Access has announced the integration of NetFront Browser NX in the Toshiba TV platform and the embedding of the browser for the world’s first commercially available Hybridcast TV in Japan.
Access has expanded NetFront Browser NX to offer support for Hybridcast, providing Toshiba with a market-ready solution. In addition to Hybridcast, the solution also supports the YouTube specification, including Encrypted Media Extensions and Media Source Extensions for premium content support.
Hybridcast is an infrastructure system developed by NHK, wich combines broadcasting with the internet, to enable a variety of TV-centered services. Apart from Tshiba, Sony and Panasonic are also involved in the development and commercial out roll in Japan.
By adding Hybridcast functionality to NetFront Browser NX, Access offers support for all major TV standards, including HbbTV, GINGA and BML, effectively providing CE device manufacturers for global markets. The integration of NetFront Browser NX ensures that Toshiba can offer experiences which offer Hybridcast support allowing traditional broadcasts to be supplemented with internet-funneled add-on data as well as greater contextual and interactive information on the TV screen, such as in-depth programme information and seamless delivery to smartphones and tablets.
“Access’ ability to quickly support this new standard enabled us to be the first to launch an integrated Hybridcast TV into the Japanese market,” said Yasuhiro Ishibashi, Technology Executive, Design & Development Center of Toshiba Lifestyle Products & Services Corporation.
“By working alongside a trusted partner like Access, we were able to quickly integrate the proven NetFront Browser NX solution with our technology to meet the growing consumer demand for the new standard.”
“As operators and consumers demand more interaction with programming, it has resulted in manufacturers needing to adapt new standards in the smallest amount of time possible in any given market,” said Dr Neale Foster, VP Global Sales, TV, Access.
“We are proud to see that a world-renowned manufacturer such as Toshiba has chosen our WebKit-based HTML5 browser, which now supports Hybridcast, adding to our vast portfolio of solutions making us a safe bet for the CE industry.”
