Opera Devices SDK 4.2 brings Android, RDK and 4K support plus new full internet browser
The industry’s first Blink-based engine for Smart TV devices is getting a major upgrade, with the release of the Opera Devices SDK 4.2 embeddable HTML5 rendering engine. Developed by the most mature vendor in the space, Opera Software, this latest Software Development Kit debuts in time for the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC), kicking off next week in Amsterdam.
The Opera Devices SDK 4.2 comes packed with new features:
- Support for HbbTV 1.5, the latest version of the broadband broadcast specification, with the debut of HbbTV on Opera’s Blink product.
- A media-streaming option with support for adaptive bitrate streaming, including MPEG-Dash, HTTP Live Streaming and Smooth Streaming. This enables support for all kinds of video services, with better quality and a better user experience.
- Support for Timed Text Markup Language (TTML) according to a Smart TV Alliance specification and support for multiple video, audio and text tracks for better rendering of subtitles and languages.
Android and RDK support goes live
Support for additional connected-TV device platforms is also new in the latest version of the Opera Devices SDK. In version 4.2, support for devices based on the Android and RDK (Reference Design Kit) operating systems moves from beta to production, joining the SDK’s support for Linux-based devices. The additional platforms satisfies the demands of pay-TV operators and retail OEMs seeking to bring online services, applications and HbbTV to their platforms.
Fully tested for 4K
In a boon for manufacturers seeking to enable 4K content on their devices, the Opera Devices SDK 4.2 has also been fully tested for content and devices with 4K resolution, to manage the high memory flow required for ultra-high-definition television. Over-the-top content is anticipated to become the industry’s biggest driver of 4K content, rather than broadcasted content.
Fresh new full internet browser for TV
The Opera Devices SDK 4.2 also features a totally new internet browser: the Opera TV browser. Empowering viewers to browse the full web directly from their TV with their standard remote control, the latest version features a new user interface completely tailored and optimized for the TV experience. The TV browser has now been deeply integrated into the Opera Devices SDK, making it easier than ever for manufacturers of Smart TV devices to select and deliver a web browser as part of their product offering.
Meet Opera Software at IBC
Opera’s SDK is the most advanced embeddable HTML5 engine for Smart TV devices, shipping on over 25 million devices each year from leading TV and set-top-box manufacturers. To see the latest edition of the Opera Devices SDK in action – and Opera’s premium TV solutions for manufacturers, operators and brands – visit Opera Software at Hall 14 Stand E20 at IBC in Amsterdam (September 12-16). Also meet Opera this week at IFA in Berlin (September 5-10). Book a commercial meeting, or contact zlauder [at] opera.com to arrange a media/analyst briefing.
About Opera TV
The Opera TV portfolio powers rich web experiences on tens of millions of Smart TVs, set-top boxes, Blu-ray Disc players and chipsets for more than 60 customers, including Sony, TiVo, Samsung, Swisscom, Philips, TCL and Sharp.
Tap into the complete suite of tools for creating compelling connected-TV experiences. The Opera TV ecosystem spans the Opera TV Store app platform with hundreds of entertaining apps tailor-made for TV, Opera Devices SDK (software development kit) for creating and rendering HTML5-based user interfaces, and the Opera TV browser for reaching the full web. Opera TV offers solutions for OEMs, pay-TV operators, broadcasters and content publishers. With the Opera Mediaworks advertising platform, Opera TV can help monetize and drive traffic to content through an end-to-end advertising solution. Visit www.opera.com/tv/ to learn more.