Freesat+ box gets interactive with Opera

Humax implements Opera Devices SDK to advance the web experience

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands — Humax, a world leading set-top-box manufacturer, showcases its web-ready Freesat+ box at the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) 2012 in Amsterdam. With the implementation of the Opera Devices Software Development Kit (SDK), Humax’s Freesat+ box provides Freesat’s newly launched service, <free time>, an HTML5-based backwards EPG. Through <free time>, viewers can navigate back through the EPG and choose to watch content on-demand.

The Opera Devices SDK has delivered the power of the web to millions of TVs, set-top boxes, portable media players and other devices across the world. It empowers Humax to build HTML5 and CE-HTML rendering into its Freesat+ box and supports the Open IPTV Forum (OIPF) and HTML5 browser technology, which have been adopted by the next-generation Freesat+ receivers. In addition, this tool kit includes a full web browser using hardware acceleration with DirectFB, and supporting WebGL, to speed up rendering and animations.

Humax chose the Opera Devices SDK for its <free time> services and Humax platform, ensuring a better and interactive web experience.

Freesat is a subscription-free, high definition digital TV service with over 150 channels, available throughout the United Kingdom. As of today, more than 2.6 million Freesat boxes and TVs have been sold. Humax offers a range of award-winning set-top boxes and recording boxes for Freesat. This week at IBC 2012, Humax showcases the new set-top box with the Opera Devices SDK inside, which supports the specifications of <free time>.

“Web services delivered to TV are increasingly moving to HTML5, so it makes sense to have one engine to drive the browser and power all applications,” says Lars Boilesen, CEO, Opera Software. “Freesat brings HTML5 technology to its next-generation products. People can browse the web, run apps, play music and games — and most importantly — watch what they want, when they want it, on their TVs. This is the power of the web. For set-top-box and device vendors, adopting web standards can reduce the barriers of deployment and shorten the time to market.”

Tae Hun Kim, head of the Business Division at Humax adds: “Humax has always been dedicated to creating the best viewing experience for Freesat viewers through our products. To take it to the next level, we decided to make our Freesat+ products more interactive and future proof. Opera is playing a central role in creating an intuitive web experience on TVs. We are working very closely with Opera to successfully make Humax Freesat+ boxes available in the market within our targeted time frame.”

The new Humax Freesat+ products will be available in the United Kingdom in late September 2012.