T
HbbTV announces UHD support
he HbbTV Association, a global
initiative dedicated to providing an
open standard for the delivery of
broadcast and broadband services through
connected TVs and set-top boxes, has
confirmed the immediate availability of
HbbTV 2.0.2.
This update of the second version of the
core HbbTV specification enables HbbTV
applications to benefit from new ‘Ultra High
Definition’ video and audio technologies such
as High Dynamic Range, High Frame Rate
and Next-Generation Audio – delivered as
streaming services using, e.g., MPEG-DASH.
More specifically, the new release brings the
following enhancements to HbbTV content:
• High Dynamic Range (HDR), which
significantly increases the contrast ratio in
video content, producing crisper and livelier
video. The specification supports both
D-Book 10 Corrigenda
released
The DTG’s D-Book 10
January Corrigenda is now
available. This additional
publication from the UK
collaboration centre for
innovation in digital media
technology has captured
the most recent industry
requirements since the
launch of D-Book 10 in
November 2017.
Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) and Perceptual
Quantizer (PQ) coding.
• High Frame Rate (HFR), which increases
the current 50/60 frames per second to
100/120 fps. HFR offers sharper images of
moving objects. This is especially useful in
fast-moving sports content.
• Next Generation Audio (NGA) technologies,
which support object- or scene-based
audio for a much more immersive audio
experience. The specification supports both
AC-4 and MPEG-H.
The HbbTV 2.0.2 specification has been
Key updates included in
The DTG D-Book 10 January
Corrigenda include HEVC
Profiles for HD and UHD
Broadcast services including
High Dynamic Range (HDR),
for both PQ10 and Hybrid
Log Gamma (HLG), and High
Frame Rate (HFR) content.
There are also new DVB-
DASH updates in Chapter
13, to correspond with the
most recent release of the
DVB’s Blue Books A001 and
under development since October 2017, and it
builds on significant work done in DVB during
2017. Many HbbTV devices already support
these technologies today, but there has been
no standardised way to use these features. The
new specification defines a common, standard
mechanism for accessing them from HbbTV
applications.
To promote interoperability of the newly
added features, the HbbTV Association will
order tests that are planned to be available in
time for products going on sale in spring 2019.
“With this new release of our core
specification, we fill a gap in delivering
broadband services to connected TVs and set-
top boxes,” advised HbbTV vice-chairman Jon
Piesing. “We enable the use of new, exciting
audio and video technologies to deliver HD
and 4K content with much better pixel quality
to HbbTV-compliant devices.”
A168, which are relevant for
streamed IP services.
“The D-Book 10 Corrigenda
provides the requirements
for broadcast HEVC services
at a time when many more
products are coming to
market supporting this,”
advised Peter Sellar,
associate director, broadcast
at the DTG. “While there
are still no firm plans for
HEVC broadcast service
deployment yet in the UK,
this will ensure that, when
the time comes, there will
be a stable population of
products already in homes
with minimal risks of future
interoperability issues. In
addition, the changes to
Chapter 13, in support of
HbbTV services, with the
newly published DVB-DASH
requirements, will support
streaming services for our
key stakeholders going
forward.”
eSTREAM 4K device from Evolution
I
ntegrated IP hybrid devices and IP video
solutions provider Evolution Digital has
introduced its eSTREAM 4K, powered
by Android TV, an all-IP streaming box that
delivers traditional cable services coupled
with streaming apps from the Google Play
Store. According to the company, eSTREAM
4K also delivers the best video experience
available with superior 4K Ultra-HD
resolution.
Evolution Digital’s eSTREAM 4K is designed
6 ADVANCED TELEVISION
to allow cable operators to break free from
legacy cable boxes and provide consumers
with an upgraded viewing experience.
eSTREAM 4K also provides simplified whole-
home video distribution through its integrated
802.11b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi client with 4x4 antenna
configuration. The all-IP streaming box
enables viewing across connected devices for
viewing outside of the living room.
“Evolution Digital continues to provide
operators with the tools to capture new
revenue growth by pushing the boundaries on
technological innovation,” said Brent Smith,
president and chief technology officer. “Our
eSTREAM 4K solution is designed to be the
last set-top box a consumer will need, as our
box beats out the competition by aggregating
content through one, stunning user interface.
With eSTREAM 4K, operators can move
beyond legacy cable technology and benefit
from the innovation available through the
Android TV platform.”