RakutenWuaki, Samsung launch 4K HDR TV Plus
April 5, 2017
Colin Mann @MIPTV
Samsung Electronics and video-on-demand platform RakutenWuaki, have confirmed the expanded availability of Samsung’s TV Plus service at MIPTV in Cannes, making it the first VoD service to sell newly-released premium 4K HDR movies across Europe.
Launched in Germany in January, TV Plus will be available in five European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom with content tailored for consumers in the region. The service allows Samsung Smart TV owners quickly to navigate and access popular VoD channels using their Internet connection.
“At Samsung, our goal is to help our consumers discover the content they want to watch, rather than make it difficult to find,” said Heeman Lee, Vice President of Connected TV services at Samsung Electronics. “With this in mind, we’re proud to partner with RakutenWuaki exclusively to expand availability of TV PLUS in Europe, the fastest way to discover the latest 4K HDR movies and entertainment on Samsung QLED TVs.” Lee noted that over the past nine years or so, a cumulative base of some 100 million Smart TVs had been achieved. “That’s the scale we can reach,” he suggested.
Samsung TV PLUS allows users to engage with their content, including movie previews, from IP-based TV channels run by RakutenWuaki. The interface allows users quickly to and directly rent or purchase their favourite high quality movies.
“Through TV PLUS, RakutenWuaki and Samsung have been able to come together to offer consumers a wide variety of content options from an assortment of different genres and interests. A complete offer for everyone in the family,” said Jacinto Roca, Chief Executive Officer of RakutenWuaki. “RakutenWuaki is excited to grow our partnership with Samsung as we continue to look for new, innovative ways for users to consume the content they desire.” He suggested that the new service offered a new way of watching TV, combining linear with OTT.