HbbTV 2.0 updated for UK and Italy deployments

The HbbTV Association has announced the immediate availability of HbbTV 2.0.1.

This update of the 2.0 specification adds a small number of features necessary for the broad adoption of HbbTV in Italian and UK markets. The HbbTV Association intends for this version to replace 2.0 and expects the first compliant terminals in spring 2017.

HbbTV 2.0.1 was written in close collaboration with the UK’s DTG and the HD Forum Italia. The additions allow HbbTV technology to replace MHEG and MHP in the UK and Italy respectively. Key additions include:

– Better user interface control when changing channels
– Better integration with version 1.4 of CI Plus
– Improved audio support for accessibility
– Support for graphics resolutions higher than 1280×720
– Encryption of media delivered via broadband where a full DRM is not needed
– Inclusion of new Web APIs: ‘Web Audio’ and ‘Encrypted Media Extensions’
– Few version 2.0 clarifications and updates.

To ensure full interoperability on the newly added features, the HbbTV Association will publish tests for those features for inclusion in the HbbTV Test Suite by the end of the year.

“The DTG is pleased to see the publication of HbbTV 2.0.1 including the results of last year’s co-operation between ourselves and HbbTV. Updating HbbTV 2.0 to take into account features used in the UK is a critical milestone on the path towards the introduction of HbbTV in the UK,” said Richard Lindsay-Davies, DTG CEO.

“We look forward to continuing our work with HbbTV and the UK industry to develop further business opportunities based on the combination of HbbTV and the DTG D-Book.”

“We are very proud to have contributed to the release of HbbTV version 2.0.1 and have fully endorsed it in our new HD Book 4.0 for the Italian market,” stated Benito Manlio Mari, HD Forum Italia president.

“We are keen to promote the implementation phase of the first services to encourage new business opportunities for the Italian and the European market. This phase will be made available on HbbTV 2.0.1 receivers in the beginning of next year.”