Samsung Electronics Partners with Spain’s Telefónica to Release a Set-Top Free TV

Samsung Electronics announced a Set-Top Free TV partnership with Telefónica, one of the largest telecommunication companies in Europe, to  promote their IPTV (Internet Protocol TV) service that does not require a set-top box. The announcement came at the start of the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) held in Amsterdam on September 11-15, IBC is a global annual conference for professionals creating, managing and delivering entertainment and news content.

During IBC 2015, Samsung will showcase the Set-Top Free TV partnership alongside products and services that go well beyond UHD technology. Samsung recently announced that all of its UHD TV’s, including the SUHD TV’s will allow consumers to connect and play external High Dynamic Range (HDR) resources, utilizing the new HDMI 2.0a specifications. Consumers, particularly those owning an  SUHD TV, can now  enjoy the most vibrant picture quality through HDR UHD content.

Telefónica is providing the service, Movistar+, on select 2014 and 2015 Samsung Smart TVs and will expand the service to future Samsung Smart TV models. Movistar+ is paid monthly subscription service that features 119 video channels, 30 audio channels and more. Consumers can enjoy Telefónica’s IPTV service on their Samsung Smart TV by downloading the Movistar+ app. Upon installation, the home screen of Movistar+ will appear on the television screen, and current subscribers will be able to instantly access to their complete offer of premium channels and videos available on demand.

There are many benefits to not having to have a separate set-top box. Users will have more space and fewer wires in their entertainment cabinet. They also need just the Samsung TV remote to control multiple applications and services, thanks to the Samsung Smart Hub and the Movistar+ app; another benefit is the energy saving by not having to run a set-top box to access the IPTV service.

“Through this partnership, we are able to provide more convenient and accessible viewing options for consumers,” said MS Kim, Executive Vice President of Visual Display business at Samsung Electronics. “The set-top box free option on our TVs is an exciting step.”