Electronics maker TCL has relaunched its free, ad-supported streaming TV offering with more than 200 linear channels and thousands of on-demand movies and shows.
The app, called TCL TV Plus (“TCLtv+”), is rolling out to TCL’s Google TV-powered smart television sets in the United States and Canada, with plans to debut on TCL Roku TVs and Fire TVs in the future.
TCL TV Plus includes free streaming channels from Comcast’s NBC Universal, Scripps Media, FilmRise, Banijay, Fremantle and other content providers
“As a top two best-selling TV brand in the U.S. for four consecutive years, TCL is constantly innovating and looking for ways to offer our customers greater value and more importantly, a better experience,” Mark Zhang, the president of TCL’s North American division, said in a statement. “Providing free content plays a huge part in our continuing success, so we are excited to make our mark on the streaming world with TCL TV Plus. We are always listening to what consumers want and with TCL TV Plus, we’re responding to their desire for more content and new experiences. TCL is making entertainment look good with high-quality picture performance on our TVs and elevating the content by making it free.”
TCL says it is working with a number of streaming-focused technology and content providers for the channels, shows and movies offered on TCL TV Plus, including Xumo, Amagi, Wurl, OTTera and Future Today. While the app is launching with more than 200 linear content streams this week, TCL says it will add more channels over time.
“With our trusted partners, who are also on the cutting edge of technology, TCL TV Plus will bring premium content to its FAST Channel and AVOD (ad-supported video on-demand) viewers,” Haohong Wang, the general manager of TCL Research America, said on Wednesday. “TCL’s new customized content strategy brings the next generation of TV to audiences with a broader, more dynamic library of streaming channels. Our award-winning smart TV lineup has continued to raise the bar for consumers seeking the very best in entertainment, pushing the boundaries of what world-class products can achieve. And now, TCL is ushering in the future of television with viewing enhancements through IDEO that makes watching content on TCL TV Plus a deeper, more interactive experience.”
IDEO is what TCL calls a “groundbreaking…interface designed to customize interactions for a completely new and individualized way of consuming entertainment.” Among other things, TCL says it can personalize the ad-supported streaming experience by connecting viewers with their favorite TV shows, movies and characters, and will offer unique summaries and detailed recaps for content.
TCL’s line-up of Google TVs range in size and price, with the budget Class 3 Series going for as little as $130 on Amazon, while the ultra-premium Q7 QLED TVs start at $600 on Amazon.
