LG launches Channel Plus on 2016 smart TVs in the US for OTT delivery of streaming internet channels.
LG’s debut of Channel Plus, a streaming service powered by Xumo, offers free access to an extensive roster of internet content, available as both live and on-demand programming, presented simply as TV channels alongside over-the-air channels. Channel Plus begins rolling out this month to LG’s line of smart TVs featuring the company’s webOS 3.0 Smart TV platform. The OTT service is only available in the US.
“Channel Plus is a huge step forward in the evolution of Smart TV – and only LG offers it. Users can enjoy nearly 50 quality content choices free of charge on their LG Smart TV, and with webOS 3.0, accessing them has never been simpler or faster,” said David VanderWaal, VP of marketing, LG Electronics USA.
“By delivering premium Internet content seamlessly with broadcast channels together in the same channel lineup, LG aims to make it easier than ever for consumers to find and enjoy the content they want to watch in one centralized place – whether it’s streaming or broadcast.”
Available content includes Time, PBS Digital Studios, WIRED, Saveur, Cooking Light, GQ, Sports Illustrated, BuzzFeed, Mashable, Reuters, FailArmy and Funny or Die, as well as a number of international channels. Channel Plus offers nearly 50 channels at launch with more, including the new PeopleEntertainment Network from Time Inc., scheduled to launch later this year. A full list of channels can be found here.
Channel Plus and webOS 3.0, users can navigate digital broadcast channels together with free streaming internet content through the same electronic programme guide. Channel Plus ‘channels’ appear as traditional TV channels, so viewers can easily channel surf among broadcast and online programmes without launching an app.
“It has been truly exciting partnering with LG in developing Channel Plus. This new service represents an important step forward for the OTT space by streamlining the viewing experience for the Smart TV user through seamless, native content integration,” said Colin Petrie-Norris, CEO of Xumo.
“The Channel Plus service aligns perfectly with our DNA at Xumo as it delivers free premium programming in an organic and accessible way. With Channel Plus, all the cool content we used to have to search the web high and low for is now aggregated and attractively organized in one innovative solution on LG Smart TVs.”