DVB-I added to core HbbTV specification

The latest release of the core HbbTV specification for hybrid broadcast–broadband television includes integration with DVB-I. The goal is to allow HbbTV applications that are typically linked to a classic DVB broadcast also be linked to services discovered via a DVB-I service list, whether delivered via broadcast or broadband.

HbbTV 2.0.4 specifies how a broadcaster can link a “red button” broadcast-related HbbTV apps to a linear TV service delivered over DVB-DASH. It also provides guidance on how the APIs used by apps linked to a classic DVB broadcast service can work when linked to a broadband-delivered service.

DVB-I and HbbTV have been designed to complement each other, providing solutions to aid the transition to a hybrid media distribution ecosystem. HbbTV apps can be used to address a number of requirements that are outside the scope of DVB-I, particularly where a broadcaster, service provider or operator wants to show their own UI, e.g. for obtaining GDPR consent.

Jon Piesing, vice-chair of the HbbTV Association and chair of DVB’s Technical Module, said: “Integration with DVB-I is important as the distribution of live/linear programming via IP streams to TV sets becomes more widespread in the future.”

The new HbbTV release also includes integration with voice assistants and accessibility features, such as dialogue enhancement or UI magnification. A full list of the new features and changes can be found in the HbbTV 2.0.4 “explainer” in the resources library on the HbbTV website.

Ongoing work in the DVB Project concerning accessibility aims to complement the HbbTV work in that important area.