Brings HTML5 app platform and HbbTV to set-top boxes
Altech Multimedia and Opera Software are extending their partnership to bring the Opera TV Store application platform on board selected Altech set-top boxes, kicking off in Australia before rolling out internationally. Altech has already been deploying the Opera Devices SDK (Software Development Kit) and the Opera hybrid TV option in Europe, and will now also expand that offering to Australia.
Altech Multimedia brings on board the Opera TV Store application platform
A leading provider of multimedia services and products, Altech will offer audiences hundreds of entertaining HTML5 apps via the Opera TV Store. Optimized for connected TVs and set-top boxes, the store features video on demand, sports, music, games, social media and news. The Opera TV Store is currently shipping on millions of devices from manufacturers and pay-TV operators.
Altech will also launch the Opera hybrid TV option on its Australian set-top boxes, to support the Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) standard, recently deployed in Australia for delivery of web-based TV content via digital broadcast and broadband. The Hybrid TV solution has been deeply integrated into the Opera Devices SDK, making it simple for customers to add the solution and immediately support all HbbTV services.
HbbTV improves the video user experience for consumers by enabling innovative, interactive services over broadcast and broadband networks. HbbTV has already been adopted by many broadcasters in Europe, with more trials to come, and is now rolling out to Australia, with interest also coming from Malaysia and Indonesia.
“Integrating Opera’s TV web service is key in differentiating our product for viewers, by adding new functionality and entertainment services,” says Russell Futter, Managing Director APAC, Altech. “It is important for Altech to work with an established browser vendor who provides support for premium content and the rapidly evolving standards in the interactive TV space.”
“Offering these additional Opera TV products expands our great relationship with Altech and brings on board another top-tier manufacturer for the Opera TV Store application platform,” says Aneesh Rajaram, Senior Vice-President for TV & Devices, Opera Software. “We’re excited to bring a huge range of entertaining app content to Altech viewers.”
The upgraded Opera services will be available on Altech UEC set-top boxes from all major consumer retail chains in Australia, later in 2014.
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.
About Altech Multimedia
Altech Multimedia is one of the world leading providers of products, professional services and competitive solutions to the digital multimedia Broadcast and Broadband Industries. Altech Multimedia solutions include a number of innovative world-first applications that are currently deployed in several digital television networks around the world and in addition to being device independent, Altech Multimedia offerings are available as either stand-alone or complementary solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing systems. Through its operating companies Altech Multimedia has a global footprint with technical development and support centres in South Africa, India, China and Australia and sales support offices in South Africa, Australia, India, Europe and the Middle East. Altech Multimedia boasts a Blue-Chip client base and an award winning product portfolio as well as an enviable reputation amongst its partners and peers as one of the most technologically capable businesses in the industry. The Altech Multimedia group consists of a number of operating companies which include Altech UEC SA, Altech Multimedia International, Altech UEC Australia and Altech SetOne. Altech Multimedia is a division of Altech (Allied Technologies Limited), a Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) listed company. www.altech-multimedia.com