[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] SK Broadband is launching video services in Korea for the first time among domestic IPTV providers through a collaboration with Apple.
On the 25th, SK Broadband announced that starting from the 4th of next month, it will offer the IPTV set-top box 'Apple TV 4K' to B tv customers.
By purchasing and installing Apple TV 4K through SK Broadband, users can access B tv's live channels as well as their favorite TV programs, movies, and video-on-demand (VOD) services via the Apple TV application. When Apple TV 4K is turned on, the B tv app is automatically installed and switches to B tv without separate authentication. This is the first time an IPTV platform in Korea is provided through Apple TV 4K.
Apple TV 4K customers can subscribe to and watch various streaming services such as Apple’s online video service (OTT) ‘Apple TV Plus (+)’, Wave, Disney+, and more all at once through the Apple TV app. The Apple TV app offers personalized services based on viewers’ preferences. It recommends customized TV programs and movies across various streaming services, program channels, and lists of rented or purchased movies.
Customers using SK Broadband’s ‘Smart 3’ set-top box can watch Apple TV+ as well as their preferred movies and TV programs through the Apple TV app in November without needing to replace their set-top box. Selecting the Apple TV app from the B tv home menu grants immediate access.
Apple TV will also introduce its first Korean original series, ‘Dr. Brain (Dr. Beurein).’ Directed by Kim Ji-woon and starring actor Lee Sun-kyun, it is a sci-fi thriller. Additionally, Apple TV+ offers various original content such as ‘Ted Lasso,’ starring and executive produced by Jason Sudeikis, and ‘The Morning Show,’ starring and executive produced by Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon.
SK Broadband offers Apple TV 4K for 6,600 KRW per month on a 36-month installment plan (sale). Pre-orders will be accepted for nine days from the 26th of this month to the 3rd of next month via the SK Broadband website and customer center.
Customers who purchase Apple TV 4K through SK Broadband and use B tv can enjoy a free trial of Apple TV+ for up to six months. Existing B tv subscribers can also experience Apple TV+ free for three months through a separate code. Customers using the ‘Smart 3’ set-top box will be able to enjoy Apple TV+ once the Apple TV app is activated and automatically installed in November.
From the 26th to November 30th, customers who purchase Apple TV 4K and newly subscribe to B tv through SK Broadband will receive a monthly discount of 2,200 KRW on device installments based on a three-year contract. Detailed promotion information, including pre-order benefits, is available on the SK Broadband website.
Choi Jin-hwan, CEO of SK Broadband, said, “Customers will enjoy a theater-like premium viewing experience through the integration of Apple TV 4K, the Apple TV app, and B tv, gaining access to a wide range of TV programs and movies worldwide.” He added, “Especially with Apple TV+ embedded in the B tv set-top box, all customers can now access Apple’s excellent original content.”
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