Samsung TV owners in the UK are set to receive a significant upgrade that will bring a wealth of bonus content to their screens at no extra cost. UKTV has announced that its popular free-to-air linear channels will soon be accessible on Samsung TVs, allowing UK viewers to enjoy these channels without the need for additional devices for the first time.
The channels will be streamed over the internet, eliminating the requirement for a traditional aerial setup. Samsung will also introduce a dedicated section on its home screen to showcase content from the U streaming service, making it easier for users to discover and watch classic comedies, dramas, and factual shows without navigating through menus.
In the coming months, channels such as U&DRAMA, U&Dave, U&Yesterday, U&W, and U&Eden will be accessible through a direct link from Samsung’s Universal Guide to the U app. Samsung anticipates that millions of its TVs will receive this rollout, with the channels appearing in the platform’s ‘Live’ tab and Universal Guide, ensuring that UKTV’s live and on-demand content remains prominently featured for viewers who rely on internet-based TV services.
Jonathan Newman, General Manager of Commercial at UKTV and BBC Studios UK and Ireland, expressed enthusiasm for the enhanced collaboration with Samsung, stating that the agreement will enhance accessibility to the U app for Samsung customers and maintain visibility of UKTV’s diverse content offerings across video-on-demand and live channels.
Dan Harvie, Vice President of Home Entertainment and Appliances at Samsung UK and Ireland, emphasized the importance of UKTV’s role in Samsung TVs’ entertainment offerings. He highlighted Samsung’s commitment to delivering an exceptional entertainment experience by providing access to a wide range of broadcast content through partnerships like the one with UKTV.
Although an official launch date has not been announced, the new features are expected to roll out on Samsung TVs in the near future, enhancing the viewing experience for users.