Univision officially launches free streaming service PrendeTV

Univision today turned on the switch on its free VOD streaming service PrendeTV.

The official kick off follows a “soft launch” announced last week by Univision’s new top executives.

Specifically targeting U.S. Hispanic audiences, the company says PrendeTV will be “home to the widest selection of the most popular Spanish-language programming available to viewers in the U.S.”

At launch, it has 40 streaming channels and 10,000 hours of VOD content that includes movies, international hit drama series, reality shows, children’s programming, telenovelas and sports programming.

Users can access a curated channel and VOD lineup of exclusive programming from Univision and Televisa’s content libraries not found on other streaming services.

PrendeTV will also feature content from leading Spanish-language partners around the world, including Banijay, Blue Ant Media, Calinos, Caracol, Cisneros, Filmrise, Globo, Nelvana, RCN and more.

Univision says that in the coming weeks, PrendeTV will add blockbuster movies from leading Hollywood studios including Disney, Lionsgate and MGM.

These are some of the channels and genres now available on PrendeTV:

• Comedy — “jajaja” highlighting stand-up shows such as “Nosotros Los Guapos,” “Vecinos,” and classic comedies in the “Risas de Oro” channel, such as “Los Gonzalez” and “Papá Soltero.”
• Series – “Nuestras Series” features some of the best series from Latin America: “Made in Cartagena,” “El Bronx” and “La Bruja” with Andres Parra.
• Sports — “Liga MX,” with encores of the league’s most memorable matches like the Final Vuelta Clausura 2013: América v Cruz Azul, “Futbol Europeo” for the diehard UEFA fans and “Combate Americas,” showcasing exciting matches, tournaments and championships with Latino MMA stars like Jose Alday, Bruno Cannetti, Melissa “Super Melly” Martinez and Paulina Vargas.
• Telenovelas — “Angelique” channel dedicated to novelas starring Mexican superstar Angelique Boyer, “Novelas en Familia” with family-friendly telenovelas like “Mi Marido Tiene Familia” and “Libre Para Amarte,” and “Amor Turco” featuring successful Turkish dramas.
• “Fe” with religious programming and biblical stories such as “Francisco: El Padre Jorge,” “Virgen de Fatima” and “Dios Sabe Cómo Hace Sus Cosas.”
• “Nene” featuring educational and enriching programming for young children, such as “Mike el Caballero” and “Rosita Fresita” (Strawberry Shortcake).
• “Animetro” highlighted by Japanese anime including “Beyblade” and “Bakugan.”
• “Love Nature” featuring wildlife and nature programming from Blue Ant Media.
• “¡Guau!” a clip-based channel featuring some of the world’s most shocking, adventure-driven videos.
• Blockbuster Movie Channels launching in the coming weeks include “Cine Hollywood,” “Cine VIP,” “Cine Extremo,” “Cine Extremo 2” and “Cine Boom” featuring action-packed movies like “Knight & Day,” “Walking Tall” and “Gone in 60 Seconds.”