LG Electronics is moving beyond apps for its smart TVs and launching the new service Channel Plus to deliver internet channels to TV customers. Channel Plus will debut in the US this month on 2016 models of LG smart TVs running webOS. The service powered by Xumo will offer free access to a range of internet content, available as both live and on-demand programming and presented simply as TV channels alongside over-the-air channels.
Nearly 50 channels will be available to start, covering entertainment, sports, news and lifestyle programming and without the need for a set-top box or subscription. The free content comes from broadcasters and online publications such as Time, PBS Digital Studios, Wired, Saveur, Cooking Light, GQ, Sports Illustrated, BuzzFeed, Mashable, Reuters, FailArmy and Funny or Die. International channels are also available free of charge, LG said. Users can navigate the free internet content together with digital broadcast channels through the same electronic program guide.
