Opera Devices SDK empowers Humax’s Hybrid set-top-box

Oslo, Norway – April 7, 2011

Opera Software today announced a new partnership with Humax, the global set-top-box manufacturer. With this partnership, Opera Software will provide licenses for the Opera Devices SDK (Software Development Tool Kit) on Humax’s Hybrid set-top box (STB) including HbbTV.

Opera Devices SDK is a documented API (application programming interface) for simpler integration for devices. It is also the most powerful toolkit that can be applied on various devices such as set-top-boxes, connected TVs, mobile Internet devices, IP telephones and media players. The recent upgrade to SDK 3.0 is even better with the following powerful features:

  • A totally redesigned SVG rendering engine, boosting performance up to 10 times and making it possible for cable operators and set-top-box manufacturers to implement shiny new interfaces
  • Improved HTML5 compliance and wider platform support for shorter time-to-market and lower cost to OEMs
  • Enhanced compatibility and simpler integration to manufacturers looking for a HbbTV solution
  • HTML5 video pre-integrated on some platforms
  • Upgraded Content Developer Kit (CDK) to help bring your HTML 5 applications to Opera-powered TVs

Due to the recent rapid growth of the HbbTV and hybrid set-top-box market, Opera Devices SDK is getting bigger and bigger attention in the market.

Humax was the first company in Asia to develop DVB Digital satellite broadcasting STBs in 1996, and ever since, it has been the world’s leading company in the digital broadcast technology industry with its high quality STBs.

“With this partnership, Opera Devices SDK‘s technology and Humax STB technology will meet and make enhanced hybrid TV with easier and more convenient access to the Internet at home for people around the globe,” said Lars Boilesen, CEO of Opera Software. “Opera’s mission is to bring the Web to the world, and, by making Opera available for Humax STB, we are one step closer.”

Tae Hun Kim, head of marketing division at Humax stated “We are very excited about the partnership with Opera Software. Humax has successful experience in the global Digital TV market, and today, with Opera’s leading browser technology, we are looking at a whole new level of hybrid TV. We are looking forward to providing our customers with joyful Internet TV experience.

About Humax

Humax is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of digital set-top boxes, exporting its products to over 90 countries across the globe. The company has built a solid reputation as a leading supplier of high quality, feature-rich digital TV products, including Digital Television Recorders (DTRs), high definition (HD) set-top boxes. The company headquarters and R&D facility are based in Korea, with offices in Dubai, Germany, India, Italy, France, Japan, Thailand, Australia, Hong Kong, Sweden, the UK and the US. Humax’s Freesat HD DTR set-top box, the FOXSAT-HDR, has won the 2009 T3 Home Gadget of the Year award.