The DTG has released D-Book 12.6, the latest update to the UK transmission standards that underpin Freeview, YouView, Freesat, EE TV, BT TV and TalkTalk TV.
For the first time, HbbTV is mandated for use with MHEG that had been used to launch interactive services such as Red Button now only optional.
“It means version 12.6 underpins and supports all innovative digital services, networks and devices in an increasingly globalised IP/broadcast TV market while providing the stability and confidence industry needs to deliver safe access and inclusion for all UK digital TV consumers,” said DTG chief executive Richard Lindsay-Davies.
D-Book 9 was the first standard to introduce the optional support of HbbTV. D-Book 12.6 now makes the standard mandatory as HbbTV 2.0.2.
“HbbTV is very happy and honoured by the trust the UK TV players and the DTG place in our specification,” said Vincent Grivet, Chairman, HbbTV. “This signal, coming from a very dynamic and sophisticated market which has been at the forefront of developments in many areas, says a lot about the value of a modern, open specification capable of delivering all relevant interactive TV services expected by consumers today.”
In the past year, the D-Book successfully supported the clearance of the 700 MHz band – which was completed in August 2020.
