EBU gets connected

Lost slightly in the static generated by NAB, on April 15 the EBU adopted its document <I>Principles for Internet-Connected and Hybrid Television</I> which, it states, if applied, could deliver lower costs, greater choice and a better viewing experience for consumers. It called on all stakeholders to support and respect the principles.

Here’s the statement: The EBU believes that new hybrid systems will only deliver their full potential if they use technology that is harmonized across Europe and allows broadcasters and other content providers to link broadcast and on-demand content such as catch-up TV.

“Only common solutions will unlock the full potential of hybrid and connected TV and deliver the best possible experience for viewers and success for hybrid systems,”

said the EBU Director General, Ingrid Deltenre. She continued:

“In addition, content must be easily accessible and displayed as the broadcaster intended.”

Other issues raised in the policy document include the preservation of a safe viewing environment, including the protection of minors and copyright and data protection.

This is all rather interesting, as Philip Hunter explains in his analysis of the document for Broadcast Engineering:  “The move is significant at a time when Europe itself is moving on divergent paths. The UK is lining up behind the YouView platform for Internet-connected TV backed by the BBC and telecommunications operator BT, among others, while most remaining countries spearheaded by Germany and France are behind the alternative HbbTV standard. The EBU declaration could be seen as veiled criticism of the UK stance and a call for YouView to move toward HbbTV.”

The pdf of the full document is available here.