Samsung, LG to phase out 3D

It can hardly come as a surprise, but both Samsung and LG are now set to phase out 3D.

Samsung Electronics is not going to install 3D function into new products, and LG Electronics is going to reduce the number of 3D TVs in half, reports Korean ET News.

“Although 40% of all TVs last year had 3D functions, only 20% of TVs this year will have 3D functionality,” said a representative for LG Electronics. “Because there are still consumers who enjoy 3D movies and others, we are going to apply 3D function mainly on premium products.”

The source attributes Samsung’s decision to drop 3D altogether by the lack of new orders for its shutter glass 3D glasses. “Even though we had been supplying 3D glasses until last year, there is no any request for new supply this year.” said a representative for Samsung Electronics’ partner. “It is seen that Samsung Electronics is not going to apply 3D technology into its new TVs.”

These moves come hardly as a surprise, as watching 3D television involved too many hurdles, the main one being the fact that people have to wear special glasses to enjoy the 3D pictures – and there still is a lack of standardisation for those glasses.

“3D TV was a fail due to content, prices and technology,” concluded a recent report from market research company IHS, “The fact that people have to wear glasses to watch 3D TVs did not work too well for consumers.”

Samsung to make all smart TVs IoT ready

Samsung Electronics has announced that its entire 2016 smart TV line-up will be Internet of Things (IoT) ready and connected with the SmartThings platform.

SmartThings is an open platform that allows users to connect, manage and control smart devices and IoT services.

Samsung developed its own IoT hub technology with SmartThings for 2016 SUHD TVs meaning all Samsung’s 2016 SUHD TVs will apply IoT hub technology, allowing the TV to act as the controller for the entire smart home.

SUHD TVs can connect with and control Samsung devices and SmartThings sensors, as well as more than 200 other SmartThings compatible devices including everything from connected lights and locks to thermostats and cameras, from a wide range of high quality third party manufacturers. For the full support of connectivity with SmartThings compatible devices, SmartThings Extend USB adaptor is required.

At CES 2016, Samsung will showcase the future of TV and demonstrate how Samsung’s Smart TVs are at the center of the expanding IoT ecosystem.

“The 2016 line-up of Smart TVs will offer consumers new possibilities and cement Samsung’s market leading position, as the first company to launch IoT ready TVs.” said Hyun Suk Kim, president of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics.

“With Samsung Smart TVs working with the SmartThings technology, we have an opportunity to reach millions of households,” said Alex Hawkinson, CEO and co-founder of SmartThings.

“Applying this technology into current household devices is a major step forwards that will make it much easier for everyone to experience the benefits of a smart home.”

SmartThings allows consumers to access all their smart devices directly from their smartphone and SUHD TV, rather than having to control individual devices with separate apps. With the SmartThings application, people can easily connect and manage all of their smart home devices and services through a single, simple user interface.

With an outdoor camera connected to their Samsung Smart TV, people can check when visitors arrive and choose to open their front door, directly from their sofa. Motion sensor alerts can also pop-up directly on the TV screen, if movement outside the home is picked up, providing more security and peace of mind, whether at home or away.

The SmartThings application’s Cinema Mood also makes it easier than ever to create the perfect home cinema environment letting consumers automatically adjust everything from ambient lighting to surround sound, so they can instantly provide the optimal film viewing experience.

While each 2016 SUHD TV will be enabled with this SmartThings technology, the functionality will be activated regionally as SmartThings expands its platform availability.

Samsung announces smart TV security solution

Samsung Electronics has announced GAIA, a three-layer security solution for its entire 2016 line up of Tizen-based smart TVs.

The service will give consumers protection across all areas of the smart TV ecosystem, including services, software and hardware security.

“Protecting consumers’ personal information is of the utmost importance to Samsung, both in terms of the company’s values and what’s needed for the continued growth and success of the IoT ecosystem,” said Hyun Suk Kim, president of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics.

“GAIA is a security solution that will give Samsung customers security and peace of mind now and in the future.”

GAIA protects consumer’s personal data in three ways. Firstly it has Secure Zone, a virtual barrier that creates a secure space and protects the core service operations. A Secure Keypad/Number Pad – the virtual data input mechanism seen on a TV, is used to safeguard consumers’ personal information such as credit card and password.

Secondly, GAIA encrypts important data transmitted between the TV and IoT service servers. GAIA’s built-in anti-malware system detects and blocks any unauthorized programs that may be used for hacking from running or making changes to key part of the Smart TV’s OS.

Thirdly, Security level is also strengthened in terms of hardware. By dividing the Tizen OS into two parts including the main and the security space, data for each space is secured separately. Also, public key used for verifying personal information is included in the hardware chip.

Samsung said it views 2016 as the year the TV will become the centre for Internet of Things (IoT) extensions in the home. As well as being equipped with GAIA, all 2016 Samsung SUHD TVs will be IoT hub technology enabled, allowing the TV itself to act as the controller for the entire home IoT service.

Samsung entire 2016 Smart TV line-up to be IoT-ready

Samsung Reveals Entire 2016 Smart TV Line-Up will be IoT Ready

KOREA — Samsung Electronics announced that its entire 2016 Smart TV line-up will be Internet of Things (IoT) ready and connected with the SmartThings platform. SmartThings is an open platform that allows users to connect, manage and control smart devices and IoT services.

Among the 2016 Smart TVs, all Samsung’s 2016 SUHD TVs will apply IoT hub technology, allowing the TV itself to act as the controller for the entire smart home. Samsung developed its own IoT hub technology with SmartThings for 2016 SUHD TVs.

SUHD TVs can connect with and control Samsung devices and SmartThings sensors, as well as more than 200 other SmartThings compatible devices. These include everything from connected lights and locks to thermostats and cameras, from a wide range of high quality third party manufacturers. For the full support of connectivity with SmartThings compatible devices, SmartThings Extend USB adaptor is required.

At CES 2016, Samsung will showcase the future of TV and demonstrate how Samsung’s Smart TVs are at the center of the expanding IoT ecosystem.

“The 2016 line-up of Smart TVs will offer consumers new possibilities and cement Samsung’s market leading position, as the first company to launch IoT ready TVs.” said Hyun Suk Kim, President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics.

“With Samsung Smart TVs working with the SmartThings technology, we have an opportunity to reach millions of households,” said Alex Hawkinson, CEO and Co-founder of SmartThings. “Applying this technology into current household devices is a major step forwards that will make it much easier for everyone to experience the benefits of a smart home.”

SmartThings allows consumers to access all of their smart devices directly from their smartphone and SUHD TV, rather than having to control individual devices with a multitude of separate apps. With the SmartThings application, people can easily connect and manage all of their smart home devices and services through a single, simple user interface.

With an outdoor camera connected to their Samsung Smart TV, customers can check when visitors arrive and choose to open their front door, directly from their sofa. Motion sensor alerts can also pop-up directly on the TV screen, if movement outside the home is picked up, providing more security and peace of mind, whether at home or away.

The SmartThings application’s Cinema Mood also makes it easier than ever to create the perfect home theater environment. It enables consumers to automatically adjust everything from ambient lighting to surround sound, so they can instantly provide the optimal movie viewing experience.

While each 2016 SUHD TV will be enabled with this SmartThings technology, the functionality will be activated regionally as SmartThings expands its platform availability.

Samsung Electronics announces GAIA security for Smart TVs

Samsung Electronics announces GAIA, a Powerful Smart TV Security Solution for 2016 and Beyond

KOREA — Samsung Electronics announced GAIA, a powerful and comprehensive three-layer security solution for its entire 2016 line up of Tizen-based Smart TVs. The service will give consumers protection across all areas of the Smart TV ecosystem, including services, software and hardware security.

“Protecting consumers’ personal information is of the utmost importance to Samsung, both in terms of the company’s values and what’s needed for the continued growth and success of the IoT ecosystem,” said Hyun Suk Kim, President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “GAIA is a security solution that will give Samsung customers security and peace of mind now and in the future.”

GAIA protects consumer’s personal data in three ways. Firstly it has Secure Zone, a virtual barrier that creates a secure space and protects the core service operations. A Secure Keypad/Number Pad – the virtual data input mechanism seen on a TV, is used to safeguard consumers’ personal information such as credit card and password.

Secondly, GAIA encrypts important data transmitted between the TV and IoT service servers. GAIA’s built-in anti-malware system detects and blocks any unauthorized programs that may be used for hacking from running or making changes to key part of the Smart TV’s OS.

Thirdly, Security level is also strengthened in terms of hardware. By dividing the Tizen OS into two parts including the main and the security space, data for each space is secured separately. Also, public key used for verifying personal information is included in the hardware chip.

Samsung views 2016 as the year the TV will become the center for Internet of Things (IoT) extensions in the home. As well as being equipped with GAIA, all 2016 Samsung SUHD TVs will be IoT hub technology enabled, allowing the TV itself to act as the controller for the entire home IoT service.

VTVCab, SmarDTV and Samsung deploy Conax-certified CAM in Vietnam

VTVCab, SmarDTV and Samsung deploy first Conax certified CI Plus Instant
Access conditional access module solution in Vietnam

• Combining Samsung’s latest generation integrated Digital TV (iDTV) with SmarDTV CI Plus Instant Access conditional access module (CAM).
• Co-promotion and branding between Vietnam Cable Television (VTVCab) and Samsung designed to facilitate access to VTV services without a STB.
• SmarDTV CI Plus Instant Access conditional access module (CAM) is based on Conax content security

HANOI, Vietnam, SEOUL, Korea and CHESEAUX, Switzerland — VTVCab, Vietnam’s leading cable operator, SmarDTV, a Kudelski Group (SIX:KUD.S) company and Samsung Electronics, announced today that they will combine to bring to market an innovative solution to provide access to VTVCab PayTV services. VTVCab subscribers can now enjoy high quality content directly on their new Samsung Cable TV model without using a set-top box by simply inserting the newly developed CI Plus Instant Access conditional access module (CAM) from VTVCab. This CAM replaces the role of a traditional set-top box and provides an attractive alternative to new subscribers as they migrate to digital services.

“We hugely appreciate the trust and support shown by VTVCab to promote and deploy our CAM solution. SmarDTV Instant Access modules ensure that channels are directly accessible on integrated Digital Televisions (iDTVs) using one single TV remote control and that neither extra cables nor additional power is required,” commented Gregory Laloy, APAC Sales Director of SmarDTV. “We are delighted also to partner with Samsung to promote this product which has been highly successful in enabling analog to digital migration in the Europe market.”

“VTVCab is pleased to work with Samsung and SmarDTV, two world leaders in the Digital TV industry. Using this integrated digital TV + CAM combination gives us more flexibility to promote our attractive content in High Definition (HD) and future 4K compression,” said Nam Bui, CTO of VTVCab.

“Samsung is delighted to work with VTVCab the leading Cable Operator in Vietnam, to bring users the best experience in HD quality picture in the country. Customers buying a Samsung DVB-C iDTV Model J5520 will get a voucher which will entitle them to obtain a CAM from VTVcab containing a smartcard and a free 6-month subscription of HD package which provides them with instant access to the VTVCab services when installed in the TV,” said My Nguyen, Head of Samsung Vietnam AV Marketing Communication.

Samsung stops TV production in Thailand

Samsung, the South Korean electronics giant, has announced that it has halted TV production in Thailand. The move is expected to help the company streamline its manufacturing costs.

LG, one of Samsung’s major rivals in TV space, has already shifted its TV production from Thailand to Vietnam.  Last year, Samsung said that it will be investing USD500 million in Vietnam to set-up a plant for electronic products. The Korean company hasn’t declared that it is moving TV production to Vietnam.

Labour costs are low in Vietnam and the country is also closer to China, which houses major TV equipment suppliers. Government policies and all in prices of digital TV products have made Vietnam one of the key markets in Asia for not only TV producing companies, but also for chip makers such as Broadcom.

SES and Samsung demonstrate world’s first DVB HDR Ultra HD broadcast

SES, Samsung and UK Broadcaster Demonstrate World’s First DVB Broadcast of High Dynamic Range Ultra HD (UHD) TV

• Demonstration of an Ultra HD TV transmission from an SES satellite at 19.2 degrees East using existing DVB UHD Phase 1 specifications and BBC Research & Development’s High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology directly to a Samsung SUHD TV
• BBC R&D’s Hybrid Gamma (HDR) technology enables simultaneous delivery of Standard Dynamic Range to existing UHD TVs and High Dynamic Range to new generation UHD TVs from the same content payload
• Samsung SUHD TVs represent the next generation of consumer display technology, fully equipped to receive the next generation of premium audio visual content
• The CAS-protected UHD TV transmission is received directly by the Samsung SUHD TV using a CI+ Module

LUXEMBOURG, LONDON & SEOUL, South Korea — SES S.A. (NYSE Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd announced today that they will be demonstrating the first DVB transmission of High Dynamic Range UHD TV at the annual SES Industry Days in Luxembourg 6th and 7th May 2015. The content will be transmitted via an SES satellite directly to a Samsung SUHDTV using the Hybrid Gamma (HDR) technology.

The demonstration marks a major milestone for the Ultra HD broadcast chain. Indeed, it demonstrates for the first time how industry can launch new High Dynamic Range UHD TV Services over DVB Broadcast Networks, which can fully exploit the capabilities of the next generation of consumer displays, while simultaneously providing high quality UHD TV Service to UHD Phase 1 Receivers already in the market.

“High Dynamic Range (HDR) will significantly enhance how consumers will experience television in the future,” said Thomas Wrede, Vice President, Reception Systems at SES. “An introduction of any HDR technology must be backwards compatible with existing DVB UHD 1 Phase 1 flat screen TVs that are already in consumers’ homes. SES and Samsung, with this transmission over the ASTRA satellite system, are demonstrating that this backwards compatibility is possible today.”

“Samsung is delighted to participate in this demonstration of a monumental step forward for the broadcast industry,” said John Adam, head of business development and industrial affairs at Samsung Research UK. “By delivering UHD TV services that can address the growing market of UHD Phase 1 TVs, while also providing the best experience to consumers who are investing in the next generation of TV, Samsung is ready to fully endorse the BBC Research & Development’s HDR technology as part of our overall drive towards the best consumer experience in UHD TV.”

Samsung 2015 SUHD TV range arrives in Australia with free six-month Netflix

Samsung has announced the pricing for its new range of SUHD TVs in Australia. Early customers of the 2015 range of SUHD TVs will also be getting six months of free Netflix.

According the South Korean electronics giant, the latest SUHD TVs use nano-crystal technology, offering crisp and clear images. The new range of ultra HD TVs run on Tizen operating system. Samsung says that its new OS will play a major role in Internet of Things.

“The Samsung SUHD experience will change the way Australians think about Samsung’s home entertainment and visual display technology – it’s on a completely new level to anything we have ever produced.” said Philip Newton – Corporate Vice President, Samsung Electronics Australia. “By pushing Samsung’s boundaries in colour and picture quality, the SUHD TV range showcases our continuous commitment to innovation in the TV category, offering Australians an outstanding viewing experience”

Samsung Series 9 JS9500 65-inch SUHD TV is priced at RRP AUD9,999 and will be available from April 2015 while the Series 9 JS9500 88-inch SUHD TV is at RRP AUD24,999, available June 2015.

Teleste embeds Samsung LYNK DRM solution into headend

Korean television manufacturer, Samsung Electronics, has bagged a deal from Finland based broadband and video technology provider, Teleste Corporation. Samsung LYNK digital rights management system has been embedded into Teleste Luminato headend platform.

This deal enables hospitality service providers and integrators to deliver secured, HDTV content to Samsung hospitality TVs. According to the firms, this solution introduces a fully embedded encryption and decryption of HDTV content in a headend single module for the first time in the world. It eliminates the need of an external server and exposure of any decrypted content for unauthorized use. This solution aids cost-efficient delivery of premium HDTV channels in hotel televisions without any additional chipset or hardware. It also it delivers both IPTV and digital cable audio and video content.

“Introducing Samsung LYNK DRM as an integral part of our headend platform is an exciting step towards creating flexible and more cost-efficient solutions for delivering TV services in the hospitality industry,” said Hanno Narjus, Senior Vice President of Video and Broadband Solutions for Teleste Corporation, “We are delighted that our co-operation with Samsung has resulted in a solution that can benefit not only service providers but also consumers around the world with better quality TV services and premium content.”

Samsung offers Go by OSN on smart TVs in Middle East

Korean television manufacturer, Samsung Electronics, has added a video-on-demand service, Go by OSN, to its smart television line-up in Middle East. Samsung smart TV viewers can also access the service on four other smart devices.

“We are delighted that our customers have access to ‘Go by OSN.’ Entertaining content is just as important as sleek design or intuitive features. ‘Go by OSN’ is a convenient and enjoyable way for users to watch high quality programming whenever and wherever they want,” said Vinod Nair, General Manager of TV Business at Samsung Gulf Electronics.

Airtel and Samsung launch India's first IDTV

Airtel and Samsung launch India’s first Integrated Digital TV (iDTV)

• Take the lead in introducing a television with a built-in Smart Card that will allow customers to enjoy TV viewing without an external set top box
• Enable a smart TV viewing experience with minimal signal loss and maximum audio & video clarity

NEW DELHI — Airtel digital TV, the Direct-To-Home (DTH) service from Bharti Airtel, today announced its partnership with Samsung to launch India’s very first Integrated Digital TV (iDTV). As part of this innovation – Samsung’s range of SmartDirect TVs will come designed with an in-built Airtel digital TV Smart Card which will enable DTH signal reception without the need for customers to install an external set-top-box (STB). The Integrated Digital TV (iDTV) capability will deliver a smart TV viewing experience for customers through minimal signal loss and maximum audio & video clarity while also ensuring maximum power savings.

“We at Airtel digital TV are always looking for new ways to deliver an experience for our customers that is truly innovative and world class. In line with this commitment, we are today excited to announce our collaboration with Samsung to launch the Integrated Digital TV and introduce the Indian market to its next phase of TV viewing experience”,said Mr. Shashi Arora, CEO – DTH & Media, Bharti Airtel.

Developed post an extensive R&D, the iDTV is a smart solution that not only enables a hassle free TV setup that has fewer wires but will also assist in reduction in signal loss (between the set-top-box and TV). iDTV offers a single remote solution powered by an intuitive user guide. “The in-built Airtel DTH smart card supports direct signal reception from the dish antenna, thus enabling crystal clear audio-video quality and making these Samsung TVs the smartest available in the marketplace today”, added Mr. Arora.

Commenting at the launch, Mr. Ranjivjit Singh, Chief Marketing Officer, Samsung Electronics said, “We are thrilled to partner with Airtel to launch India’s First Smart Direct TV with an in-built iDTV technology in India. The clutter free, convenient and ultimate viewing experience offered by iDTV showcases Samsung’s commitment to provide consumer-centric products. Samsung has consistently revolutionised the television segment by introducing superior products, modern technology and distinctive content to provide the latest and best home entertainment experience to our consumers.”

Powered by HD technology, iDTV creates a more immersive viewing experience coupled with intuitive user interface giving customers greater control of their entertainment experience. The iDTV set includes the Samsung SmartDirect TV and Airtel Digital TV’s Smart Card. It is now available across Samsung Plazas and all leading multi-retail outlets for prices at starting INR 44,900/-. Customers purchasing the all new iDTV can also enjoy a limited period introductory offer that offers 4 months of free subscription of Airtel DTH services. Customers can call 12148 or 18605006500 for more details.

Samsung set for huge UHD expansion

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Samsung Electronics has announced major expansion plans for its UHD content offer. They will see the introduction of VOD services, live broadcasting, a UHD video pack, new download services and partnerships with such major content providers as Amazon, Netflix, maxdome, Wuaki.tv and CHILI.

According to Samsung, it will launch Amazon’s UHD VOD service globally in October.

It has also expanded Netflix’s UHD VOD Service into Europe, following a successful launch in March in the US and other countries.

Samsung is also reinforcing its partnerships with major European content providers, including VOD service, maxdome and TV and film streaming services Wuaki.tv, and CHILI to secure more UHD content.

Samsung Electronics has been focusing its efforts on providing more UHD content in the European market.

It has also been working with partners in the industry to develop a solution for secure UHD content distribution.

Through cooperation with the Secure Content Storage Association (SCSA), whose founding members include SanDisk, 20th Century Fox, Warner Bros, it will be able to provide Hollywood studios’ content to consumers via a download service.

Samsung has partnered in RTP and PT in Portugal to offer live streaming of World Cup warm-up matches in UHD, while in South Korea live UHD broadcasting has been made available to the public.

In April, it launched a service that allowed viewers to watch live UHD broadcasting without a STB, in partnership with the cable operator CJ Hello Vision.

It will also work with CNM and T-Broad to launch a UHD broadcast service before the end of this year.

In addition, people who own a Samsung UHD HU9000 TVs are able to use a B TV app to watch 20 UHD VOD titles with a subscription to SK Broadband.

Samsung is in addition taking the lead in creating UHD content by working with l Hollywood studios.

In July, in partnership with 20th Century Fox and Paramount, it launched a UHD Video Pack, a 500GB drive pre-loaded with a total of 40 titles in UHD picture quality.

Robert King, VP of consumer electronics for Samsung UK& Ireland, said: “The popularity of UHD content is really starting to grow. Key to maintaining this and giving consumers what they want is wide variety and choices that reflect their bespoke interest.

“We are pleased to expand the array of UHD content that our consumers can enjoy on our ultra-immersive Curved UHD TVs.”

Samsung TV prices fell 13% in 1H 2014

Wednesday, August 20th, 2014 

Samsung CE division profits hit 3-year high in Q2 2014 in face of flat revenue

BOSTON — Although Samsung is a leader in the growing Ultra HD (UHD) TV segment, average selling prices (ASPs) for Samsung TVs fell 13 percent in the first half of 2014 compared to the previous year according to Strategy Analytics Connected Home Devices (CHD) service report, “CE Vendor Quarterly Analysis Samsung (SSNLF): Q2 2014.”

Other key findings from the report include:

• Samsung’s TV shipments grew by 16 percent in the first half of 2014 from the same period last year on demand generated by the World Cup in Brazil, Strategy Analytics estimates.
• Strategy Analytics estimates that Samsung Flat Panel TV (FPTV) average selling price hit approximately 678,000 Korean Won ($646) in the first half of 2014.
• Strategy Analytics predicts that Samsung’s global FPTV market share will further expand in 2014 as it remains the market leader in the U.S. and in most European and Latin American markets.

David Watkins, Service Director, Connected Home Devices commented: “By seizing on demand for TVs in Central and Latin America in the run-up to the World Cup, Samsung’s TV shipments grew faster than the industry average but that reliance on emerging market sales negatively impacted average selling prices. The first half of 2014 likely provided Samsung the added ability to clear out old inventory as it gears up for a busy holiday season, particularly as it begins heavy marketing of its UHD TV line-up.”

Eric Smith, Analyst, Connected Home Devices said: “Despite much lower average selling prices, Samsung was still able to turn a profit in its consumer electronics business due to economies of scale on massive shipment volumes. In fact, Samsung’s Consumer Electronics division recorded an operating margin of 5.9 percent, a three-year high.”

Samsung & SMIT launch IDTV+CAM with AVG in Vietnam

Vietnam Operator AVG, Along with Samsung & SMIT, Launches IDTV+CAM Solution

HANOI, Vietnam — Vietnam’s largest private pay TV operator, An Vien Television (AVG), along with SMiT Corporation (SMiT), the leading operations platform provider for secure distribution of paid content, and Samsung, the world leading TV manufacturer, jointly launched to provide IDTV+CAM solutions to Vietnamese audience.

The solution, which includes Samsung’s integrated digital TV (IDTV), AVG’s HDTV programs and SMiT’s conditional access module (CAM), is facility embedded inside the IDTV allowing the subscribers’ interactive watching experience without the need for a set-top box (STB).

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Samsung adds The Weather Channel

The Weather Channel has become the latest service to join Samsung’s Smart TV store, Samsung Apps.

The new app features live TV streams, detailed local weather forecasts, severe weather reports plus the latest videos and user-generated content, delivering the most up-to-date and reliable weather information to Samsung Smart TV viewers.

Content within the new Smart TV App is displayed in an easy-to-use, intuitive interface with background images themed to the live weather conditions. As the weather app evolves in 2014, it will include voice and motion control, providing viewers with an even greater interactive experience.

Key features of the app include live TV streams directly on the Smart TV App during severe weather events; maps featuring radar and cloud map layers, displaying up to five hours of animation, with zoom in and out functionality for Samsung Smart TV models made from 2012 onwards; severe weather alerts and notifications on-screen; current conditions, as well as hourly, 36-hour and 10-day forecast detail, including a 10-day graph displaying both the forecasted and the average high and low temperatures; latest videos and user-generated weather-themed videos; weather-triggered images, themed on predicted weather type for each day/period; and ability to save up to 10 cities as favourites.

Commenting on the new app, Guy Kinnell, head of TV and AV at Samsung Electronics UK & Ireland, said: “From being a conversation starter through to how it will affect our journey into work, as a nation we’re often fascinated by the weather. By adding The Weather Channel App to Samsung Smart TVs, we are providing viewers with the most accurate weather updates on the biggest screen in the home, along with the most interactive and immersive Smart TV viewing experience.”

Nicolo Mascheroni Stianti, MD, EMEA, The Weather Company, added: “We are incredibly excited about our partnership with Samsung and look forward to continuing to enhance our initiatives and building products that take advantage of the progressive features of Samsung’s latest operating systems.

“Today’s announcement further strengthens our position as a multi-platform operator as we continue to deliver our hyper-local, content-rich offering across Europe.”

There are now over 650 apps available to download on the Samsung Smart Hub in the UK.

Services available on Samsung Smart TVs include Spotify, Rightmove, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.

Samsung licenses Reference Design Kit (RDK)

Samsung Brings Reference Design Kit Technology to Set-Top Box Line to Support Multiplatform Cable Entertainment

• RDK to enable accelerated development of next generation video services

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. — At The TV of Tomorrow Show 2013, Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced that it has licensed the Reference Design Kit (RDK) from RDK Management LLC in order to significantly accelerate the Set-Top Box (STB) and Gateway development cycle, and deliver a rich, multiplatform home entertainment experience.

The Reference Design Kit (RDK) is a pre-integrated software bundle developed and licensed to create a common framework for powering IP or hybrid Set-Top Boxes and gateway devices for CE manufacturers, system-on-a-chip (SoC) vendors, and other software developers, system integrators and TV service providers. The RDK was developed to accelerate the deployment of next-generation video services and prevent software fragmentation by providing speed-to-market, collaboration and standardization. Supported by more than 100 licensees, RDK Management, LLC was formed as a joint venture between Comcast Cable and Time Warner Cable to administer the RDK.

“As a leading provider of Pay TV CPE worldwide, Samsung recognizes the value of a common platform,” said Stephen Goldstein, Vice President and General Manager, STB at Samsung Electronics America’s Enterprise Business Division. “The RDK allows Samsung to deliver devices to operators faster and with broader scale. Samsung has already begun deploying Set-Top Boxes based on the RDK and we look forward to more RDK-based projects in the United States and abroad.”

“One of our goals with the RDK program is to accelerate development of an advanced software solution throughout the industry, which allows MVPD’s the opportunity to provide enhanced user experiences across a broad set of STB, gateway, and SoC platforms,” said Steve Heeb, President and General Manager of RDK Management, LLC. “Samsung’s support of the RDK helps expand it as a global platform available to operators around the world.”