T-VOD service Rakuten TV hopes to add 8K content to its catalogue by the end of the year. The platform has also signed deals with smart TV manufacturers and is adding more than 30 new territories taking it to 40 in all.
Rakuten TV has announced partnerships with TV manufacturers Samsung, LG, Philips and Hisense, who will add a button dedicated to the Rakuten TV service on their remote controls from summer 2019. This button will allow direct access to the VOD Rakuten TV service which offers films for rent or purchase. Rakuten TV will share revenues with the manufacturers.
Rakuten TV claims to have the largest catalogue of 4K Ultra HD content HDR with the support of the latest technologies such as Dolby Vision and the Dolby Atmos. HDR10+ should also reach Samsung TV sets in the first half of 2019, while hoping to offer the first films in 8K before the end of the year.
The on-demand service more than tripled its distribution in Europe in one fell swoop Wednesday, launching in more than 30 new territories, including the Nordics and large parts of Central and Eastern Europe.
This is a major step that our company is undertaking within a plan of expansion which aims at making Rakuten TV the first choice of entertainment for Smart TV owners,” said Jacinto Roca (pictured), CEO and founder of Rakuten TV.
“Having a remote control button directly connecting to the platform aims at empowering users to access the best movies in the best quality just with one click, dramatically increasing our number of users. The collaboration with Premium partners Samsung Electronics, LG, Philips and Hisense is a seal of quality in offering the best service to our users around Europe.
“This is proof of our commitment with providing an always better experience to cinema lovers. With this move, Rakuten TV will triple its presence on a continental level, strengthening its commitment to deliver the best cinematic experience at home.”
