Opera Software supports HbbTV

One remote, a world of options: Opera Software supports HbbTV to bring new Web services to the TV screen

OSLO, Norway — Opera Software today announced that it has joined the cross-industry consortium that is leading the Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) initiative. The purpose of HbbTV is to harmonize the broadcast and broadband delivery of news, information and entertainment to the end consumer through set-top boxes and connected TVs. Opera’s active support of this initiative will ensure the creation of standards compliant, value-added, Web-based content and services. The end goal of Opera’s involvement in HbbTV is to create a seamless, premium experience for end-users, with the simplicity of single remote control access to the entire range of TV services available.

HbbTV is based on existing industry and technology standards that the Opera for Connected TVs platform largely supports, including Open IPTV Forum (OIPF), CEA-2014 and W3C. Through its support of HbbTV, Opera aims to help increase the amount new, unique and interoperable services that broadcasters, online providers and manufacturers can offer to the viewing public.

“Opera Devices SDK, the foundation of the Opera for Connected TVs platform, is long-time, leading enabler of Web-based middleware, so it is natural for us to get involved at the core of the HbbTV initiative, helping to shape these new broadcast/broadband services,” said Christen Krogh, chief development officer, Opera Software. “It is our shared goal, through the HbbTV initiative, to aid the creation of a solid and effective technology and market structure where the amount of viable content is on par with ever-growing capabilities of today’s advanced TVs and set-top boxes.”

One of the first public demonstrations of HbbTV included the Philips NetTV, powered by Opera Devices SDK.