httv launches STB remote control app at BroadcastAsia

Thursday, June 14th, 2012
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At Broadcast Asia 2012, httv is lauching a multi-screen feature in association with “httvBOX”, its STB Turnkey solution: remote interactive services and EPG

SINGAPORE — At this year Broadcast Asia Edition, httv, software solutions provider for Digital TV, is launching an innovative new feature which enables viewers to interact with their STB using a smart phone or a tablet. This service is associated with the httvBOX, httv’s software turnkey solution for connected STB.

httvApps UIFrance based httv has been a leading international technology and solutions provider for interactive digital TV satellite, cable, DTT and IPTV/hybrid operators for the last 12 years. It offers a range of solutions for STB manufacturers and pay-tv operators. httv has acquired “Sinditv” in december 2012, a Singapore based company which develops high-end software solutions for Set Top Boxes and other connected devices. Thanks to their synergie, httv and its asian subsidiary have created “httvApps”.

But how does it work?

The user initially needs to download “httvApps”, the “httvBOX” application, on his Apple Iphone/Ipad or android device. When the “httvBOX” app is launched, the STB sends data to the smart phone or tablet via Wifi. The user can then interact with the STB on his hand-held device by returning data. The user can browse the EPG (programme guide), view synopses and set-up recording without going through the main TV screen. The navigation is also far more convenient on a handset than with the traditional TV remote control, especially for the search features.

httvApps UIAs the httvBOX is fully compliant with HbbTV, the fast growing international standard for hybrid TV, the device also offers an HbbTV version where the user can access broadcast HbbTV applications from his phone& tablet. He will be then able to, for example, to browse through a media library of “Catch-up” TV until the desired video is found or access the HbbTV interactive service. “httvApps HbbTV” can also be used to play along simultaneously with the broadcast programme (participate in a quiz show, vote”¦) from the Iphone and tablet.

The httvBox uses UPnP Technology to allow Automatic Discovery by the iPhone with Zero Configuration for the user. The UPnP architecture is a distributed, open networking architecture that leverages TCP/IP and the Web to enable seamless proximity networking in addition to control and data transfer among networked devices in the home. This means that httv can bring Multiscreen features to Android phones and tablets as well as the iPhone and iPad.

Jean-Christophe Jubin, CEO httv APAC, declares “the “httvApps” feature is an efficient response to the multi-screens’ new usages. It optimizes the synergies between the STB and other screens at home. The content, which is shared between the different screens in the house, is not only video content (already available on httvBPX with DLNA) but also data content coming from the STB (EPG data, HbbTV applications”¦).

This feature is available for httv’s STB turnkey solutions “httvBox” which is compliant with the HbbTV and HD+/HD+ interactive standard.

httv will demonstrate its “httvBOX” and “httvApps” on their booth n°4H3-06 at the BroadcastAsia 2012 show in Singapore from the 19th to the 23rd of June.

Mr. Jean-Christophe Jubin, will be available for meetings on site. He can be reached at +65 9068 5242.