TV charmed by web standards and Adaptive Streaming

Opera brings support for HTML5 and Adaptive Streaming on STMicroelectronics” set-top-box and TV systems-on-chip

Oslo, Norway – September 7, 2012

More HTML5 in the world of TV means more entertainment options and a better web experience, regardless of which devices you use. Opera Software announced today that its HTML5 technology has been added to STMicroelectronics” STi7108 and STiH416 HD set-top-box systems-on-chip, as well as FLI76xx “Newman” and FLI75xx “Freeman” TV systems-on-chip. The all-new Opera SDK 3.4 will also include pre-integrated support for the most used adaptive bitrate protocols: Apple HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), Microsoft Smooth Streaming, and several profiles of MPEG DASH.

HTML5 is an open web standard for interactive multimedia content that Opera Software has been supporting for a long time. HTML5 is winning commitment from internet working groups, content providers and end-product developers. Emerging standards for connected-TV services, such as the pan-European Hybrid Broadcast and Broadband TV (HbbTV), are also working on incorporating HTML5 for delivery of broadband content.

“The addition of HTML5, combined with adaptive streaming, to STMicroelectronics” platforms is the result of a long-term cooperation between STMicroelectronics and Opera Software,” says Frode Hernes, VP Products for TV and Connected Devices, Opera Software. “For many years, Opera and ST have successfully collaborated on numerous customer projects, and the launch of our latest SDK will give STMicroelectronics” users cutting-edge web technologies support.”

“With its enhanced value for consumers and its potential for operators to create new and innovative services, HTML5-based online television is among the most important entertainment channels in the connected home,” says Laurent Remont, General Manager for STMicroelectronics” Unified Platform Division. “By partnering with Opera to perfect HTML5 support for our hybrid Internet/HDTV chips, STMicroelectronics is enabling immediate entry to this exciting new world.”