Samsung TV owners in the UK are in for a significant upgrade as UKTV prepares to introduce its popular free-to-air linear channels to Samsung screens. Viewers will soon have access to a range of bonus content without the need for extra devices, marking a first for UK audiences.
The channels will be streamed over the internet, eliminating the requirement for a traditional aerial setup. Samsung will enhance the viewing experience by featuring a dedicated section on its home screen to showcase content from the U streaming service, making it easier for users to discover classic comedies, dramas, and factual shows without navigating through menus.
In the upcoming months, Samsung TVs will offer direct access to channels like U&DRAMA, U&Dave, U&YESTERDAY, U&W, and U&eden through a deep link from the Universal Guide into the U app. This rollout is expected to reach millions of Samsung TVs, integrating UKTV’s live and on-demand content seamlessly into the platform’s ‘Live’ tab and Universal Guide for viewers relying on internet-based TV.
Jonathan Newman, UKTV’s General Manager of Commercial at BBC Studios UK and Ireland, emphasized the strengthened partnership with Samsung, stating that the collaboration will enhance accessibility to the U app and ensure prominent visibility of UKTV’s diverse content.
Dan Harvie, Samsung’s Vice President of Home Entertainment and Appliances for the UK and Ireland, highlighted UKTV’s pivotal role in Samsung’s entertainment offerings. He expressed the company’s commitment to providing customers with an exceptional entertainment experience by granting access to a broad spectrum of broadcast content through partnerships like the one with UKTV.
As the leading TV brand globally for two decades, Samsung remains dedicated to enhancing the viewing experience through innovative solutions. The collaboration with UKTV underscores Samsung’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive entertainment ecosystem that integrates UKTV’s content with services such as Samsung TV Plus and built-in broadcast app access.
Although an official launch date has not been disclosed, Samsung TV users can anticipate these new features rolling out in the near future.