German DTH satellite platform HD+ has gained another smart TV manufacturer to offer viewers direct access to its service via the TV set – without a set-top box, CI+ module, smartcard, TV stick or other additional hardware.
From early June 2022, this will be possible with the Hisense models A62G, E76GQ, U8GQ, U87GQ, U81GQ, A85G, A8G, A9G, U9GQ and A7HQ. The viewers will be informed about the update via the VIDAA start screen; the TV set must be connected to the internet for this. Other Hisense models are to follow later.
Technically, the solution works via the HbbTV OpApp, which acts like a virtual set-top box inside the smart TV. Viewers with DTH satellite reception via Astra (19.2° East) can try out the HD+ channel package and the interactive add-on functions free of charge for six months, including restarting programmes that are already running and direct access to the broadcaster’s catch-up services. In addition, an automatic switching notice appears when a programme is offered in UHD quality.
After Panasonic, Samsung, Vestel and TP Vision, Hisense is the fifth TV set manufacturer to offer viewers direct access to HD+ via HbbTV OpApp.