HD+ joins FreeTV Alliance
October 29, 2014
HD+, a provider of high-definition, free-to-air satellite channels to the German market, has joined the FreeTV Alliance, the broadcast industry association that was revealed at IBC by Fransat, Freesat and Tivùsat to promote the harmonisation of free-to-view satellite TV services and technology across Europe. HD+ had been expected to join the Alliance at launch, but was not in a position to confirm its membership at the time.
Addressing the European market initially, the main goal of the FreeTV Alliance is to support the growth of free-to-view satellite TV services, by making it easier and more economical for manufacturers to develop innovative new products that deliver a superior customer viewing experience. To achieve this, the Alliance is producing a range of common recommendations and specifications based on open standards that will apply across set-top boxes and smart TVs. The first of these specifications will be launched later this year.
“HD+ is proud to be joining the FreeTV Alliance as we believe this will be a highly effective forum to contribute to the development of the free-to-air TV market,” said Georges Agnes, Managing Director at HD+.
The FreeTV Alliance members are now working together to establish preferred technologies and common specifications for multiscreen TV solutions as well as providing guidance to broadcasters and content providers deploying advanced hybrid TV services combining satellite reception and IP based interactivity.
“We are very pleased to be able to confirm that HD+ is now joining the Alliance,” said Alberto Sigismondi, CEO of Tivùsat and the first Chair of the FreeTV Alliance. “The size of the German market demands that its views and values are represented and to have the HD+ team on board will ensure that this happens.”