Eutelsat HbbTV goes live in Germany
March 29, 2012
The blending of traditional TV channels with Internet content is now possible for cable homes in Germany using the ‘KabelKiosk choice’ service based on the HbbTV standard developed by the German subsidiary of Eutelsat Communications.
With ‘KabelKiosk choice’, Eutelsat’s KabelKiosk platform is evolving beyond its first phase as a programme delivery solution for independent cable operators. The launch of an interactive portal is fully in step with how viewers are progressively enhancing linear channels with on-demand information. For broadcasters, network operators and content providers it offers new opportunities to extend the reach of linear and non-linear content, and to generate new revenues.
Services available through ‘KabelKiosk choice’ include VOD, catch-up TV, access to news portals and local information. Users access this portfolio of interactive solutions via set-top boxes or a connected TV supporting HbbTV. An extension to tablets and smartphones is being developed to expand services to mobile devices.
Eutelsat is accelerating user access to HbbTV services with ‘KabelKiosk choice’ by removing the requirement for operators to make significant investments in their own service platforms and infrastructure. the service works as a white label to enable operators to provide and market the portal under their own brand. They can also create their own sites with local news, RSS feeds, clips and promotions. Using an integrated Content Management System, operators can also easily update content and applications.