HbbTV Application Discovery Service launched. TV receivers for modern smart TVs

Not so long ago, the “Together” package of services “blew up” our city. After the launch of the package offer on the market, more than 1,000 users have already appreciated all the benefits of the service package within a few months.

Let us remind you what the “Together” service package is:

• 4 in 1 - important communication services in one package: unlimited mobile communications, high speed internet, cable digital television and interactive digital television;
• obvious benefit- the cost of all communication services in one package is much cheaper than separately. Payment is made to one personal account, which saves your time and greatly simplifies payments;
• advance form of payment- account replenishment is possible in any amount, it is enough to maintain positive balance;
• ease of connection- no queues and no need to come to the office. All you need to do is submit an application by phone on a day and time convenient for you!
• connection cost is only 1 kopeck;
• 24/7 technical support for subscribers.

We have launched the acclaimed “Together” service packages new technology. We were the first in the Republic of Belarus to open the capabilities of the “mysterious red button” or HbbTV service on your TVs. Throughout April, you will be able to test this service as part of package offers, as well as when watching digital cable television.

What is HbbTV technology and how does it work?

When you turn on a channel, a graphic object is displayed on the screen, called the “red button” in the HbbTV specification. This is a kind of hint informing the user that the program has HbbTV services, which appears in the lower right corner of the screen. The corresponding “colored” button on the remote control is used as a command “red button”. After pressing the “red button”, the HbbTV graphical menu begins loading.

The first thing you see on the screen after loading the HbbTV service is the interactive menu ( GUI). Below is the interface using the example of the "Pepper Int." channel.

The interface of the HbbTV platform is clear and intuitive. Therefore, no additional online explanation of the operation of the main functions is required.

There is very little information in Russian about Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV, so I’ll tell you a little about HbbTV itself. HbbTV is new television standard industrial application, which seamlessly combines the transmission of entertainment and information content via television broadcasting channels and broadband Internet. In other words, HbbTV is an advanced version of teletext with full graphics, video and audio. Version 1.1.1 of this specification was approved by ETSI in June 2010.

Today, channels supporting HbbTV broadcast in France, Germany, Austria, Holland and other countries of the European Union. In Russia, the implementation of HbbTV technology will begin in the first quarter of 2013.

The HbbTV specification was developed by industry leaders. We got together and thought about how to effectively manage the rapidly growing amount of available end user content. And this is what happened.

How does HbbTV work?

The specification is based on existing well-researched standards and web technologies. At the application level, the following work here: OIPF (Open IPTV Forum), CEA-2014 (CE-HTML), W3C (HTML, etc.), and at the transport level, the ETSI TS 102 809 specification is used (signalling and transport of interactive applications and services in hybrid broadcast/broadband (DVB) environments.

The subscriber terminal has the ability to connect to two networks. Broadcast network (DVB-T, DVB-S, DVB-C) - through this connection the terminal receives regular non-interactive broadcasts, i.e. audio/video content that cannot be controlled (otherwise called linear). Application data and signaling protocols are transmitted over the same network. Even if the terminal is not connected to the Internet, it is possible to receive TV programs, because signaling protocols are transmitted in the stream, and they are responsible for synchronizing application data and linear content. This was done so that it would be possible to display interactive advertising, conduct voting and various quizzes.

If you connect the terminal to the Internet, two-way communication with the application provider will be provided. It will be possible to receive interactive data, such as movies on demand. Something similar has been done in Tricolor HD Cinemas.

The standard is based on a slightly modified HTML, called CE -HTML. There is also JavaScript support, AJAX and CSS and DOM event handling. In general, the HbbTV program is nothing more than a website with dimensions up to 1920x1080 pixels, which can be called by pressing special button(“RED Button”) located on the control panel.

This program can be linked both to a specific type of television program and to the channel itself. In addition, it can be launched in background process. If there is a link to a TV show, then it displays information that complements it. If the TV program ends, the HbbTV program window closes.

Data in HbbTV can be transmitted both via the Internet and through the broadcast channel itself, but you can experience all the benefits only if you have broadband Internet.

The HbbTV service can be opened and closed at any time convenient for you. At the right time, you can only run one version of the program; in other words, multitasking is not typical for HbbTV.

All HbbTV devices support settings for limiting content viewing by age category.

Now let's move on to examples:

HbbTV sports program, motorcycle racing - displays the overall team standings, the number of laps left to complete, and the race number. Who plays in which league, results and race status. The red button at the bottom allows you to hide information, the green button allows you to switch to the news of this channel, the yellow button allows you to view video recordings of this race, and the blue button displays teletext.

This is what a tennis tournament looks like.

Besides latest issue news, including text form, you can view the weather forecast for several days ahead, sports news, program schedules and much more.

Media archive

German television channels offer completely legal viewing of all broadcast television programs from the past week! Now you don’t need to record a television series whose episode you missed, or search for it on the Internet.

Widgets - third-party web applications

It is possible to create various kinds of widgets, such as mini-programs, simple toys, which in turn are not tied to television programs.

There is also the possibility of creating HbbTV programs for advertising companies. For example, while displaying a commercial about a trip to some exotic country, you can open the HbbTV application and order a ticket to this country. In reality, this is not yet practiced, but developments are already underway.

This standard also includes the ability to listen to radio broadcasts. When switching to one of the radio channels, the user will be able to see both the track list itself and the name of the song that is currently playing.

HbbTV subscriber terminals

As for devices, there are several variations. Or it is buying a TV that supports HbbTV, equipped with WI-FI or Ethernet. Or purchasing a special DVB set-top boxes with EtherNet support.

More than 60 major players the television industry has already joined working group HbbTV, among them: SES ASTRA - a company with 15 satellites in 5 orbital positions and broadcasting about 2,500 TV channels to 122 million set-top boxes. Eutelsat is one of the 3 largest satellite operators in the world, owns 27 satellites and broadcasts about 3,200 TV channels and 1,100 radio stations. Brands such as SONY, LG, Philips, Access, RTL Groupe, Viaccess, Irdeto, Nagra, Dolby Laboratories, HUMAX and many others.

Doctor Web specialists found in the store Google applications Play over hundreds of malicious software products, posing as well-known or useful software and used by attackers in various fraudulent schemes.
In particular, Doctor Web virus analysts identified malicious applications, disguised as official client programs large retail chains, bookmakers and popular Internet services. This kind of software is presented in abundance in Google Play and is actively used by cybercriminals to fraudulently subscribe owners of Android smartphones and tablets to expensive premium mobile services.

The scheme of scammers is quite simple: the potential victim is asked for a number mobile phone, supposedly necessary to receive the code and the fictitious winnings. However, this code is actually used to confirm your subscription to paid service. If the infected device is connected to the Internet, then after entering the phone number, the owner of the Android gadget subscribes to the premium service automatically. Google quickly removes these types of applications from Google Play, but enterprising scammers continue to add them to the catalog almost every day.
“To steal money from owners of mobile devices and obtain other benefits, attackers use all sorts of tricks, and also invent new ones. fraudulent schemes. That is why installing applications even from Google store Play with caution. It is worth paying attention to the name of the developer, the publication date of the program of interest, as well as reviews from other users. These simple steps will help reduce the risk of infection of smartphones and tablets,” says the information message antivirus vendor.

From

United Company Svyaznoy | Euroset announced that its Cstore network is launching for the first time in Russia trade-in program For laptop computers Apple MacBook.
The initiative covers all Cstore stores throughout Russia. To use the service, the buyer must present his MacBook for a quick assessment at any Cstore store. Store employees will check technical parameters laptop using special software, and will also conduct an external inspection. After this, a possible discount on the new device will be announced - it can reach 100%.

By returning your MacBook through the trade-in program, you can purchase any Apple technology, in particular, iPad tablet, smartphone iPhone, watch Apple Watch, an iMac computer and, of course, a new MacBook.
“We are the first in Russia to launch a trade-in program in the MacBook category. Сstore is constantly introducing new services for the convenience of customers, and we expect great popularity of this service. Especially considering that trade-in of smartphones is showing rapid growth - 65 times year on year,” says the project management.
In addition, the Cstore chain introduced the Back to school initiative, which allows you to purchase a MacBook with an 11% discount, and iPad Pro- with a 9% discount. University students and teachers will be able to take part in the event.

From

More than 2 million Czech viewers now use HbbTV, with greatest number users live in the capital, Prague.
According to the findings of a study carried out by national commercial broadcaster FTV Prima, it is worth noting that there are currently 1.06 million receivers connected to HbbTV in the Czech Republic, which is twice as many as a year ago.
It is also noted that the study, which involved 60 thousand households, showed that on average 2.06 viewers used each of the receivers. This means that the Red Button, seen in the country as the entry point to HbbTV, was used by more than 2 million viewers.
According to national transmission company CRa, Prague currently accounts for 20.5% active devices HbbTV, followed by South Moravia (11.75%) and Central Bohemia (10.7%).

From

The HbbTV Association, a global initiative dedicated to developing open standards for delivering content to connected TVs and set-top boxes via broadcast and broadband networks, announces the publication new version kit for carrying out compliance tests.
This is the second and most important of the three annual releases of the set. The release is called v2018-2 and includes 75 new approved tests and 107 corrected based on the results of studying user feedback and re-approved tests.

“The latest release illustrates the commitment of the HbbTV Association to ensuring maximum reliability and versatility of the services provided to the viewer in today's developed television environment,” says Vincent Grivet, Chairman of the Board of the HbbTV Association.
The v2018-2 release includes various individual test features for the entire 2.0.1 specification and especially its most prominent features such as DASH, HTML5 and subtitles; thus, it allows compliance testing of 2.0.1 compliant devices. In total, the HbbTV test suite now includes nearly 2,000 tests.
The test kit is available free of charge to all HbbTV members, and can also be used by non-member organizations through one of HbbTV's registered test centers.

From

Facebook announced that it has blocked hundreds of thousands of inactive applications from accessing the Platform API, which allows them to work with data from users of the social network. In May, the company said developers and businesses had until August 1 to resubmit their apps for internal review. This included authentication and new agreements regarding the collection of user data.

The company's goal was to ensure that the apps complied with Facebook's privacy policies and new rules introduced in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, in which a third-party developer collected user data and sold it to another firm. Now the social network has identified inactive applications, as well as applications whose authors ignored the requirement for re-verification, and blocked their access to the Platform API.

“We encourage developers whose apps are still in use but have not been submitted to recheck, fix the situation now,” wrote vice president of product partnerships Ime Archibong. - But so that all applications currently in use can pass verification, we will create a special queue. When we need additional information, the developer will be able to provide it for a limited time. If it doesn't, we will deny the app that requires approval access to the API."
Facebook has assured that the developer will not lose access to the API while waiting or undergoing verification if his software complies with the new rules.

Today television is gradually evolving from simple service by broadcasting TV shows into something completely new. Modern TV can be used not just as a signal receiver from TV towers, but as a full-fledged multimedia center that perfectly satisfies all the needs for relaxation and entertainment.

Of course, the Korean company LG could not stay away from the production of this type of equipment. Moreover, they launched production so successfully that today LG Smart TVs are almost the market leaders in many countries.

What is it?

Smart TV is a technology that allows you to combine classic television with Internet services deeply integrated into it. This one supports not only the banal playback of online broadcasts from the network, but also allows you to install applications, and in some cases, upgrade your software. Most of these “smart” devices can connect to your home local network, including not only via Ethernet, but also via Wi-Fi.

Modern devices of this kind support voice and gesture control and contain built-in tools for decoding and playing 3D video.

Playing video

Nowadays, no one can be surprised by cheap LCD TVs, to which you can easily connect a flash drive. Moreover, many of them even have a browser that supports high-definition Flash video. Some models even work with “heavy” MKV files and Blue-Ray disc images.

“Smart” TVs easily cope not only with these tasks, but can also “display” something more serious:

• automatic search shared folders on the local network;
• independent connection to the network, for which presets for thousands of providers stored in their memory are responsible;
• huge amount pre-installed services and applications that provide access to free music and films.

But these are not all the advantages of LG Smart TV.

HbbTV technology

The Hybrid broadband TV function is a logical development of teletext technology, when the viewer at any time can receive all the information he is interested in about the performer, favorite actor or film. The HbbTV standard is not developed by all manufacturers, but LG always includes it in its flagship models.

Applications

Since modern LG Smart TV is in many ways similar to computers, it would be extremely illogical not to provide a variety of applications for it. We have already briefly mentioned this issue above, but now we will talk about it in more detail.

If you assume that the functionality of applications for a “smart TV” is limited to the next version of “angry birds,” then you are mistaken. Today there are many programs for televisions that, if used correctly, can really turn them into fully functional analogues of home computers.

The same Skype, for example. Microsoft is releasing a special version for LG Smart TV. Programs of this class are not very serious, but you can comfortably stroll through the vastness of the Internet and talk with friends at the same time.

In addition, it is applications that provide the most comfortable access to leading video hosting sites. Add to this the ubiquitous integration with social networks, and then have the perfect multimedia center for entertaining the whole family. Moreover, even a child can set up LG Smart TV, since you will only be required to enter the password for your home network.

Voice control capabilities

Today, many manufacturers include in their products several dozen pre-programmed ones to control the TV. In particular, when you say “Next channel,” the TV itself will switch to it. If you remember the number, just say it. The device will go to the channel you want, where you can watch your favorite TV show.

Volume works in much the same way: by saying “Quiet/louder” several times, you can easily adjust the sound level to a comfortable value. As a result, on the remote control remote control freeing up space for more important functions.

Gesture control

Gesture control is the second promising innovation in which Smart TVs differ from their “stupid” counterparts. The option is activated by a characteristic short wave of the palm, and therefore the probability of a false positive is virtually zero. By moving your palm in the desired direction, you move the cursor there, and specific menu items are selected by sharply clenching your palm into a fist.

If you don't like gestures

If we talk about specific model 47LM960V Smart TV LG, this TV has a rich set of equipment, which even includes a “miracle mouse”, Magic Motion Remote. It is also designed to control your TV using gestures. You take the remote control in your hands, after which a cursor immediately appears on the screen, which responsively follows all your movements.

The ergonomics experts deserve special praise: the remote control fits perfectly in the hand, all the buttons fit perfectly under the fingers, and the presses are clearly felt. Many users believe that Motion Remote has much more promise than “classic” gesture control. The latest TV models from LG can recognize not only short palm movements, but also quite complex gestures.

Exclusive features of LG flagships

Don't think that Magic Remote only "understands" gestures. All the latest Smart TVs from LG have dual controls, where hand waves and gestures allow you to perform even very complex operations without pressing the remote control keys. Since an HD camera is built into the screen frame, engineers came up with an original use for it: you can control the TV not only with palm gestures, but also with finger movements.

Remember how we talked about services that provide access to movies and music? The capabilities of smart devices do not end there, since dozens of sites with content have been created specifically for them. Based on the data you enter daily and the list of sites you visit, the TV can even independently recommend a specific movie for you to watch that will fully meet all your preferences. Of course, the “recommendations” feature can be turned off at any time.

Built-in receivers

Keeping up with the times, Smart TV manufacturers are building into all their latest models digital receivers suitable for direct connection satellite equipment and HDTV. Since our country is transitioning to digital television, you can also connect a special antenna to the TV to receive it.

In Russia, broadcasting is currently in the DVB-T standard, but most SmartTVs can also decode DVB-T2. To find out about the type of broadcasting in your region, you should visit the official website of digital TV in our country. As a rule, LG technical support for digital TV reception is quite competent and will definitely advise you.

3D

Nowadays, even the most inexpensive smart TV models can play 3D video. The more expensive the TV, the more glasses it can come with. However, technology is constantly getting cheaper, so buy everything necessary equipment Almost any consumer can do it, at least even separately for each element.

Recording programs

Alas, the often advertised option to record programs turns out to be completely useless in practice. The fact is that the resulting material is protected by a special DRM signature, and therefore can only be played on the TV where it was recorded. In principle, some channels cannot be recorded at all, since a special encoded signal is used for their broadcast.

Some disadvantages of technology

• Video. Often, when trying to watch a film “packed” in MKV container, you will only see the message “Format not supported.” Even banal AVI files are sometimes not readable properly. This happens if the manufacturer has saved on the number of supported codecs.
• Games. If you are a devoted fan of AAA games, it is better for you not to look at those applications for LG Smart TV that are offered by developers.
• Video on demand is a great option, but often the list of films includes a list of films that a few years ago would have been considered “antiques.”
• Browser. At first glance, it’s a great idea, but the complete lack of sane management puts an end to it. Of course, unless you buy a special mouse and keyboard separately, paying a clearly inflated price for them.

The HbbTV standard, or hybrid broadcast-broadband television, is already used for broadcasting in Europe, and is also being considered as a potential standard for use in the United States. This standard allows you to launch streaming content from the Internet by pressing the red button when tuning into any of the TV channels.

In 2016, a new modification of the standard will be ready - HbbTV 2.0, which will implement Ultra support HD and “second screen” devices.

The group says that today there are more than 25 million smart TVs and set-top boxes in the world that support the HbbTV standard. Companies such as LG, Samsung, Sony and TP Vision (Philips) are involved in the process of implementing the standard.

So, let's figure out what HbbTV 2.0 is and, as they say, what it comes with.

1. Functional features

1.1. What's new in HbbTV 2.0?

HTML5 and related technologies.

• HEVC video.
• Subtitle support for content received from broadband networks.
• Launch the companion screen application.
• Application-to-application communication.
• MPEG DASH.
• Inserting advertising blocks into VoD content.
• Sync apps and content.
• Delivery of content through a broadcast channel for non-real-time broadcast.
• Multi-thread synchronization.
• DRM in CAM.
• Synchronize applications and content between devices.
• Remote launch of the HbbTV application.
• Keyboard and mouse support.
• Resolving key query conflicts.
• Caching object carousels.

1.2 Does HbbTV 2.0 work with a second screen? If yes, then how?

Yes. HbbTV 2.0 supports four options for working with a second screen:

• The app on the second screen can launch the HbbTV app on the TV: this allows the viewer to use their tablet or smartphone to watch video content and launch the HbbTV app to watch that content on the TV screen. This option uses DIAL technology - as is the case with Netflix and Chromecast.
• An app on the TV launches the app on a second screen, allowing, for example, popular TV shows like The Voice to be launched using the appropriate HbbTV services 2.0 “Voice” application on the tablet, in order to provide the viewer with a deeper immersion in what is happening and the possibility of interactive communication.
• Communication between the application on the second screen and the application on the TV.
• Syncing an app or media on a second screen with media on the TV: This allows the viewer to switch between devices while watching without any hassle or interruption.

1.3. What new will appear in modification 2.0 that was not supported in modification 1.5?

Improved interaction with the second screen (described in paragraph 1.2).

• Access services that combine audio from broadband networks with video from over-the-air networks. This will allow users to select additional languages ​​or a blank audio track.
• Enabling VOD service (access to on-air content recorded on internal storage receiver).
• Additional rich user experience based on HTML5.
• The ability to continuously view video content when switching between TV, smartphone, PC and tablet.
• Innovative satellite applications that expand the TV viewer's experience by adding detailed information about the program, voting, as well as other functions.
• Standardized delivery of Ultra HD content in HEVC compression from a broadband network.
• Improved accessibility of services with better support for subtitles in various languages.
• Support for new advertising models.
• Support the protection of user personal data.

1.4. Who plans to use the new functionality?

General set functional features HbbTV 2.0 was formed with the participation of various parties, including broadcasters, manufacturers and operators. Several nationwide organizations have already confirmed plans to use HbbTV 2.0. It is expected that the first large-scale implementation of HbbTV 2.0 will be carried out by the British company Freeview Connect.

2. Implementation and availability

2.1. Is the HbbTV 2.0 standard backwards compatible with modification 1.1. and 1.5?

Yes. The HbbTV 2.0 standard has been designed to provide stable work existing HbbTV applications 1.1 and 1.5 on HbbTV 2.0 receivers.

2.2. When will HbbTV 2.0 receivers be available for retail sale?

The first HbbTV 2.0 receivers are expected to go on sale in 2016.

2.3. Is it possible/will it be possible to update standard 1.1/1.5 receivers to version 2.0 via a software update?

Yes, update existing receivers HbbTV 1.1 or 1.5 is possible, this can be done using the corresponding HbbTV 2.0 firmware. However, in practice, updating TVs is usually limited to fixing identified “bugs” and does not add new functions to them. On managed set-top boxes such an update will also be possible, however, only if there is sufficient memory required for correct operation HbbTV 2.0

2.4. Will there be a certification regime for the 2.0 standard? If so, when?

In the very near future, the HbbTV Association will launch a tender for the development of a testing kit for HbbTV 2.0. The testing kit is expected to be ready in 2016, which will allow the production of HbbTV 2.0 compatible products and services to begin.

2.5. Will Profiles of the new specification be published? Or will all TVs/set-top boxes have to implement the new specification completely?

There will be no profiles. All televisions/set-top boxes will need to implement all constituent elements of the specification. Certain parts of this specification apply exclusively to certain models of televisions and set-top boxes, depending on their capabilities. Some examples include HEVC.

3. Publication and deadlines

3.1. Will HbbTV 2.0 specifications be published by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI)? If yes, what number?

HbbTV will transfer HbbTV 2.0 to ETSI. What happens next depends on the outcome of the processes initiated by ETSI. We hope that the specifications will be published under the number TS 102 796 V1.3.1.

3.2. When can we expect the industry to begin implementing HbbTV 2.0? Should manufacturers wait until ETSI publishes documentation?

The industry is implementing HbbTV 2.0 without waiting for the technical specification to be published by ETSI.

4. Personal data protection

4.1. Does HbbTV 2.0 add or change anything in the area of ​​privacy?

HbbTV 2.0 has added many features related to the protection of personal data.

• Requiring the TV to include an option that gives the user the ability to determine whether to allow the device to track their activities (based on the Do Not Track clause of the W3C specification).
• TVs should either block cookies from third parties themselves, or give the user the opportunity to enable this mode.
• It is recommended that TVs offer the ability to block website tracking while giving the user control over this process.
• TVs give the user the ability to block cookies.

5. General Information / Background

5.1. How many HbbTV compatible devices are there in the world today?

As of today, there are more than 25 million HbbTV receivers in the hands of users around the world.

5.2. What is the share of HbbTV compatible devices in the total number of new devices sold?

In most European countries, almost all connected TVs sold are HbbTV compatible.

5.3. Which countries use the HbbTV standard?

5.4. Which companies and industry sectors are the main driving forces in the adoption of HbbTV 2.0?

Broadcasters and operators: BBC, Eutelsat, IRT, ITV, SES

• Manufacturers: LG, Samsung, Sony, TP Vision
• Technology companies: Access, Cisco, Digital TV Group, Digital TV Labs, Dolby, Ericsson, Espial, Fraunhofer FOKUS, HTTV, Nagra, Opera, Quadrille, Qualcomm, Strategy and Technology, Tara Systems, Telecom ParisTech, TNO, Viaccess-Orca.