The Open IPTV Forum and HbbTV Association have announced the two organisations are to merge with immediate effect.
In a statement the organisations said the move was a recognition that OTT, HBB and IPTV markets were coming closer together and the barriers between them smaller.
Nilo Mitra, president of the Open IPTV Forum, said: “The single organization we have created will ensure that the common platform based on the OIPF browser and used by HbbTV will evolve in a compatible way to serve all three types of service delivery models covered by both our members – over-the-top, hybrid broadcast/broadband and IPTV.”
Klaus Illgner, chairman of the HbbTV Steering Group added: “We’re looking towards a converging future requiring us to adjust industry standards to changing market demands. By merging with the Open IPTV Forum, we’re continuing to take steps to remain at the forefront of trends in the TV industry.”
HbbTV specifications are in part based on those set by the Open IPTV Forum.
