[Experience] "Easy to Watch Netflix"... 'U+tv' Transformed into OTT

IPTV Combined with OTT Portal Service
'Continue Watching Netflix' Feature on Bottom Launcher When Powered On
Transforming into an Open Platform

LG Uplus tested the 'U+tv' service, revamped as OTT tv, for a month since the 18th of last month. The photo shows the bottom 'Launcher' screen that appears on the home screen.

[Asia Economy Reporter Minyoung Cha] LG Uplus's ITPV service 'U+tv' has shifted its strategy to an open platform instead of directly competing with online video services (OTT). The service highlights the ability to enjoy a wider variety of OTTs compared to IPTV.

On the 18th of last month, U+tv was reborn as an OTT tv, and I experienced it for a month. The revamped U+tv combines IPTV and OTT service portals. Customers using UHD2 or higher IPTV could use it through automatic software updates without replacing the set-top box.

When I turned on the TV with the remote as usual, live broadcasting appeared with a 'Launcher' screen overlapping at the bottom. This is a window for exploring OTT content, displaying icons for U+tv, Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube, along with screens such as 'Currently Watching Content,' 'Continue Watching Recent Titles,' and 'Popular Movies.' From early next year, TVING and Raftel will also join. However, it is unfortunate that OTT subscription fees are separate, and even LG Uplus subscribers cannot use them for free.

Changed home screen layout. Following LG Uplus's video on demand (VOD) content, Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube content are arranged side by side in order.

Pressing the Netflix icon allowed viewing of 'Currently Watching Content' and 'Trending Content.' The American animation 'SpongeBob,' which I had watched just before, was also accessible through the launcher. Although the LG Uplus remote has a dedicated Netflix button, the launcher provides an additional shortcut. To support the continue-watching feature on IPTV, organic data linkage is essential.

The overall home screen layout has also changed. At the top are LG Uplus's video-on-demand (VOD) contents, but scrolling down shows Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube contents arranged side by side. As with the launcher screen, you can immediately check currently watching and trending content.

On the search screen, the service platforms such as 'U+tv' and 'Disney+' are displayed on top of the posters according to each content.

The search function has also changed. Searching for the name 'Lee Byung-hun' brought up works starring actor Lee Byung-hun such as 'Addiction,' 'Joint Security Area (JSA),' and 'I Saw the Devil,' along with director Lee Byung-hun's drama 'Melo Is My Nature' and the movie 'Extreme Job.' Since 'Melo Is My Nature' is available on both U+tv and Disney+, a mark indicating availability on both services appeared over the poster. However, even if works like 'I Saw the Devil' are on Netflix, they were not supported on U+tv's home screen, so there was a limitation in showing service availability.

The most anticipated feature is the 'OTT·VOD Integrated Ranking' based on TV viewing history, which will be provided starting January next year. The plan is to accumulate big data based on TV viewers' watching history to create customized content rankings that cross various OTT services. It is expected to help customers who are insensitive to the latest trends or find it difficult to choose works.

After using it for a month, it feels too early to sense a major change. Previously, quick access to major OTTs was possible via dedicated remote buttons. It is expected to become more convenient if smoother and more organic connections are enabled through attracting more diverse services in the future.