Tesco looks to become “largest retail player” in connected TV market

In just a few weeks time Tesco will begin selling own-brand Technika smart TVs and hybrid set-top boxes, according to the CEO of blinkbox, which is largely owned by the supermarket chain.

Michael Comish, speaking at the Future of Broadcasting summit in London, said that 2012 would be a tipping point in the shift to digital while emphasising that although Tesco is looking to become the largest retail player, “we’re not competing against Sky”.

Comish suggested that “Sky-powered” over-the-top NOW TV was aimed at new customers, while Tesco was looking to target existing homes using the blinkbox service, which will allow customers to have an “online copy” of any DVD or Blu-ray they purchase.

Category director of entertainment for Tesco, Rob Salter added that the retailer’s forward strategy would “undoubtedly be more about connected services and less about straight retailing of packaged goods”.