Swiss cable operator UPC cablecom will start distributing HbbTV signals on the network from January 2013.
Subscribers will be able to use the additional digital functions offered by HbbTV (Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV).
From January 2013, UPC cablecom will introduce first HbbTV services. In order to use this function, subscribers must have a DigiCard or receive unencrypted digital television without a set-top box.
Each TV channel is responsible for its own HbbTV signal. Until now, cable operators seemed reluctant to distribute the HbbTV signals on their network, as this allows viewers to directly interact with over-the-top (OTT) on-demand and catch-up TV services.
Viewers are required to have a connected TV set to be able to receive the HbbTV service, which must be connected to a broadband connection.
UPC cablecom will introduce HbbTV gradually from January onwards. This means that the company will start distributing TV channels with the HbbTV signal one after the other in German-speaking, French-speaking and Italian-speaking Switzerland.
