Opera adds hybrid TV for Blink and YouTube enhancements

Opera Devices SDK in pole position for TV Connect

OSLO, Norway and LONDON — The Opera Devices SDK (Software Development Kit) is shifting up a gear as it extends its HbbTV capabilities to the Blink engine and adds official certification for implementing YouTube on TV. In time for the TV Connect exhibition starting tomorrow in London, these updates make it much easier for operators and device manufacturers to give viewers an enhanced TV experience.

At TV Connect, Opera Software is announcing the availability of its hybrid TV option for the Opera Devices SDK 4.x series, the industry’s first Blink-based engine for TV and the most advanced embeddable browser for Linux, Android and RDK (Reference Design Kit) platforms. Previously only available for the Presto engine, the out-of-the-box hybrid TV solution displays HbbTV services including interactive ads, entertainment portals, catch-up TV, electronic program guides and more – in an all-new, simplified architecture. Opera’s proven hybrid TV technology and industry partnerships mean faster time to market for pay-TV operators and manufacturers, as well as more innovative offerings for connected-TV viewers.

In further SDK news, Opera Software is now officially a YouTube Approved Platform. Previously, operators and manufacturers of TVs, Blu-ray Disc players, OTT devices and set-top boxes required a direct relationship with YouTube. The new program enables Opera to support operators and manufacturers in achieving fast licensing and implementation for running YouTube on TV on their devices, for a viewing experience enriched with content already available on the internet.

At TV Connect, Opera Software will also launch the expanded, next-generation version of its Opera TV Snap technology for brands and content providers keen for their video content to star on Smart TV, with a live demo at its TV Connect booth on Tuesday 18 March at 1:30 p.m. Opera will also demo the Opera TV Store turn-key OTT solution for pay-TV operators and retail manufacturers.

Meet Opera at TV Connect

Visit Opera Software at Stand 153 during TV Connect in London, March 18-20. To arrange a commercial or media meeting, contact zlauder@opera.com.