A HIDDEN feature that provides households with more than 150 extra channels on their TV has received another fresh boost.
Freeview is limited to about 100 channels but thanks to the internet some smart TVs provide access to even more than that – and many of them are completely free.
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Samsung TV owners sometimes forget that it has a special selection of streamed channels available directly within the planner.
It’s known as Samsung TV Plus and you don’t need to sign up to start watching.
All you need to do is ensure your telly is connected to broadband via Wi-Fi or a cable to gain access.
The most recent addition to the service has just landed to cater to lovers of “whodunnit” shows and movies.
Great! Mystery says it will air binge-worthy suspenseful shows as well as monthly premieres of high-stakes crime films.
For example, tonight it’s showing 2017 crime drama Escobar starring Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz, as well as 2014 movie The Forger led by John Travolta.
Great! Mystery is already on Freeview at channel 61 but its addition to Samsung TV Plus expands availability even further, especially to those who may suffer with a poor aerial signal.
There’s been a huge shift towards internet-streamed channels in recent years, and even Freeview’s owner Everyone TV has started a streamed alternative Freely which will eventually replace Freeview in years to come.
But Samsung TV Plus is home to a load more big names that you can’t get on Freeview currently.
This includes some Sky channels with sport.
Sky Sports Stories is home to special documentaries.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports Classics delves into the archives showing programmes such as Premier League Icons and Premier League Legends.
There are other channels completely devoted to specific shows as well.
For those who love US drama Nashville there is a dedicated channel with back-to-back episodes.
And the same goes for Brit comedy classics like 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Mr Bean.
How to find Samsung TV Plus
Samsung TV Plus is available on Samsung smart TVs made from 2017 and later.
There should be a Samsung TV Plus button on your remote.
If not, look for the Samsung TV Plus icon along the bottom app bar when you switch on your TV.
For anyone without a Samsung TV there is another way you can tune in.
You can download the Samsung TV Plus app from Galaxy smartphones and tablets.
WANT MORE FREE TV?
By Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Reporter
If you’re tired of paying out on several streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ then there are a growing number of free alternatives around.
While many of these alternatives have been filled with obscure content, more big names like Sky have got on board in recent years offering some quality stuff, which is largely archive but still entertaining.
As well as UKTV, Sony and 5 are among the other players getting involved.
If you haven’t already, give Pluto TV a go, it’s available on pretty much all devices including Fire TV Sticks.
On there you’ll find channels from MTV, with Catfish and Geordie Shore.
Some of the classics are real gems too – I found myself watching long-forgotten episodes of Sabrina the Teenage Witch the other day.
