Roku already offers its own soundbars and speakers. But the company wants devices from other brands to also work seamlessly with its TVs. This is where the Roku TV Ready program comes into play. Launched in January 2020, it is a certification program that lets third parties develop products that quickly link up with Roku TVs. The functionality is similar to Google’s Fast Pair feature for Bluetooth devices such as TWS earbuds, which enables an Android smartphone to discover compatible devices nearby and lets users quickly connect to them with a single tap. Likewise, Roku TVs will automatically detect Roku TV Ready-certified soundbars and speakers as soon as you plug them in. Your TV set will then turn off its speakers and switch the audio output to the connected device. You can control the device using the Roku remote. Everything from audio settings to volume control is integrated within the Roku TV’s interface. Roku provides its partner manufacturers with an “easy-to-implement SDK” for developing the products. The company also launched a wireless soundbar reference design at CES 2021.
Roku TV Ready gains support from more brands, the program expands globally
TCL was the first to launch a Roku TV Ready soundbar. Its Alto R1 arrived in January last year, just a few days after Roku announced the new program. Polk Sound parent company Sound United, which also owns several other audio brands including Denon, Marantz, Class A, and Boston Acoustics, also signed up for the program alongside TCL. Since then, Roku has added a bunch of other companies to its Roku TV Ready program. Additionally, it has also expanded the program to international markets. Bose is reportedly prepping to launch a few compatible devices in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Mexico soon. “Roku TV Ready makes it easier than ever to set up and use a Bose TV speaker for an improved audio experience. We are excited to bring this option to more Roku TV owners across the globe,” said Doug Cunningham, Bose vice president of Product and Experience. You can expect several other big names to launch Roku TV Ready audio products in the future.
