Samsung TV Plus offers viewers free live TV and on-demand programming across news, sports, movies and more. With over 250 channels included out of the box on Samsung smart TVs since 2016, it‘s an enticing option for cord-cutters. However, NBC‘s flagship broadcast channel unfortunately isn‘t one of them.
While the main NBC channel isn‘t available, you can tune into select NBC-owned news channels on Samsung TV Plus. But first, let‘s look at some Samsung TV Plus usage statistics:
- Over 24 million Americans use Samsung TV Plus each month (Samsung data)
- The service is pre-installed on all 2016 and newer Samsung smart TVs
- Samsung TV Plus offers over 250 free channels spanning categories like news, entertainment, sports, movies, TV shows, wildlife and more
- Supported devices beyond Samsung smart TVs include Samsung phones, tablets, Family Hub refrigerators and more
- New channel launches in 2022 included Bloomberg Quicktake, available globally, and Canada‘s WildTV
So while the offering falls short of full-fledged cable TV, Samsung TV Plus does provide an impressive selection of free programming considering there are no subscriptions or fees involved.
NBC News Channels on Samsung TV Plus
While the main NBC broadcast channel isn‘t available, you can tune into select NBC-owned news channels on Samsung TV Plus:
Channel Name | Channel Number |
---|---|
NBC Bay Area News | 1035 |
NBC Boston News | 1035 |
NBC Chicago News | 1035 |
NBC Connecticut News | 1035 |
NBC Dallas Fort Worth News | 1035 |
So while Bravo, USA Network, SYFY and other popular NBC-owned channels aren‘t accessible, you can still enjoy NBC news programming from the comfort of your Samsung TV.
The Innovation and Evolution of NBC
NBC stands for the National Broadcasting Company and traces its origins back to 1926, making it the United States‘ very first major broadcast TV network.
It was initially created as a radio network through a partnership between RCA, General Electric and Westinghouse Electric. NBC found early success with entertainment programs before expanding into television broadcasting in 1939.
Color TV
In 1954, NBC made history by broadcasting the first program in color – the Tournament of Roses Parade. The network went on to play an integral role in the adoption of color television in the 1960s, with about 50% of households having color TVs by 1968. NBC capitalized on the transition by producing vibrant technicolor shows to highlight the exciting possibilities.
Videotape
NBC advanced recording technology by pioneering the use of videotape rather than relying solely on live broadcasts. Shows were first recorded on tape using RCA‘s black and white quadruplex recording system in 1957. This allowed time shifting of programming to different time zones in the US. NBC color programs were recorded on color videotape for the first time in 1959.
Over the decades, NBC pioneered innovations while delivering seminal shows like Today, The Tonight Show, Saturday Night Live, The Cosby Show, Seinfeld, ER and Friends.
The network continues to air popular programming across news, sports, reality and scripted genres. Current hits include late night staple The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, critically acclaimed drama This Is Us, fan-favorite sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine, reality singing competition The Voice, and crime series Chicago P.D.
So while NBC has gone through ups and downs in the ratings race with rivals CBS, ABC and more recently FOX over its nine decade history, it has undoubtedly played a key role in shaping television as we know it today.
How to Watch NBC Programming on a Samsung TV
While the main NBC broadcast channel itself unfortunately isn‘t available on Samsung TV Plus, there are a couple options to watch NBC shows on your Samsung smart TV:
Using the NBC App
You can download and use the NBC app to watch NBC programming new and old without needing a cable subscription:
- On your Samsung TV‘s home screen, select the "Apps" tab
- Search for and select the "NBC" app
- Download and open the app
- Browse and enjoy NBC shows live or on-demand!
However, note that certain shows like Sunday Night Football may be restricted due to licensing deals with cable networks. So the NBC app experience won‘t be exactly the same as having the full NBC channel.
Using an Over-the-Air Antenna
Another option is using an over-the-air digital TV antenna to potentially access local NBC affiliate stations. Here‘s a quick rundown:
- Over-the-air antenna signals are broadcast digitally in HD for free over public airwaves
- What channels you‘ll receive depends on your location in relation broadcast towers
- Indoor antennas cost as little as $10-15, though outdoor mounted antennas work best
- Connect antenna to your TV via coaxial input to scan available channel list
If an NBC affiliate broadcasts over-the-air in your region, this route may allow DVR recording functionality lacking in the NBC app. But channel availability will vary widely based on geography and antenna performance.
Comparing Streaming Service Options for NBC Content
I‘ll compare and contrast a few of the major streaming services offering live NBC programming and on-demand show catalogs:
YouTube TV | Hulu + Live TV | Sling TV | |
---|---|---|---|
Price (monthly) | $64.99 | $69.99 | $35+ (Orange/Blue plans) |
No. of channels | 85+ | 75+ | 30+ (Orange), 45+ (Blue) |
NBC access | Yes | Yes | In select markets only |
Concurrent streams | 3 | 2 | 1-4 depending on plan |
DVR included? | Yes, unlimited | Yes (50 or 200 hr options) | Yes (50 hr) – extra $5/month for 200 hrs |
As we can see, YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV both provide full NBC live channel and on-demand access, but cost $65+ monthly. Sling TV is cheaper but less reliable for NBC outside certain regions. And none match cable packages for sheer volume.
So cord-cutters must weigh factors like channel lineups, cost, streaming quality and simultaneous streams to determine the best fit.
Optimizing Streaming Performance
When streaming TV services over the internet, speed and bandwidth are key for avoiding frustrating buffering issues.
Here are some tips:
- Use Ethernet over WiFi if possible for more consistent connectivity
- Test internet speeds at Speedtest.net – 25 Mbps is recommended for 4K streaming
- If speeds are lower, try limiting video quality to 1080p or 720p in app settings
- Minimize other device usage on the same network during streaming sessions
- If buffering persists, consider upgrading internet plan speed with provider
Following these best practices allows you to enjoy uninterrupted streaming whether you choose the NBC app, an antenna or a live TV streaming service.
FAQs on NBC Streaming Options for Samsung TVs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What NBC channel is available on Samsung TV Plus?
No main NBC broadcast channel is available currently. But you can access local NBC news channels on TV Plus, like NBC 4 New York, at the channel numbers listed above.
Can I watch NBC shows on a Samsung smart TV?
Yes! Either use the NBC app for a selection of shows and movies, or connect an HD antenna for potentially accessing local affiliate stations over the air.
Do I need an internet connection to pick up NBC antenna channels?
No. Over-the-air antenna TV signals are broadcast for free over public airwaves so don‘t require an internet connection – just connect antenna to TV coaxial input.
I hope this guide has broken down all the options currently available for watching NBC programming on Samsung smart TVs! Let me know if you have any other questions.