EBU throws weight behind Hybrid Broadcast services

The Technical Committee of the European Broadcasting Union has agreed a set of measures for Hybrid Broadcast Broadband (HBB) services and devices.

In a statement, the world’s largest association of national broadcasters said it recognised the “exciting opportunity these technologies bring to viewers and the broadcasting world, and the significant work that has already been done in this domain.”

Reiterating comments made by Peter MacAvock, programme director of the EBU’s technical department, during IBC 2009, the committee said that while there were likely to be various HBB platforms over the foreseeable future, the public interest would be best served by harmonisation. Having multiple HBB platforms in the same market would only increase costs for broadcasters.

The Technical Committee has now asked EBU Technical to continue its work in the harmonisation of HBB, working with EBU members, and taking into account the various interactive TV systems already in use.

The committee will also commence work on other elements, described as essential, such as the streaming of long form content over the open internet.