IBC 2012 PREVIEW – AMSTERDAM. Access has announced that its NetFront Browser NX 2.0 becomes one of the earliest HbbTV-1.5-compliant WebKit-based browsers, enabling broadcasters and operators to launch HbbTV services that utilise the new features of the HbbTV standard.
This includes support for building EPGs using DVB-SI information, and the ability to enable the adaptive streaming standard MPEG-DASH. This development makes it easier for operators and broadcasters to provide consumers with more advanced connected TV experiences and exciting new TV graphics and User Interfaces (UIs).
The dual-profile nature of Access’ NetFront Browser NX means that broadcasters and operators can execute the latest HbbTV-1.5-compliant HbbTV services, utilising the HbbTV profile of NX. In addition broadcasters and operators can develop next generation EPGs and UIs using DVB-SI data, benefiting from the advanced graphics features of HTML5.
The solution also passes the MPEG DASH adaptive streaming manifest XML to the media player, so that broadcasters can utilise MPEG DASH to launch improved user experiences for iVOD and Catch-up TV services.
“The coming together of mass market broadband availability, standards such as HbbTV and the desire and necessity of the broadcast industry to embrace HTML5 means that 2012 is the year of connected TV,” said Dr. Neale Foster, VP of global sales IA, Access.
“For our part we’re right behind this development. I see our dual-profile NetFront Browser NX as a key enabler in the connected TV revolution. By ensuring this solution is always at the cutting edge of web and TV standards we enable the broadcast industry to launch advanced connected TV services and innovative user experiences at Internet speed, making it far easier for the broadcast industry to meet the consumers’ demand for great content delivered in exciting and fresh ways,” concluded Foster.
