Samsung TV owners in the UK are in for a significant upgrade as UKTV announces the addition of its free-to-air linear channels to Samsung screens. This enhancement allows viewers in the UK to access a variety of bonus content without the need for extra devices for the first time.
The channels will be accessible over the internet, eliminating the requirement for a traditional aerial setup. Samsung will introduce a dedicated rail on its home screen to showcase content from the U streaming service, making it easier for viewers to discover classic comedies, dramas, and factual shows without navigating through menus or settings.
In the near future, Samsung TV users can expect channels like U&DRAMA, U&Dave, U&Yesterday, U&W, and U&Eden to be directly accessible through a deep link in Samsung’s Universal Guide leading into the U app.
Samsung anticipates that this rollout will reach millions of its TVs, with the channels appearing in the ‘Live’ tab and Universal Guide on the platform, ensuring easy access to UKTV’s live and on-demand content for viewers relying solely on internet-based TV.
Jonathan Newman, General Manager of Commercial at UKTV and BBC Studios UK and Ireland, emphasized the strengthened partnership with Samsung, stating that the collaboration enhances accessibility to the U app for Samsung customers and maintains visibility of UKTV’s diverse content across on-demand and live channels.
Dan Harvie, Vice President of Home Entertainment and Appliances at Samsung UK and Ireland, highlighted the significance of UKTV’s role in Samsung TVs’ entertainment lineup. He expressed the company’s commitment to enhancing the entertainment experience by providing access to a wide array of broadcast content through partnerships like the one with UKTV.
Although an official launch date has not been announced yet, Samsung TV users can look forward to these new features becoming available on their devices soon.