The global initiative dedicated to providing an open standard for the delivery of broadcast and broadband services through smart TVs and set-top boxes (STBs) says that the new spec will be based on the existing HbbTV 2.0 framework. This means that TV operators will be able to develop their applications using commonly used Web technologies, including HTML5.
The operator application, that is a service provider app available on an STB or TV set, is designed to deliver the key elements of the television user experience - including channel navigation and a TV guide. These applications will enable operators to provide a common set of services and a consistent, branded experience across a range of television devices. As the specification will be based on HbbTV 2.0, The specification will be suitable for operators of any kind of TV service, including free or pay-TV, delivered over satellite, terrestrial, cable and IPTV.
The HbbTV Association has completed the requirements for this specification and is now proceeding to the specification phase. The association assures that enabling seamless coexistence of traditional HbbTV broadcaster applications and the operator application is one of the key requirements defined in this work; this is important to maintain HbbTV's role as a business model-neutral technology platform.
Provisioning an operator-defined UI on a TV or STB will be possible where there is a bilateral agreement between the manufacturer and the operator. It is expected that a specification may be available by the end of this calendar year.
“We are extremely pleased and supportive of the work HbbTV is doing to bring standardisation to operator applications,” commented Matthew Huntington, CTO of Freesat. “For Freesat it presents an exciting opportunity to offer a branded experience to customers on a new range of devices".