Viaplay Group’s streaming services will be available across the Hisense range of TVs following the signature of a new multi-year device partnership.
The Viaplay streaming service app will be pre-installed on all Hisense Smart TVs sold in Viaplay’s current direct-to-consumer markets and in North America, where Viaplay will launch in early 2023.
The Viaplay app will receive premium placement in the Hisense user interface, and a dedicated Viaplay button will be added to all new Hisense TV remote control units sold in the Nordic region.
Hisense’s VIDAA smart TV platform supports a broad range of Smart TV apps and technologies.
Philip Wågnert, Viaplay Group Chief Technology & Product Officer said: “Viaplay is a unique service, and we want our compelling line-up of premium Viaplay Originals, the world’s best live sports and much more to be easily available on every relevant platform. Teaming up with VIDAA will expand our reach and enable even more viewers, including in our upcoming North American markets, to experience Viaplay for themselves.”
Viaplay is available in the Nordic and Baltic countries, Poland, the Netherlands and the UK, where it launched earlier this month.
“This is a very exciting opportunity for both parties as well as for streaming enthusiasts,” said Nick Ruczaj, VIDAA’s Vice President, Content. “At VIDAA, we believe in making streaming services accessible and affordable to a diverse demographic, and partnering with a leading industry player that offers a wide array of multinational content such as Viaplay is an essential part of that process.”
Hisense can be seen as a first mover in the market. It worked with Comcast on its XClass Smart TV and integrated HD+ into smart TVs via the HbbTV OpApp.