SBS launches HbbTV service
SBS launches an HbbTV service for its catch-up service SBS On Demand, via select internet connected TVs.
- Published by David Knox
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SBS is the first Australian network to hit the market with an HbbTV service, for its catch-up service SBS On Demand.
SBS on Demand is now available in beta (pre-release test version) via HbbTV enabled televisions, ahead of the official FreeviewPlus HbbTV launch which has undergone delays.
Hybrid Broadcast Television sends a URL to receivers which enables viewers to access additional content such as catch-up TV, genre channels and extended content, plus video on demand as revenue streams.
HbbTV-enabled televisions which are connected to the internet will see a ‘Red Button’ appear on screen when tuning into SBS’s three free-to-air channels – SBS ONE, SBS2 and NITV.
Pressing the red button on the remote control will then launch a new SBS On Demand application on the television screen and allow viewers to access more content on offer from SBS.
SBS Chief Digital Officer, Marshall Heald, said “This launch continues SBS’s leadership in the on-demand and catch up television space with SBS On Demand available on more platforms than any other catch-up service in Australia.
“Innovation in the digital space is key to the future of delivering uniquely SBS content for all Australians, and adding SBS On Demand to HbbTV-enabled televisions was a logical next step with the imminent launch of FreeviewPlus. It continues our commitment to bringing content to audiences when they want, and where they want it.
“We’re releasing the app in beta today to elicit feedback from audiences to help us make further enhancements and improvements to the product during the 2014 FIFA World Cup and ahead of the Tour de France next month. Early-adopters of this new technology will be able to provide us with valuable feedback to maximise the SBS On Demand experience.”
FreeviewPlus will offer an enhanced and “reverse” EPG with catch-up digital services from the free-to-air networks, available through Freeview-endorsed sets.
Currently Panasonic has HbbTV-enabled televisions on sale in Australia (TH-32AS610A,TH-42AS700A,TH-50AS700A,TH-55AS700A,TH-60AS700A,TH-55AS740A,TH-60AS740A) with sets from major manufacturers including Sony, LG, Samsung, TCL and others becoming available in coming weeks and months.
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- Tagged with FIFA World Cup, Tour de France
5 Responses
@hinca0488 – I essentially agree with you. The thing is, as TVs become more like computers, their life-cycle becomes shorter as people want to be able to use whatever new functionality has come out. A bit like with mobile phones – people are getting a new one every 12-24 months even tho’ there’s nothing wrong with the old one.
People who design apps or content delivery systems won’t want to spend resources on supporting every single piece of older tech unless it represents a significant proportion of their market.
@Secret Squirrel, of course there are always the people who jump on the bandwagon early, and that is great, it provides momentum for mainstream support.
But the majority of people went out and bought a Smart TV last year would expect the TV to last 10 years or more (like the CRTs), and with software updates, it shouldn’t (but the manufacturers will insist that it is) be that hard.
That’s great news. Tiny little SBS showing the big boys how it’s done again. Freview should have theirs ready in time to watch the manned landing on Mars.
@hinca0488 – people love going out and buying unnecessary televisions. They bought HD TVs when there was very little broadcast in real HD (not upscaled), they bough 3D TVs when there wasn’t any 3D content at all, and they’ve been buying 4K TVs even tho’ there is no 4K content and won’t be for a very long time.
I’ve no doubt that there will be people who rush out to buy a new curved screen TV, even tho’ all content is recorded onto flat film or CCDs and formatted to be viewed on flat screens. Baggsies on the beanbag at the centre of the circle…
I hope to see support for older generation internet enabled TVs and Smart TVs in this rollout. I don’t have high hopes for the 2011 LG sitting in the living room, but I don’t believe everyone should have to go and buy a new TV if it isn’t necessary.
I mucked about a bit with it last night on my Beyonwiz PVR. It works quite nicely and has a nicer interface than On-Demand, although content is still lacking.