GECs
Steady growth continues in UK digital television market
By 30 June 2003 multichannel and digital TV penetration are estimated to have increased to 49.8 per cent and 45.5 per cent of UK households respectively, according to the ITC’s latest Multichannel Quarterly published today.
Digital penetration increased by 1.6 per cent points over the last quarter (April – June 2003), which was attributable to the following key developments:
* The growth of DTT has continued, reaching an estimated 1.8m households at the end of the quarter.
* Sky added 126,000 subscribers during the quarter, giving a total of 6.6m UK households.
* Cable also contributed to the growth in digital penetration by adding over 38,000 digital subscribers bringing the total number of digital cable homes to 2.2m.
According to an official release, the ITC’s Multichannel Quarterly reports every three months on the take-up of both analogue and digital multichannel television in the UK. As far as possible, the data in this report is based upon the latest figures provided by the platform operators. However, it is also necessary to rely on some estimated figures. For free-to-air penetration for example, data from third party sources and the ITC’s own view of the market has been used to compile this report.
At present, this report does not take into consideration platform overlap. In other words, all households are considered to be discrete multichannel units. However, the ITC is currently working on a methodology to report more accurately on multi-platform households.
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.
