Australia’s Special Broadcasting Service’s (SBS) has launched a HbbTV catch-up TV application, SBS On Demand.
Public broadcaster SBS is the first of the local free-to-air broadcasters to launch their own full-featured catch-up TV service using the new HbbTV standard and is now available in beta (pre-release test version). The app was developed by Accedo.
With the introduction of the new service, SBS beats the launch of FreeviewPlus, the HbbTV service of the main Australian broadcasters, set to launch in July.
“Today’s launch of the SBS On Demand application for HbbTV-enabled TVs is yet another example of SBS continuing to lead the way in offering viewers access to their favourite shows across the very latest devices and technology,” said Marshall Heald, SBS chief digital officer. The app can be accessed on all SBS chnanels, SBS One, SBS 2 and NITV.
“We’re releasing the app in beta to elicit feedback from audiences to help us make further enhancements and improvements to the product during the 2014 FIFA World Cup and ahead of the Tour de France next month. Early-adopters of this new technology will be able to provide us with valuable feedback to maximise the SBS On Demand experience”.
“Accedo has been a strong partner for many years, and they continue to provide valuable services to SBS in our quest to provide our audiences with access to SBS’s unique content, where and when they want it”.
Matt Kossatz, VP Australia and New Zealand, Accedo, added: “SBS is an extremely forward-looking media organisation, which shares our passion and enthusiasm. We’re extremely excited to be behind the successful design, development and deployment of Australia’s first HbbTV catch-up TV application. We are especially pleased to once again help SBS pave the way in this space and we look forward to continuing to work closely with them to roll out more SBS content and features in the coming months.”
Accedo has previously helped SBS successfully launch their SBS On Demand service across several connected device platforms, including Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, Panasonic and Hisense smart TV devices – as well as on Android phone and tablet devices, and most recently on Sony PlayStation 4.
