Oslo, Norway and Amsterdam, Netherlands – 10th September 2010
Today, Opera Software and NetRange MMH reveal an easier way for device manufacturers to give consumers a wide variety of content on their connected TVs and set-top boxes. Opera and NetRange MMH have announced a partnership to deliver the Opera Devices SDK and a pre-qualified suite of web-based TV content to be deployed on TV platforms supporting HbbTV and other pan-European initiatives.
This partnership allows Opera and MMH to package a system to OEMs and partners who seek an expansive portfolio of content, with the shortest time-to-market for new connected TVs.
MMH provides a ready-made portal solution including UI design, portal architecture, backend solution, hosting and portal operations for letting the end customer access content on various platforms, including HbbTV-based platforms.
HbbTV merges the two worlds–Internet content and traditional TV broadcast content–on one platform, the family TV. This means end users will have easier access to the content they choose. Content suppliers, on the other side, will have the opportunity of delivering content directly to users via Internet-based channels and applications.
“Having a complete package for OEMs to deliver new TV models and STBs quickly to market gives the manufacturers an advantage early in the process,” says Opera’s Chief Development Officer, Christen Krogh. “We are often approached by TV manufacturers who would like to package their new connected TVs or STBs with more content. With an out-of-the-box portal from MMH containing hundreds of applications qualified to run on the Opera browser, Opera will be able to deliver a complete web content solution for OEMs. It is simply one less step in the process to worry about.”
Standards are the driving force behind the quick and easy integration of MMHs portal on Opera-powered connected TVs and set-top boxes from tier-1 suppliers and OEMs. By adhering to standards from W3C, HbbTV and CEA-2014, the MMH portal solution fits effortlessly on to the Opera platform for connected TVs.
“This proves that standards make different providers work together in a more creative manner,” says Jan Wendt, CEO, MMH. “The two parts of the connected TV ecosystem work together seamlessly and provides end users with the best possible experience on their TVs. This is key to meeting the rising demand for connected TVs. MMH is proud to partner with an industry leader like Opera.”
Opera will show a demonstration of the solution at IBC in Amsterdam, at stand 4 A95 in hall 4.
About MMH
NetRange MMH, based in Hamburg/ Germany is in great demand worldwide as one of the pioneers in web-based television. In the past 24 months, the company has developed into the leading service provider in the interactive television sector. NetRange MMH offers full service portal solutions, the creation of TV optimized IP based services and advises well known brand name companies, consumer product manufacturers, telephone and cable network providers, manufacturers of CE equipment, TV channels, media and publishing houses, content and service partners and commercial enterprises on all the challenges relating to the convergence of internet and television.