Samsung and Discovery sign TV distribution deal

Samsung Electronics Co. announced yesterday it has signed a deal with Discovery Communications Inc. to secure content for its high-definition digital television. Under the deal, Discovery’s programs will be aired on more than 30,000 Samsung televisions in public areas or exhibition centers in around 40 nations, according to a Samsung press release. The programs will include offerings from the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet. Samsung and Discovery are to show the broadcasts for the first time at the IFA 2005, also known as the World Consumer Electronics Fair, that runs from today through Wednesday in Berlin. Samsung Electronics will be displaying its 102-inch plasma display panel television, 82-inch liquid crystal display television and 71-inch digital lighting processing television. Donald Baer, vice president of Discovery Communications, said that Samsung’s televisions are the best choice for Discovery’s high-definition digital output. Samsung Electronics said that the two companies are planning to expand cooperation in technology and marketing. Discovery Communications owns 25 channels, including the Discovery Channel, and has a global audience of 1.2 billion in about 160 nations. by Park Sung-ha