Humax adopts ANT for first HbbTV set-top

Humax has partnered with ANT in the release of its first HbbTV (Hybrid Broadcast Broadband) receiver.

The iCord HD+ set-top box has been shipping to German retailers since earlier this month. It allows consumers to access hybrid services including on demand content from ARD Mediathek, Tagesschau, Arte, internet radio, Maxdome and Wikipedia via the set-top box.

“We are constantly looking to deliver engaging new services for customers and the ANT Galio HbbTV Platform allowed us to provide a variety of exciting new hybrid services to market before any other provider,” said Jeff Kim, managing director, Humax Germany. “We are particularly excited by the number of consumers that have already accessed our new portal service. The sheer volume demonstrates how ready the market is for these interactive services.”

It is the first HbbTV receiver to be put on the shelves since the HbbTV receiver was announced in August this year. The HbbTV initative features a cross industry consortium of software providers, hardware manufacturers, broadcasters and satellite operators.

“Humax’s ability to roll out its HbbTV set-top box so quickly is testament not only to Humax’s engineering excellence but also to the readiness of the market for hybrid services,” added Richard Baker, EVP of sales and marketing at ANT. “Our continued partnership with Humax has enabled us to help them deliver the first HbbTV offering to market.”

ANT has developed the ANT Galio HbbTV Platform to provide full support for Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) services.