Samsung TV owners in the UK are set to receive a significant upgrade at no cost, providing access to a wealth of bonus content. UKTV has announced that its popular free-to-air linear channels will soon be accessible on Samsung screens, allowing UK viewers to enjoy content without the need for extra 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 like U&DRAMA, U&Dave, U&Yesterday, U&W, and U&Eden will be directly accessible through Samsung’s Universal Guide via a deep link into the U app.
Samsung estimates that millions of its TVs will receive this update, with the channels being featured in the platform’s ‘Live’ tab and Universal Guide. This integration aims to enhance the visibility of UKTV’s live and on-demand content for viewers who rely on internet-based TV services.
Jonathan Newman, the General Manager of Commercial at UKTV and BBC Studios UK and Ireland, emphasized the strengthening of the partnership with Samsung through this agreement. He highlighted that the deal will enhance accessibility to the U app for Samsung customers and ensure a wide range of UKTV content remains prominently available across video-on-demand and live channels.
Dan Harvie, Vice President of Home Entertainment and Appliances at Samsung UK and Ireland, expressed the importance of UKTV in enriching the entertainment offerings on Samsung TVs. He mentioned the commitment to providing customers with an outstanding entertainment experience by granting access to a diverse range of broadcast content through collaborations like the one with UKTV.
Although a specific launch date has not been disclosed, the new features are anticipated to roll out on Samsung TVs soon, further enhancing the viewing experience for users.