Irdeto, a global specialist in digital platform cybersecurity, on Nov. 25 announced the launch of its Irdeto Operator Application (Irdeto OpApp) platform.
The Irdeto OpApp is an HbbTV operator application hosted on Irdeto’s CI Plus conditional access modules (CAM), enabling pay-TV operators to deliver a consistent branded experience across different TV brands.
The Irdeto OpApp announcement comes during the 9th HbbTV Symposium and Awards event, the preeminent HbbTV industry event bringing together international top-level executives and experts from the CE devices and component manufacturers, broadcasters, and software and content protection industries.
(As ably explained by Sony UK, the "HbbTV stands for Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV. HbbTV is an industry-standard for Hybrid digital TV. The HbbTV standard blends broadcast, IPTV and broadband delivery of entertainment through connected TVs and set-top boxes. It also provides an avenue for more content from TV providers to be made available, including traditional broadcast TV, video-on-demand and catch-up TV services.")
The company contends the launch of its OpApp allows Irdeto to remove the operator challenges of certification across multiple TV brands by working directly with TV manufacturers to certify the Irdeto OpApp.
Historically, operators have had to secure certification themselves; this new platform ensures that TV manufacturers will have to work only with Irdeto. This allows Irdeto to deliver a better and more efficient experience for operators and TV brands, contends the company.
Irdeto OpApp also improves consumer experience
Unlike the process of finding and then requiring logins, usernames, and passwords to install and use a native app on a Smart TV, the Irdeto OpApp is hosted on the CAM. It is accessible directly during the CAM installation process, and three presses of a remote control is all that is required to install it and begin using it.
Connectivity to the internet is not required to install or use the Irdeto OpApp, making it accessible also for non-connected households or where connectivity is sub-optimal.
With a streamlined certification process, a customizable operator branded user interface, and a simple discovery and installation process, the Irdeto OpApp will enable pay-TV operators to maintain their brand as the primary user experience on the TV, important especially in the era of native apps.
Additional premium features can be accessed via the operator’s branded UI when the TV is connected, and interactive services such as access to catch-up TV, pay-per-view, and recordings are being planned for future releases.
Shane McCarthy, COO of Video Entertainment at Irdeto, comments, “Our solution combines the best of broadcast and broadband with the convenience and cost of a CAM to deliver the best TV experience. It offers seamless branded experience to consumers and makes the certification process much simpler. This creates a win-win situation for viewers, operators and TV manufacturers. We are excited to continue empowering businesses to innovate for a secure, connected future.”
For more information, visit https://irdeto.com/video-entertainment/hbbtv/.