Project

So far, Hybrid Broadcast Internet applications have mostly linked Internet and broadcast by offering on-demand content in addition to current linear broadcast services and by replacing old-fashioned Teletext. However, many more services are on the horizon, and the market of hybrid and connected TV attracts attention from all stakeholders in the media value chain. The challenge is to take hybrid service to a new level where the wide range of expectations of user groups is met. HBB-NEXT will lay the foundations for advanced hybrid multi-user services by building upon existing standards and by enhancing them.

The project seeks to facilitate the convergence of the broadcast and Internet world by researching user-centric technologies for enriching the TV-viewing experience with social networking, multiple device access, group-tailored content recommendations, as well as the seamless mixing of broadcast content, of complementary Internet content and of user-generated content. The project will deliver a set of enablers to allow device-independent applications that can syndicate content from multiple sources, supporting real-time content composition and content distribution for users in geographically distinct areas. Sophisticated technology will be developed for the easy use of content, e.g. advanced synchronisation methods for service components delivered across the Internet and broadcast networks. Data security and protection of user privacy will be an integral part of HBB-NEXT - but in a way that is transparent to the end-user.