One of the main problems holding Smart TVs back from fully replacing their dumber ancestors is the relatively limited availability of fresh content. For owners of Samsung Smart TV in the UK this week, that problem took a big step toward being solved, with the release of the Channel 4 4oD app.
Channel 4, Britain’s third largest broadcaster, released the on-demand video app on Tuesday, providing customers a way to watch new episodes and classics from the Channel 4 library, like Father Ted, Peep Show and Hollyoaks.
The app has been available on Sky TV, Android and iOS devices, but now Channel 4’s popular content is available for the first time through the television natively.
One of the most exciting features is the ability to catch up on the latest content, giving viewers 30 days to catch up on the latest episodes of shows currently airing.
The app gives Channel 4 a prevalence previously only held by Britain’s number one broadcaster, BBC, with its ubiquitous iPlayer app.
Executives on both sides of the announcement are excited by the launch and what it means for their respective platforms.
“We’re very happy to announce the extension of 4oD’s availability, which is just the latest step in our ongoing plans to widen the reach of Channel 4 content onto key platforms,” Sarah Milton, Channel 4’s head of on-demand services, said in a press release. “With 4oD now available to download from the Samsung Apps store, Smart TV viewers will never have to miss one of their favorite shows ever again, while they’ll have access to all of our most popular recent programmes, and of course our enormous archive that spans more than 30 years of Channel 4 broadcast history.”
“Not only does the addition of 4oD strengthen our vast catch-up TV offering, but it means that our customers have the widest possible choice of content options for their viewing pleasure,” Robert King, Samsung vice president of consumer electronics in the UK, said. “We’re constantly working to bring even more high quality content to our customers, and the widespread availability of popular classics, movies and dramas guarantees to provide hours of entertainment.”
