YouView releases final spec and confirms device partners
April 15, 2011
Open IPTV platform YouView has published its final core technical specification for launch and announced further device partners. A single technical document, detailing the core YouView interoperability specification for launch is now available on the YouView web site.
The YouView Core Technical Specification references the Digital Television Group’s D-Book 72 and provides a set of technologies to enable the delivery of broadcast and IP-enabled content onto a television set via a broadband connected device.
Any manufacturer will be able to use the specification to bring products to market sharing the same underlying technologies as a YouView device. It will also give those manufacturers interested in developing and deploying a device under the YouView brand a broad understanding of what will be required.
“We’re delighted to confirm the final launch specification for YouView to help any manufacturer develop a connected TV device. Through promoting common technical standards for connected TV, consumers will get the widest possible range of devices supporting high quality content,” said Richard Halton, CEO, YouView.
YouView also revealed a further group of device partners – Huawei, Manhattan, Pace and Vestel – that are involved in developing YouView devices, following its call for expressions of interest in August 2010.
These device partners join Cisco, Humax and Technicolor, who have already committed to developing YouView set top boxes.
Halton said that all of the companies had demonstrated expertise in bringing consumer electronics products to market, with wide reach and strong brands. “I look forward to working with them all as we continue to strengthen the YouView ecosystem to bring more choice to consumers,” he added.
According to Neil Gaydon, CEO of Pace, delivering simplicity, choice and flexibility in how UK viewers interact with their digital TV services is the driving force behind YouView. “However, this simplicity requires complex technical know-how in software and hardware, and the ability to make things work seamlessly for the user. As the global set-top box market leader, Pace has this expertise, making us a natural partner to help bring YouView into UK homes. We work with operators around the globe to enable delivery of an ever-increasing range of digital TV content in a way that fits with consumers’ lifestyles. We look forward to applying this experience as a YouView device partner and are excited to be part of such a pioneering initiative.”