HbbTV issues online video streaming reference app RfP
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Editor
| 17 January 2017

Aiming to continue its recent momentum, the HbbTV Association has published a Request for Proposals (RfP) for the creation of a reference application for online streaming of DRM protected video to HbbTV TVs and set-top boxes (STBs).

HbbTV says it is working to make it easier for broadcasters and content providers to monetise content in its ecosystem by providing a known working application with content that they can use as a model for their own services. The HbbTV Association has approached DRM suppliers for support on this project, as it does not include specific DRM systems in its specifications. The installed base of HbbTV TVs and STBs now reaches 46 million, of which a large majority support DASH and DRM. The commissioned reference application will work on as much of this installed base as possible, as well as on HbbTV 2 products entering the market in 2017.

Companies interested in responding to the RfP can access it at http://hbbtv.org/resource-library/#current-rfi. Commenting on what it means, Klaus Illgner, chairman of the HbbTV Association, said: Many broadcasters and content providers are already using HbbTV applications to deliver video to consumers. This exciting initiative will accelerate the growth of the HbbTV ecosystem, with new applications, new broadcasters and new content providers.”

The news comes only weeks after the association announced the release of a test suite that will support the latest HbbTV specification, itself hot on the heels of a successful two-day event in Madrid to highlight the hybrid broadcast broadband TV standard’s growth and the business opportunities it offers.