P&F today announced the launch of Portico on Philips connected televisions. Portico is a free service from the Net2TV Corporation that will give consumers access to exciting new programming on Philips connected televisions. With Portico, consumers will have access to several new channels of programming including WSJ Live from the Wall Street Journal, Popular Science, Discovery’s Revision3, and CHOW.com. Portico will be available in all new Philips connected TVs and to current Philips connected TV customers beginning today via a simple update.

Portico service show on the Philips 4000 Series TV. (Photo: Business Wire)

“We believe television viewers want choice and convenience”, said Todd Richardson, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for P&F, exclusive licensee for Philips consumer televisions and home theaters in North America. “We are excited to offer the added value of the Portico service to our customers. This free service provides interest-based programming — technology, entertainment, food, etc. — with an easy, straightforward interface. Since the service is updated through the Internet, our connected TV customers can start enjoying this benefit instantly.”

Portico is found in the Philips NetTV home screen where viewers can find a world of free streaming television at their fingertips. For example, foodies can select the CHOW.com channel to view tips, recipes and stories about fascinating people in the world of food. For the latest gossip and celebrity news, viewers can choose Portico Hollywood. Additional Portico programming is being provided by WSJ Live from The Wall Street Journal, featuring the latest technology news updated several times per day, Discovery’s Revision3 and Popular Science, a Bonnier magazine that provides thought-provoking video features on science and technology.

"Philips is improving the smart TV experience by offering viewers more choices," said Thomas Morgan, CEO of Net2TV Corp. "Portico provides free, ad-supported, easy-to-access programming from recognized media brands in areas of particular interest to viewers including food, technology, entertainment and three more categories which will be announced in early 2013.”

Portico is available on all 2011 and newer connected models of Philips TV. The programming will be refreshed daily. All the viewer has to do is sit back, make a selection and enjoy.

About P&F

P&F is a subsidiary of the Funai Electric Co., LTD, Inc. and is the exclusive licensee for Philips consumer televisions and home theater and Philips Hospitality in North America. P&F also is the exclusive distributor in North America for Philips lifestyle entertainment including, home and portable audio, headphones, portable DVD and accessories. Funai Electric Co., Ltd., established in 1961, is headquartered in Osaka, Japan and is listed in the Tokyo Securities Exchange First Section (6839). In addition to the consumer electronic product brands sold by FUNAI Corporation and the products sold by other FUNAI sales and marketing companies in Asia, Europe, and South America, Funai Electric Company, Ltd. is a major original equipment manufacturer (OEM) supplier for appliance, consumer electronics, computer, and computer peripheral companies on a global basis.

About Net2TV Corporation

Net2TV Corporation is cloud-based television services company delivering free, ad-supported television programming from established media brands and emerging independent producers. Net2TV was started in May 2012 and launched its Portico TV service in November 2012 on Philips Smart TVs with programming from CHOW.com, Discovery’s Revision3, CNET, Popular Science and The Wall Street Journal.

The company is based in Redwood City, Calif. For more about Net2TV Corporation and its Portico TV service, visit www.net2televison.com.

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