From later this year, Samsung Smart TV users will be able to live stream a selection of top free-to-air channels from UKTV without needing an aerial via Samsung’s Universal Guide.
- U&Drama, U&Dave and U&W among channels covered by a new deal with Samsung
- On-demand content from the BBC’s commercial arm will be more prominent
- Development could be the start of an alternative to Freely
UKTV has agreed a partnership deal with Samsung that makes UKTV’s Freeview available to internet-only Samsung TV viewers in the UK for the first time, and continues to ensure U streaming content is easily accessible to Samsung TV customers.
The BBC Studios-owned UKTV is the broadcaster behind the U streaming platform and channels including U&Dave, U&Drama and U&W.
How does the deal affect me?
The deal announced Monday secures a dedicated rail on the Samsung home screen for U content.
It also means Samsung TV users in the UK will be able to access UKTV’s free linear channels on Samsung TVs via the internet without the need for other connections, such as an aerial, for the first time.
Starting “later this year”, U&Drama, U&Dave, U&Yesterday, U&W and U&eden will all be delivered to Samsung TV viewers via a deep link from Samsung’s Universal Guide into the U app.
That means Samsung TV viewers won’t need to rely on the Freeview signal to watch. The services will become available in better picture quality than the current Freeview SD signal.
The U app is available on all Samsung TV models made since 2016. The dedicated UKTV rail is available on all Samsung TV models made since 2021.
Freely alternative without buying a new TV?
Since the launch of Freely two years ago, some of the biggest TV manufacturers have shunned incorporating the platform into their TVs.
The UKTV (BBC Studios)/Samsung deal opens up the possibility that more broadcasters may opt to deliver a similar solution to Samsung TV users. In turn, this could help create a broader alternative to Freely, Sky Stream or Virgin Flex. Unlike every other UK streaming TV platform, existing Samsung smart TV users won’t need to buy a new TV or streaming device to benefit from aerial-free TV.
Samsung is of particular interest to broadcasters, as it’s got the largest share of the market of any smart TV manufacturers in the UK. It’s been the world’s number 1 TV brand for 20 years. And it doesn’t want to adopt any particular local system that restricts or changes device features, user interface and functionality.
The change will affect millions of existing Samsung TVs, with additional features within Samsung’s ‘Live’ tab of the user interface and Universal Guide.
Although the service is free, viewers will need to register an account to watch.
Extra UKTV channels available via Samsung TV Plus
Four streaming-only channels from UKTV are already part of the Samsung TV Plus line-up. You can find them on the following channel numbers:
- U&Laughs
- U&Real Heroes
- U&Transport
- U&The Past
These linear streaming channels contain UKTV Original programmes first shown on UKTV’s traditional broadcast channels, often with a day dedicated to back-to-back episodes of particular show.
Corporate comments
Jonathan Newman, General Manager, Commercial, UKTV and BBC Studios UK/Ireland, commented:
“This new deal builds on our already fruitful and wide-ranging partnership with Samsung. It will make the U app even more accessible to Samsung’s customers and ensure UKTV’s rich mix of content remains highly visible across VoD and linear.”
Dan Harvie, VP of Home Entertainment and Appliances at Samsung UK and Ireland, said:
“UKTV is a key part of the vast range of entertainment that is included within a Samsung TV. We are always aiming to help our customers enjoy the very best possible entertainment experience and with UKTV we are delivering access to a whole host of different broadcast content. As the world’s number one TV brand for 20 consecutive years, Samsung is committed to delivering innovation that enhances every aspect of the viewing experience. This collaboration reaffirms our dedication to providing our customers with the ultimate entertainment ecosystem, including the rich content offerings of UKTV to the likes of Samsung TV Plus and our built-in broadcast app access.”
By: Marc Thornham | Image: UKTV