The Lithuanian Radio and Television Centre (Telecentras) and LG Electronics have agreed on mutual cooperation aimed at introducing the hybrid broadcast broadband TV (HbbTV) intended for smart TV sets.
HbbTV connects terrestrial free-to-air TV with the Internet platform, through which consumers can reach TV multimedia libraries, archives and other online video content. To watch hybrid television content, consumers will need smart TV sets with an active HbbTV (red button) function and the internet connection of the required speed. Consumers will be able to manage this additional content with a TV remote control, and, unlike Internet television (IPTV), it does not require a special streaming box and a special remote control.
“Our analysis has shown that consumers more often prefer to watch catch-up TV and video content created by Lithuanian broadcasters. Hybrid television will offer a possibility for smart TV owners to watch TV and video content in a more comfortable manner with a standard TV remote control and, most importantly, free of charge. Eventually this platform will offer more content and possibilities for content managing and interaction,” claims Remigijus Šeris, CEO of the Telecentras.
Home entertainment product manager in Baltic, Wonbum Lee: “Hybrid television provides better opportunities for the use of Smart TV functions. It is great that Lithuania is joining the club of countries where LG manufactured TV sets are used for two types (air and Internet) broadcast reception. Smart TV sets supplied by us to the Lithuanian market are currently ready for hybrid television. HbbTV supported TV function can be activated anytime from TV settings.”
According to the data of the international HbbTV Association, currently there are 44 million HbbTV powered TV sets in the world.
The launch of Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV in Lithuania is scheduled for the first half of this year.
