TCL's Mark Zhang at the TCLtv+ launch event Aug. 23 in Hollywood, Calif.
TCL Launches Branded Streaming Platform TCLtv+ With Interactive Tech
August 23, 2023
TCL Aug. 23 announced a branded online streaming service TCLtv+ that affords North American users access to a variety of entertainment programming, including more than 200 free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels and more than 1,500 on-demand movies and TV series from myriad content holders, including Scripps Media, Fremantle, NBCUniversal, FilmRise and Banijay, among others.
TCL is taking a page out of the online streaming playbook used by CE competitors such as Samsung (Samsung TV Plus), Vizio (WatchFree+), LG channels, and Roku (The Roku Channel), among others.
TCLtv+ is an enhanced version of the TCL TV Channel featuring the new “IDEO” interface technology that allows for third-party catalog content displays and interactive TV. The new platform aims to connect with viewers through interactive on-screen experiences, such as an animated chef (modeled after world-renowned chef Rick Bayless) walking viewers through a recipe that uses specific ingredients in their kitchen, while watching a cooking show.
IDEO technology aims to inform user entertainment choices with instant summaries and detailed recaps, including insights into the actors in a particular program. Users can also order food with a new ordering platform and utilize the “Suggested Viewing” option to quickly find programming recommendations.
“For countless creators and producers TCL IDEO technology can open new and exciting ways to expand storytelling and deepen the audience’s ability to relate and understand the motivation behind the characters in stories,” said Mark Zhang, president of TCL North America, at an event in Hollywood, Calif., Aug. 23. “We have a vision to transform home entertainment. TCLtv+ and IDEO technology are important pieces. We hope the technology will provide and enhance the ability to go far deeper with storytelling than you have been able to do in the past.”
TCL is working with partners such as Amagi, Xumo, Wurl, OTTera, and Future Today for content launch and distribution, while other partners will be added over time. TCL is also working with content providers such as Brainstorm Media, Questar Entertainment, Big Media, Nicely Entertainment, Viva Pictures and Tesera Entertainment, to enhance its IDEO platform offerings.
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TCLtv+ “Live” will feature more than 200 channels from major content distributors and studios, providing personalized recommendations for local news along with diversified choices for Hispanics, African Americans, Asia Pacific Americans, LGBTQ+, and more. TCL’s new service will also offer “YourTV+” with more than 100 titles at all times, and new titles being added every week from major content providers.
The platform is now available in United States and Canada on TCL televisions with Google TV, and will be available soon on TCL sets featuring the Roku TV and Fire TV platforms. Customers will automatically see the channel and can begin using the service for free.