Sophia Antipolis, 6 September 2016
Over 20 countries worldwide benefit from HbbTV services
The newly published ETSI specification TS 102 796 V1.4.1 on hybrid broadcast broadband TV (HbbTV) will allow the United Kingdom and Italy to implement the latest technologies in their receivers.
With the large installed base of receivers in the UK and Italy, there will be a transitional period where broadcasters will provide apps and services in both the old (respectively MHEG and MHP) and new formats, before manufacturers gradually upgrade their equipment to provide full HbbTV support in 2017.
“Having the UK and Italy switch to HbbTV is a big step for the broadcasting sector. It shows how the whole industry can move forward and benefit from the economies of scale with a single standard“ says Simon Fell, chair of ETSI joint Technical Committee Broadcast. "We hope more and more countries will implement HbbTV specifications.”
Having started in France and Germany, with TNT 2.0 in France, HbbTV is now a global success with over 20 countries using hybrid broadcast broadband TV services, 250 apps deployed and 300 million powered devices. HbbTV allows broadcasters to include advanced interactive services and Internet applications such as information services, catch-up services, video-on-demand, electronic programme guide, and interactive advertising. Users can access these services through connected TVs, set-top boxes, and through the connection with a companion screen, on smart phones, computers and tablets. Products and services using the HbbTV standard can operate over different DVB broadcasting technologies, such as satellite, cable, or terrestrial networks.
About ETSI
ETSI produces globally-applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), including fixed, mobile, radio, aeronautical, broadcast and internet technologies and is officially recognized by the European Union as a European Standards Organization. ETSI is an independent, not-for-profit association whose more than 800 member companies and organizations, drawn from 66 countries, determine its work programme and participate directly in its work.
Contact
Claire Boyer
Tel: +33 (0)4 92 94 43 35
Mob: +33 (0)6 87 60 84 40
Email: claire.boyer@etsi.org
www.etsi.org