Fortis to launch HTML5 and HbbTV Set-Top Box with ACCESS NetFront Browser

Thursday, December 20th, 2012
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ACCESS NetFront™ Browser enables Fortis to launch dual-profile HTML5 and HbbTV Set-Top Box

OBERHAUSEN, Germany — ACCESS CO., LTD., a global provider of advanced software technologies to the mobile, beyond-PC and digital TV markets, today announces that its NetFront™ Browser NX 2.0, one of the industry’s earliest HbbTV 1.5-compliant WebKit-based browsers, has been integrated with Fortis’ HbbTV ready set-top box and is available in German retail outlets. The NetFront solution will also be available for other European markets as they roll out HbbTV services.

ACCESS’ NetFront Browser NX 2.0 is a powerful, advanced WebKit-based HTML5 browser that features efficient memory usage, high stability and high portability and is compliant with the unified European HbbTV standard. The solution incorporates the latest HbbTV-compliant services such as catch-up TV, video on demand, interactive advertising and social networking whilst simultaneously delivering the advanced graphic features and enriched User Interfaces (UIs) based on HTML5. The browser enables operators, OEMs and middleware companies to upgrade or launch HbbTV services as well as deliver HTML5 content quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively.

“It’s great to be part of the continued growth of HbbTV in Germany and we are delighted that consumers can enjoy these services through our joint solution with Fortis,” said Tanaka Shin, CEO, ACCESS Seoul. “The ACCESS browser solution enables Fortis to innovate in connected TV and hybrid TV environments. By combining HbbTV and HTML5 support, ACCESS’ NetFront Browser NX ensures the Fortis set-top box stands out from other devices on the market with its dual capabilities.”

“We are pleased to extend our set-top box offering to keep abreast with the new generation of HbbTV services, but also to integrate HTML5 capabilities. HTML5 will change the landscape of TV, so as a company that differentiates its solutions through innovation we need to play our part in HTML5 becoming the development platform for next generation TV,” said Jake Lee, Sale & Marketing Director, Fortis. “By integrating ACCESS’ HbbTV and HTML5 we’ve got an exciting solution that simplifies the complexity of launching both HbbTV and HTML5 content and enables our customers to deliver greatly enhanced, cutting-edge connected TV experiences to European consumers.”