No price was given but this could cost north of $10k. 

An interesting feature is a “game bar,” which enables quick access to settings such as refresh rate and aspect ratio when attached to a PS5 or Xbox Series X. The aspect ratio can be changed from 21:9 to 32:9. It also supports 4K at 120fps, which is another must-have for gamers. 

Samsung’s CES headline generator though is its new MicroLED TVs, which come in 88-, 99- and 110-inches. Reports suggest that the largest one costs $156K and it’s only 4K. Two years ago Samsung was demonstrating this technology in an 8K 150-inch version called “The Wall” and directed at the business-to-business market. These consumer-grade monsters come with a “Multi View” feature that enables the screen to be split into four separate 55-inch pictures. Each of the four sections have their own separate volume control too.

LG

The world’s second best-selling TV brand is also introducing MicroLEDs into a range of displays it is calling “QNED.” The “Q” refers to sets’ uses of tiny “quantum dot” crystals to display colors. “N” refers to “nano cell” particles used to absorb unwanted light wavelengths to improve color reproduction and viewing angles; the ‘ED’ refers to “emitting diodes.” 

LG is packing 30,000 of these tiny LEDs into the back of its largest 86-inch screens to produce a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 when paired with up to nearly 2,500 dimming zones and advanced local dimming technology,” the company claimed. 

In a video presentation the company said, “The only way for LCDs to get bigger is for details to get more precise—hence ‘Mini-LED.’ Blacks that are deeper and more precise than any other of our LCD TVs.” 

However, LG’s premium picture quality will still be found in its OLED “Evo” range, which now comes with a new processor. During its press conference, LG said the Evo benefitted from “a new luminous element” that would deliver “punchy images with high clarity, detail and realism.” 

Gaming is a focus for LG too. It has a new partnership with Google, which will see Google Stadia run on its TVs while Amazon Twitch has earned a prized position on LG’s "magic" remote control. 

A prototype of a 48-inch OLED capable of bending 1000mm from a conventional flat screen into a curved display for greater immersion also targeted gamers.

PANASONIC

Panasonic majored on OLED and also zeroed in on gamers with its 55-inch and 65- inch JZ2000. The model is billed as having low latency and support for HDMI 2.1 variable refresh rates as well as frame rates up to 120fps. 

An AI processor can automatically detect what you’re watching or playing as well as the ambient light settings of the room you are in and calibrate settings including Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive for optimal viewing. 

As an example, Panasonic said it can detect a football game and adjust the picture accordingly to help accentuate things like the grass on the field or how players look. The AI system will also give you a sound setting that feels like you’re in the stadium, Panasonic said. 

Alongside Dolby Atmos support, the TV comes with side and upward-firing built-in speakers, which create what the company calls 360-degree Soundscape Pro. 

HISENSE

Hisense is adding an 8K up-rezzing chip to its flagship ULED TVs later this year and will promote this through its official partnership with the rescheduled Euro 2020 soccer tournament. 

Bigger news from the Chinese vendor, though, was the unleashing of a massive 300- inch version of its TriChroma laser TV. These are laser projectors that use short throw technology to display 4K images on walls but Hisense has added a smart platform—AI cameras to support interaction like online karaoke and fitness and a TV tuner. 

“Laser TV is the only TV category which experienced growth in China last year,” said CEO Fisher Yu, who added that sales had rocketed 288% outside China in 2020. 

Since launching the first laser TV in 2014, Samsung, Sony and LG have followed suit with their own ranges.

LAS VEGAS—TV brand Hisense took the opportunity of the CES 2020 stage to introduce its 2020 lineup of TV models that utilize a wide variety of technologies, from ULED to multiple content platforms to smart home capabilities.

A number of the TVs that Hisense introduced include its patented ULED technology meant to provide enhanced picture quality. One model featuring this is the H9G Quantum Dot series at its new batch of upgrades like the addition of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos image and sound technologies, as well as local dimming zones paired with Quantum Dot. The H9G has also added a built-in Google Assistant feature for voice control of the TV and other smart home devices. Similar features have been added to Hisense’s H8G Quantum series 75-inch model.

There was also the H65G series, a 4K UHD TV that features Dolby Vision, DTS Virtual: X, Motion Rate Technology and Bluetooth Audio, available in six different screen sizes.

A new model from Hisense that was on display is the L5 4K Ultra Short Throw Laser TV, which the company describes as a model to bring a cinema-like experience to any room. The L5 features a blue laser light source that can produce high-resolution and detailed images without light dispersion, says Hisense. Fast-moving images appear smooth and precise, and the model features embedded speakers with a dbx-tv audio experience.

Hisense also has a number of models that incorporate the Roku TV streaming platform. The R8F series is Hisense’s first 4K ULED Roku TV model and supports Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG, as well as featuring Motion Rate processing technology. The R6E3 Series is a 4k UHD model TV that features more than 8 million pixels with DTS Studio Sound and can be controlled by Alexa or Google Assistant devices.

The company also has a TV model that is designed specifically for the cord cutters and streamers, the H4G series. The model is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi and offers 2K pictures. It also can be controlled by Alexa or Google Assistant devices.

Updates were also made to Hisense’s XD9G 4K ULED XD TV, which was first unveiled at CES 2019. It now features Quantum Dot technology, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.

All of these TV models are on display at Hisense’s booth, 10039 in the Central Hall during CES 2020.

For more information, visit www.hisense-usa.com. 

BERLIN—Roku is coming to Europe with its Roku TV licensing program with the expected Q4 launch of Hisense Roku TV models in the U.K., said Roku CEO Anthony Wood during the ongoing IFA 2019 convention in Berlin.

The Hisense Roku TV models, being shown this week at the technology gathering, offer an intuitive operating system, thousands of streaming channels, 4K UHD resolution and High Dynamic Range (HDR).

“While consumers love Roku TV’s simplicity and advanced features, TV manufacturers benefit from the low cost of manufacturing, a variety of technology options and support from Roku,” said Wood.

Roku licenses Roku TV reference designs based on Roku OS to television manufacturers to use in their smart TVs.

“The ability to quickly bring to market a leading smart TV experience that is regularly updated by Roku and is packed with entertainment gives TV manufacturers an edge in the competitive TV business,” he added.

Television manufacturers receive the Roku TV reference platform with TV and remote control designs. Roku also provides technical support to TV manufacturers. Roku also manages the software ecosystem for all Roku TVs. This includes updating streaming channels and software.

Manufacturers interested in the Roku Licensing Program can request more information by emailing rokutv@roku.com.

LAS VEGAS—Four major consumer electronics companies this week at the 2019 International CES announced the formation of the 8K Association (8KA) with a variety of stated goals, including the promotion of 8K televisions and content.

The founding members include Hisense, Panasonic, Samsung Electronics and TCL Electronics. Samsung Display is in the process of joining the association.

The companies recently signed a memorandum of understanding to advance their common vision, the association said.

“The 8K Association will not only provide an effective introduction to 8K technology but will also accelerate the beginning of the 8K era,” said Hyogun Lee, executive vice president of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “By leading the early stages of ecosystem development, Samsung will further solidify its global leadership in the 8K market.”

Besides promoting 8K TV and content, the association will: educate consumers and professionals about the 8K ecosystem; work to secure 8K content for members; encourage OTT and other content distributors to develop 8K offerings; facilitate communications towards promoting commercialization of 8K; develop initial technical requirements for 8K input signals; and develop 8K categories and minimum image quality specifications, 8KA said.

[Read: CES 2019 TV Intros: Go Big Or Go Home]

The early focus of the association will be to support early commercialization and adoption of 8K TVs.

Japanese state broadcaster NHK has actively pursued 8K technology development, production and distribution with the goal of delivering the 2020 Olympics in the 8K resolution. 

Michiko Ogawa, Executive Officer of Panasonic noted the December 2018 launch of 8K satellite broadcasting in Japan, adding that “Panasonic strongly expect[s] this association will lead the 8K ecosystem creating both business opportunities and consumer benefits.”

More information is available on the 8K association website.

Hisense has begun shipping the next iteration of its four-year-old TV collaboration with Roku.

The R6E, a smart 4K Ultra HD set with HDR10, is more sharply priced than its predecessor, the R7, with a suggested opening retail step of $298 for the 43-inch model.

Other screen sizes, and corresponding MSRPs are:

• $328 for the 50 inch;

• $398 for the 55 inch;

• $498 for the 60 inch; and

• $648 for the 65 inch.

That compares to a suggested $799 retail for the 65-inch R7.

Like the R7, the R6E features a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 30 watts of sound, and access to half a million movies and TV shows that can be streamed from more than 5,000 channels, thanks to its onboard Roku OS.

[Read: Is 8K Gaining Traction?]

Peter Erdman, marketing and business development VP at Hisense USA, said the latest Roku addition was prompted by “a positive response from consumers about the R7.”

The R6E will start hitting retail shelves and websites this month, beginning with Walmart.

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TOKYO—Toshiba is selling its TV production, brand, R&D and operations to Hisense Electric Co., Ltd, a publicly listed subsidiary of Hisense Group.

Hisense will purchase 95 percent of the stock shares of Toshiba Visual Solutions Corp. (TVS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toshiba Corp., for 12.9 billion yen ($113 million), with Toshiba retaining 5 percent stock holding. The deal allows Hisense to license the Toshiba brand for 40 years for visual solution partners operating in Europe, South East Asia and other markets.

Hisense will also take ownership of two TVS factories in Japan.

In a statement, Liu Hongxin, Hisense Group CEO, said his company would optimize TVS's resources in R&D, supply chain and global sales channels, and that both businesses will support each other in display technology, provide competitive content operation services for smart TVs for the global market, and accomplish fast growth in Japanese market.

Toshiba, once a major player in the global TV market, is struggling after its U.S. nuclear plant arm, Westinghouse Electric, rung up a $9 billion net loss for its parent due to significant cost overruns at four reactors under construction in the U.S. Westinghouse has filed for bankruptcy and is seeking a buyer.

This story first appeared on TVT's sister publication TWICE.