PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
Samsung has announced a streaming set-top box that could square off against Roku and Apple TV.
The Samsung Smart Media Player includes “more than 100 Smart TV Apps” for watching online video streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, VUDU and YouTube.
Samsung says that the box can also access cable TV content “without having to pay the expensive monthly rental fees associated with a cable box.”
“Customers can rent a CableCARD from their cable provider and insert it into the device, providing access to local channels and content.”
Like Apple TV and Roku, the box also allows users to stream content from mobile devices via the ‘AllShare’ and ‘Screen Mirroring’ features.
"With our new Samsung Smart Media Player, we’re providing consumers with an all-in-one solution that makes the TV-watching experience ‘smarter,’" said Jim Kiczek, director of digital audio and video at Samsung Electronics America.
"This great product brings the Samsung Smart TV experience to any digital TV, giving customers a seamless home entertainment experience that combines live cable content and Smart TV applications all in one device."
The Samsung Smart Media Box will be available in the US on October 23rd for $150 (£93). No UK release has been announced as of yet.
