DirecTV to Offer ‘Boxless’ Content to Samsung Smart TVs

10 Jan, 2012 By: Erik Gruenwedel

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DirecTV and Samsung Electronics Jan. 10 signed an agreement whereby the satellite TV operator’s 19.7 million subscribers will be able to watch live and on-demand content on Samsung’s 2012 smart TVs without the need of an additional set-top box.

Utilizing so-called “Remote User Interface” technology, Samsung and DirecTV allow consumers to have multiroom TVs without the need of additional set-top boxes. El Segundo, Calif.-based DirecTV bowed its first RVU-compatible set-top box late last year. Samsung introduced its first RVU-compatible TV at CES in 2011.

DirecTV and Samsung are members of the RVU alliance that created a set-top box server to provide multi-room experience that includes DVR services across all the connected TVs in the home through a single set-top box.

DirecTV’s HR34 home media center HD-DVR enables the set-top box user interface to be displayed directly on Samsung Smart TVs. The virtual set-top box includes all DVR services, such as live pause abilities on all screens in the home, 200 hours worth of shared storage, picture-in-picture capabilities and the ability to record up to five shows at once.

“Many homes today have more than one TV to cater to the different needs of everyone in the family,” said Stephen Goldstein, VP, Samsung Electronics America. “By working with a leading provider like DirecTV, we’re able to offer consumers enhanced convenience in access so they can enjoy the content they desire from any room in the home, any time they choose.”

Samsung’s RVU-compatible smart TVs will be available in spring 2012.

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