GECs
Discovery to roll out HD service in Japan, Canada by year end
MUMBAI: Discovery Intl will launch its Discovery HD service in Japan and Canada by the end of the year.
Discovery HD, which is the company’s first 24-hour high-definition network in Asia, will launch on the J:COM digital platform in Japan on 14 December. The service will reach an initial subscriber base of 500,000 homes.
In Canada, the regulatory body CRTC has approved a joint venture application between CTV Specialty Television and Discovery Communications for Discovery HD. The network is expected to launch as a 24-hour digital service by the end of the year.
Discovery Networks had first launched Discovery HD internationally as a branded programming block in South Korea in February 2005, and also recently announced the launch of Discovery HD in Germany and Austria in November 2005.
Discovery Intl president Dawn L. McCall says, “With Discovery HD set to launch in Europe, Asia and Canada by the end of 2005, Discovery Networks is now the leading provider of high-definition networks in the world. The universal relevance and appeal of the Discovery brand combined with the company’s extensive library of visually compelling high-definition content makes Discovery HD the ultimate television-viewing experience.”
Discovery HD will offer content from Discovery’s library of more than 1,000 hours of high-definition programming representing 25 television brands. Content will include Atlas. This is a series of 30 two-hour specials.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
