YouView releases final tech spec and confirms device partners

Thursday, April 14th, 2011
YouView logo

YouView marked the next stage of its engagement with industry today as it published its final core technical specification for launch and announced further device partners.

A single technical document, detailing the core YouView interoperability specification for launch is now available on the YouView web site.

The YouView Core Technical Specification references the Digital Television Group’s D-Book 7 (1) and provides a set of technologies to enable the delivery of broadcast and IP enabled content onto a television set via a broadband connected device.

Any manufacturer will be able to use the specification to bring products to market sharing the same underlying technologies as a YouView device. It will also give those manufacturers interested in developing and deploying a device under the YouView brand a broad understanding of what will be required.

“We’re delighted to confirm the final launch specification for YouView to help any manufacturer develop a connected TV device. Through promoting common technical standards for connected TV, consumers will get the widest possible range of devices supporting high quality content,” said Richard Halton, CEO, YouView.

YouView also announced today a further group of device partners – Huawei, Manhattan (2), Pace plc and Vestel – that are involved in developing YouView devices, following its call for expressions of interest in August 2010.

These device partners join Cisco Systems, Humax and Technicolor, who have already committed to developing YouView set top boxes.

Halton added: “All of these companies have demonstrated expertise in bringing consumer electronics products to market, with wide reach and strong brands. I look forward to working with them all as we continue to strengthen the YouView ecosystem to bring more choice to consumers.”

1. The D-Book 7 is the detailed interoperability specification for digital terrestrial television with extended Connected TV functionality. D-Book 7 is divided into two parts: Part A, the UK broadcast specification and Part B beta v0.9 contains the architecture and protocols which may be used for interoperable IP delivered services in the UK. The YouView specification currently references D-Book Part A, which has been finalised by the DTG. YouView will reference D-Book Part B once the DTG has updated the current version to a non-beta form.
2. The Manhattan Technology consortium includes Pixsan Digital Software Ltd and Skardin (UK) Ltd

More: YouView Core Technical Specification; D-Book