Sofia Digital Ltd. has joined and been approved membership in the HbbTV (Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV) Consortium on 7th May 2012. Having been a supporter since late 2010, the membership further demonstrates Sofia Digital’s commitment to the HbbTV initiative as well as belief in adding value into television services on connected TVs and receivers.
HbbTV is a pan-European industry standard for hybrid digital television that is harmonizing the broadcast, IPTV and broadband delivery of information and entertainment to consumers through connected TVs and set-top boxes. HbbTV Consortium is a joint association of digital broadcasting and Internet industry companies with over 50 member organizations. The consortium is creating an open platform as an alternative to proprietary technologies. HbbTV services are in regular operation in Germany, Spain and France with other countries following in rapid succession. Trials are being conducted all around Europe. HbbTV services run in all major TV manufacturers’ products.
In the Nordic region the NorDig standardization forum has recently adopted the HbbTV specification to replace DVB-MHP as the common API for hybrid digital receivers. The Finnish HDTV Forum recently announced its plan to adopt the HbbTV as part of revised NorDig Unified specification. The Finnish HbbTV group members include all the main broadcasters and operators and it is working with the HbbTV Consortium on deploying HbbTV services. Sofia Digital’s COO Mr. Mika Kanerva is the chairman of the Finnish HDTV Forum HbbTV working group.
Sofia Digital’s existing Sofia Backstage® family of DVB playout systems now include a complete HbbTV Platform offering consisting of stand-alone HbbTV Server product designed for all broadcasters, content providers and operators. The platform provides all the needed components for developing, testing, signaling, streaming and management of HbbTV applications and video services. The company is also extending its professional services such as Antenna Ready HD and Cable Ready HD DVB testing and consulting to cover HbbTV. Sofia Digital is an official test laboratory for all Finnish TV operators within the existing Antenna Ready and Cable Ready processes based on NorDig requirements.
More information
info@sofiadigital.com
www.sofiadigital.com
About Sofia Digital
Sofia Digital is an internationally recognized provider of interactive video and TV solutions, bringing new value-adding services to different TV terminals utilizing new digital technologies. Sofia Digital focuses on open standard interactive platforms, such as IPTV and HbbTV as well as digital signage. Since its foundation in 2000, Sofia Digital has served for example operator, broadcaster and device manufacturer customers in over 25 countries.
About HbbTV
www.hbbtv.org
HbbTV is a registered trademark, Copyright © 2012, IRT GmbH
