Wednesday, August 23, 2023

PRESS RELEASE: CBC Gem Now Available On The Roku Platform In Canada

Canadians can now stream their favourite CBC news and entertainment programming for free on the Roku platform


August 23, 2023 – Today, Roku and CBC announced the national public broadcaster’s streaming service, CBC Gem, is now available on the Roku platform in Canada. CBC Gem is home to essential Canadian series and a curated selection of acclaimed, best-in-class content from around the world, as well as more than 800 documentaries, 500 hours of ad-free content for kids and tweens, and over 200 Canadian feature films. The addition of CBC Gem gives Roku users access to more than 6500 hours of live and on-demand programming for free on their Roku streaming player or Roku TV. Radio-Canada streaming service ICI TOU.TV has also launched on Roku devices in Canada.


“CBC Gem is an important addition to the library of fantastic Canadian content on the Roku platform,” said Mary-Anne Taylor, Head of Content Distribution, Canada at Roku. “Our Canadian customers have been asking for CBC Gem, and we are proud to now offer them access to the impressive programming lineup of home-grown and international programming.”


“As millions of consumers move to streaming and connected TV platforms, our partnership with Roku is key to ensuring that wider audiences in Canada are able to discover and enjoy CBC’s award-winning news and entertainment programming,” said Barbara Williams, Executive Vice-President, CBC. “With the launch of CBC Gem on Roku, we will be able to serve even more people on Canada's top connected TV platform, and we look forward to working with Roku to reach new audiences.”


Starting today, Roku users can stream all seasons of past CBC hit original series, including Baroness von Sketch Show (seasons 1-5); Kim’s Convenience (seasons 1-5); Schitt’s Creek (seasons 1-6); and Workin’ Moms (seasons 1-7), as well as previous seasons of current popular CBC original titles The Great Canadian Baking Show, Heartland, Murdoch Mysteries, SkyMed, and Sort Of, with new seasons to look forward to this fall. 


In addition, users will have access to new original titles premiering this fall, including Black Life: Untold Stories, BlackBerry, and Bones of Crows. New episodes of the latest season of fan favourite The Great British Baking Show are now available weekly on CBC Gem, plus all past seasons. 


Roku users can also access programming from one of Canada’s most trusted news sources, including free 24/7 ad-supported streaming (FAST) channel CBC News Explore and live streams of 14 local newscasts on CBC channels from across the country.


Availability

Roku users can add the free CBC Gem app to their home screen directly from the Channel Store on the Roku platform. Authenticated users can sign into CBC Gem on the Roku platform using their existing login credentials. For more information about Roku, please visit www.roku.com.


CBC Gem is available free as an app for iOS and Android devices, online at CBCGem.ca, and on TV screens via Roku, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Xbox. Additional platforms will be announced soon. Free 24/7 ad-supported streaming (FAST) channel CBC News Explore is also currently available on The Roku Channel app at channel 105 in Canada and the United States.


About CBC Gem

CBC Gem is Canada’s streaming service, offering more than 6500 hours of live and on-demand Canadian programming and a curated selection of acclaimed, best-in-class content from around the world, including more than 800 documentaries, 500 hours of ad-free content for kids and tweens, and a collection of over 200 Canadian feature films. CBC Gem is available free as an app for iOS and Android devices and online at CBCGem.ca, and on TV screens via Roku, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Xbox.


About CBC/Radio-Canada

CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.


About Roku, Inc.

Roku pioneered streaming on TV. We connect users to the content they love, enable content publishers to build and monetize large audiences, and provide advertisers with unique capabilities to engage consumers. Roku TV™ models, Roku streaming players, and TV-related audio devices are available in various countries around the world through direct retail sales and/or licensing arrangements with TV OEM brands. Roku-branded TVs and Roku Smart Home products are sold exclusively in the United States. Roku also operates The Roku Channel, the home of free and premium entertainment with exclusive access to Roku Originals. The Roku Channel is available in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Roku is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., U.S.A.


Roku is a registered trademark, and Roku TV is a trademark of Roku, Inc. in the U.S. and in other countries. Trade names, trademarks, and service marks of other companies appearing in this press release are the property of their respective holders.



Media Contacts


Roku, Inc.

Eleni Tenuta

etenuta@roku.com


CBC PR

Tanya Koivusalo

tanya.koivusalo@cbc.ca


###

CBC Gem is available on a wide range of devices, including Amazon FireTV, Amazon Firestick Lite, and more. Canadian shoppers looking for the latest generation of Amazon Fire TV Edition TVs and devices, buy one today on Amazon.ca and help support @StreamOnABudget.

CBC Gem is now available on Roku in Canada (Search 'CBC Gem' on your Roku TV or Roku device). 

Canadian shoppers looking for the latest generation of Roku TVs and devices, buy one today on Amazon.ca and help support @StreamOnABudget.

Posted by at No comments:

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Roku Themes Are Now Available For Every Season, Here Is How To Get Them in Canada

The "In The Park" series of Dynamic Wallpapers and Screensavers from Roku are now available for all seasons, along with an additional Bonus Set.

by Georges Brunet, Chief Editor of the @StreamOnABudget blog.

While Roku Theme Packs have been around for several years in the US, comprised of "animated" Dynamic Wallpapers and Screensavers with hidden movie and TV show references, the concept of such theme packs is relatively new to us here in Canada, with the Autumn Wallpaper/Screensaver theme being the first to release last October. (Actually, the only other "dynamic" wallpaper prior to last year was the Winter Wonderland wallpaper, released in 2019, with static scenes that change every time you toggle through the main menu, and snowflakes falling behind the main menu tiles, but that was the only animated wallpaper available in Canada until last year, and it did not come with an accompanying screensaver.)

As of last week, Roku officially released their latest Theme Pack, Summer in the Bay, with a colorful seasonal animated background for your Roku's main menu screen and an accompanying screensaver. So, as of now, you can install all four seasons of Theme Packs, plus a bonus Theme Pack, Roku City. Here is what you get in the Theme Packs and how you can install them: 

First, how do you browse new themes or change the current theme installed on your Roku? Follow these steps: 

  1. Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
  2. Scroll up or down and select Settings.
  3. Select Theme.
  4. Select Change theme to browse My Themes and All Themes. If a check mark appears next to a theme, it is already installed on your Roku device. Tip: When browsing lists or tile grids, press the Reverse scan button or Forward scan button on your Roku remote to jump up or down one page at a time.
  5. Highlight a theme and press the OK button on your remote to open the description and details.
  6. If the theme is installed, you can select Set as theme to switch to that theme.
  7. If the theme is not installed, you can see a preview by selecting View screenshots.
  8. To install a new theme, select Add channel. Note: If you have a Roku account PIN, you will be required to enter it. If you do not have a PIN and wish to keep other members of your household from adding themes, learn how to create a PIN for your Roku account.
  9. After the new theme is downloaded and installed, you can select Set as theme to switch to that theme.

A demonstration video on how to install Roku Themes: https://youtu.be/sSYi89mYxME


Now, here are all the Theme Packs that are available to install right now! 

SUMMER: 

Dynamic Wallpaper: Summer in the Bay. 
Roku Search Term: SUMMER BAY

Accompanying Screensaver: Summer Stroll in the Park
Roku Search Term: SUMMER STROLL

Video: (Coming Soon)

AUTUMN: 

Dynamic Wallpaper: Fall in the Park
Roku Search Term: FALL PARK

Accompanying Screensaver: Summer Stroll in the Park
Roku Search Term: FALL PARK or FALL STROLL

Video: (Coming Soon)

WINTER: 

Dynamic Wallpaper: Winter in the Park 
Roku Search Term: WINTER PARK

Accompanying Screensaver: Winter Wonderland Walk
Roku Search Term: WINTER WALK

Video: (Coming Soon)

SPRING:

Dynamic Wallpaper: Spring in the Park. 
Roku Search Term: SPRING PARK or SPRING IN THE PARK

Accompanying Screensaver: Spring Stroll in the Park
Roku Search Term: SPRING PARK or SPRING STROLL

Video: (Coming Soon)

BONUS THEME PACK:

Dynamic Wallpaper: Roku City
Roku Search Term: ROKU CITY

Accompanying Screensaver: City Stroll: Movie Magic
Roku Search Term: CITY STROLL

Video: (Coming Soon)

Posted by at No comments:

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

The Star Trek Franchise Finally Finds Its Home On Paramount+ In Canada As Of August 1

Paramount+ Becomes The Streaming Home Of Star Trek In Canada Ending A Long-Running Licensing Deal with Bell's Crave TV


by Georges Brunet, Chief Editor of the @StreamOnABudget blog.

Mobile Syrup reported the news on Tuesday that Paramount+ will become the exclusive Canadian streaming home of Star Trek content going forward, ending a long-running licensing agreement with Bell’s Crave. It appears that the transition has already begun, with several of the CBS Studios series already appearing in the premium streaming service in Canada. 

The press release from Paramount+ indicated the content roll-out schedule expected for all of the Star Trek content to become available on the streaming service and leaving Crave; and, Mobile Syrup reports, "Under Bell’s agreement with Paramount, new episodes of Strange New Worlds will continue to release on Crave for now. However, future original titles, like the Star Trek: Starfleet Academy series and Michelle Yeoh-led film Star Trek: Section 31, will premiere exclusively on Paramount+. The fifth and final season of Star Trek: Discovery will also stream only on Paramount+ and not Crave."

The Mobile Syrup article also mentioned that Bell will retain the exclusive broadcast rights to the franchise in Canada, continuing to air on the Bell-owned CTV Sci-Fi network. Formerly known as SPACE, every Star Trek series has been on the network's broadcast schedule for as long as the network has been in existence in Canada, so there's no reason to think that the broadcast rights will expire on the cable channel anytime soon, only disappearing from its premium pay-TV service.

Paramount+ Canada issued the following press release on Tuesday:


TORONTO, Aug. 1, 2023 /CNW/ -- Paramount+ announced today that the service is now Canada's streaming home of the iconic STAR TREK catalogue featuring over 800 episodes of binge-worthy episodes and 12 feature films. Kicking off today, season 1 and the current season to date of STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS is available to stream on Paramount+, and the library will continue to build throughout the month with STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION available on August 8, STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE on August 15, and more. These iconic series join STAR TREK: DISCOVERY and STAR TREK: PICARD, already streaming on the service. The full content rollout schedule is below.

As announced earlier this month at San Diego Comic-Con, the highly anticipated STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS and STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS crossover episode is available to stream today. Additionally, the current season of STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS will feature the first-ever STAR TREK musical episode "Subspace Rhapsody." The episode features 10 original songs, plus a "Subspace Rhapsody" version of the series' main title, with music and lyrics by Kay Hanley (Letters to Cleo) and Tom Polce (Letters to Cleo, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend). This special episode will be available to stream on Thursday, August 3. Fans can view the trailer HERE.

With today's announcement, Paramount+ is now the home to STAR TREK series and episodes, including but not limited to Canada's most streamed series* STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS (view the season 2 trailer HERE) and all seasons of STAR TREK: DISCOVERY (view exclusive clip from the final season HERE), STAR TREK: PICARD, the animated series STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS (view the season 4 trailer HERE). In addition, the service is currently home to all the STAR TREK feature films, with STAR: TREK: THE DIRECTOR'S CUT returning to the platform on September 5.

In Canada, Paramount+ will also be the proud streaming home of the all-new original series STAR TREK: STARFLEET ACADEMY and the movie event STAR TREK: SECTION 31, starring Michelle Yeoh. Both will be produced by CBS Studios.

"STAR TREK is one of the most iconic TV brands in the world," said Katrina Kowalski, Vice President, Content, Paramount+ and Pluto TV Canada. "In the decades since the first series premiered in 1966, the franchise has evolved, growing and inspiring its audience with expansive storytelling and a diverse cast of characters. We are so thrilled Paramount+ is now the Canadian streaming destination for the catalogue."

STAR TREK Series catalogue rollout on Paramount+ in Canada:

  • Currently on P+ Canada: STAR TREK: DISCOVERY and STAR TREK: PICARD
  • August 1, 2023 - STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS (Seasons 1 & 2)
  • August 8, 2023 - STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION (Seasons 1 – 7)
  • August 15, 2023 - STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE (Seasons 1 – 7)
  • August 22, 2023 - STAR TREK VOYAGER (Seasons 1 – 7)
  • August 29, 2023 - STAR TREK ENTERPRISE (Seasons 1 – 4)
  • September 5, 2023 - STAR TREK: THE ANIMATED SERIES (Seasons 1 & 2) and STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES (Seasons 1 – 3)

To help celebrate Paramount+ in Canada as the streaming home of STAR TREK, fans can engage with the STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS activation at Toronto's FAN EXPO Aug. 24 to 27 and Vancouver and Calgary fans should stay tuned for details on exclusive screenings on STAR TREK Day, Sept. 8.

For nearly seven decades, the fan-favourite STAR TREK brand has been pushing boundaries with its ever-evolving and sought-after catalogue. The series' cultural influence has been acknowledged for including one of the first multiracial casts on US television; was awarded its own internationally recognized day, STAR TREK Day, celebrated annually on September 8; has garnered hundreds of award nominations for cast and crew; and expanded the imagination of TV viewers around the world. The STAR TREK catalogue includes over 20 series and films. The STAR TREK series are distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

The STAR TREK universe joins the already enormous library of P+ exclusive originals, hit series, marquee franchises and popular movies from the Paramount family of world-renowned brands, including series from the Taylor Sheridan universe (1883, 1923, YELLOWSTONE, TULSA KING and SPECIAL OPS: LIONESS), RABBIT HOLE, FATAL ATTRACTION, MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN, THE OFFER, HALO, SEAL TEAM and EVIL, as well as films including TOP GUN, A QUIET PLACE, SCREAM VI, AWAY FROM HER and PAW: PATROL: THE MOVIE.

Canadians can subscribe to Paramount+ online at ParamountPlus.com; via the Paramount+ app for iOS and Android; and across a wide number of platforms, including smart TVs, connected-TV devices, online, mobile, gaming consoles, and leading OTT providers. Monthly subscriptions are only $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year.

If you are a fan of Star Trek and have been waiting for the franchise to become available on Paramount+, now is a great time to check out and binge all of the Star Trek content on Paramount+. 
BONUS PROMO: Check out the sidebar on the right of this blog for special promo codes that will extend your trial period to 30 days, available to NEW and RETURNING subscribers. 

Editor's Note: This post contains affiliate links for Paramount+, so we, at TheFrugalStreamer | StreamOnABudget Showcase blog, may earn a small commission when you complete a paid subscription order through links on our blog, or by purchasing merchandise from our affiliated retailers. There is absolutely no additional cost to you, and you help support all the projects that we do, including the continued development of the StreamOnABudget Showcase Project and its endeavors. Thank you for your support! -Georges B.

Sources used for this article:
###

Paramount+ is available on a wide range of devices, including Amazon FireTV, Amazon Firestick Lite, and more. Canadian shoppers looking for the latest generation of Amazon Fire TV Edition TVs and devices, buy one today on Amazon.ca and help support @StreamOnABudget.

Watch Paramount+ on Roku! Canadian shoppers looking for the latest generation of Roku TVs and devices, buy one today on Amazon.ca and help support @StreamOnABudget.


================================= ADVERTISEMENT =================================

Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)