The EBU lays the foundations for the development of hybrid TV

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU/EBU) has published a set of principles that should govern the development of internet-enabled hybrid television platforms to deliver lower costs, greater choice and a better viewing experience for consumers.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU/EBU) has published a set of principles that should govern the development of internet-enabled hybrid television platforms to deliver lower costs, greater choice and a better viewing experience for consumers.

Ingrid Deltenre, Director General of the EBU, pointed out that "only common solutions will be able to unleash the full potential of hybrid and connected TV and offer the best possible experience for viewers and the success of hybrid systems. In addition, the content must be easily accessible."

While these principles seek to defend users, the EBU has also placed a strong emphasis on protecting the interests of broadcasters, arguing that hybrid broadcasting should “continue to encourage investment and allow broadcasters to achieve their results.”

Projects such as HbbTV, MHEG-5, MHP and YouView have been developing technical systems that allow users to directly access Internet content associated with broadcast content while watching a television program, as well as access to non-linear content such as video on demand.

However, the use of different technologies in the same market for the same type of system can become a crucial obstacle to success, according to the EBU, which posits that standardized technology encourages greater competition between suppliers, lower costs and more choice for consumers.

Basic principles proposed by the EBU/EBU

• Platforms and devices must adapt to systems that allow broadcasters and other content providers to provide a link between their linear and non-linear offerings

• Viewers must have direct access to the broadcaster's non-linear offering when watching one of its channels

• Linear and non-linear broadcasters' programs and services displayed on hybrid devices must be offered without alterations and without interrupting the viewing experience

• Hybrid systems must not allow the overlay of third-party content or commercial communication on television without the consent of the broadcaster or an active decision on the part of the viewer.

• The same conditions should apply to commercial communications that appear anywhere on the screen at the same time as the television broadcast

• Hybrid TV portals, menus and home screens must ensure non-discriminatory access for all broadcasters and content providers

• Broadcasters offering à la carte services must be clearly visible and easily accessible in an appropriate category on the television menu or home screen

• Viewers should be able to enjoy a channel experience, for example, the option to go directly to their favorite channel and a customizable channel list

• Viewers must be able to access any portal site or application provided by the broadcaster on the home screen

• If the hybrid system includes a media search engine, the station's content (both linear and non-linear) must be properly referenced

• It must be possible for the viewer to return at any time to the channel they last viewed by means of a specific button

• Hybrid systems should not be used to circumvent broadcasting regulation

• There should always be clear attribution of the content source

• Broadcasters should be able to request the removal of widgets or applications that appear to facilitate access to pirated content

• The broadcaster should have the ability (but not the obligation) to use any digital rights management to protect parts of its linear or non-linear production

• The presentation area must always remain visible while viewing the channel or service in question

• Hybrid systems must fully comply with European and international standards on the collection, processing and use of personal data

• Personal data containing operational information may not be collected and used only with the prior informed consent of users.

• Broadcasters must be informed and have access to any data that may be collected through hybrid systems related to the use of programs and services.