German HDTV platform HD+ has launched the HD+ ExtraScreen service enabling DTH satellite households to stream HD channels from their set-top-box to smartphones and tablets.
For HD+ ExtraScreen, announced in November 2016, viewers need the satellite receiver Humax UHD 4tune+ and the app HD+ Connect currently available for iOS devices at iTunes. An Android version will follow in Q2 2017 on Google Play.
The set-top-box distributes the channels within the household’s local Wi-Fi network to the mobile devices. In contrast to previous SAT-IP solutions, with HD+ ExtraScreen it is technically possible for the first time to stream encrypted HD channels to smartphones and tablets – independent of the channel currently running on the TV set.
The app is free of charge and doesn’t carry advertising; registration is required to use it. If viewers – besides unencrypted HD channels – want to stream HD+ channels to their mobile devices, they need an active HD+ smartcard.
After Humax, further manufacturers will integrate the solution in their set-top-boxes, according to HD+. From April 2017, HD+ ExtraScreen can be used on secondary TV sets in the households using the IP client Humax H1.
HD+, a subsidiary of Astra satellite operator SES, wants to add further features to the HD+ Connect app in future. With the Remote Control function, viewers can use their smartphone and tablet as a remote control for the TV set. With Remote Recording, TV recordings can be set while on the go.
