The burgeoning on-demand market in the just got broader with the launch of the Roku Channel in the UK, a streaming channel providing consumers in the country with free access to over ten thousand films, TV episodes and documentaries.
The ad-supprted service is available immediately and particular content includes a selection of popular global and British TV series such as Homes Under the Hammer, The Commander, Ultimate Force, Fifth Gear, Skins and Britain’s Best Bakery, alongside Hollywood hits such as Get Carter, The Wicker Man and Les Miserables. The service is available to consumers with a Roku streaming player, Roku TV, NOW TV device or Sky Q box.The UK service will have at launch over 40 content partners, including all3media International, FilmRise, EndemolShine Group,pocket.watch and DRG, plus Hollywood studios such as Lionsgate and Sony Pictures Television. More publishers are expected to be added over time.
Specific features embedded within the system include personalised recommendations and in-channel search capabilities on Roku and NOW TV devices. Users will also find a special Kids & Family section, making it easy for children and parents to find kids entertainment There is also a character row, helping parents and kids find the show they want to watch. Titles in Kids & Family at launch include Bob the Builder, Teletubbies, Oddbods, Bernard, Ryan’s World Specials, Fireman Sam and Baby Einstein Classics.
“With The Roku Channel we are making it easy for consumers to find great free entertainment and provide additional value to Roku users, NOW TV device holders and Sky Q customers,” said Rob Holmes, vice president of programming at Roku. “Ad-supported viewing is one of the fastest growing categories on our platform and we are excited to meet the consumer demand for free TV.”
