Eutelsat adds HbbTV interactivity to KabelKiosk

Eutelsat’s KabelKiosk platform, which serves cable operators in Germany and neighbouring countries, is adding an interactive portal using the HbbTV standard.

The KabelKiosk Choice service will offer VOD and catch-up TV services along with access to news portals and local information. Eutelsat said it was removing the requirements for cable operators to make significant investments in their own service platforms and infrastructure.

An extension to tablets and smartphones is being developed to expand services to mobile devices.

Marc Welinski, marketing director at Eutelsat said, “Europe, that sits at the heart of Eutelsat’s footprint, is forecast to become the worldwide centre of excellence for long-term development of hybrid TV services. Our ambition, as a longstanding partner of linear TV broadcasters, is to remain ahead of the curve on how to bolt web-based services onto traditional TV. The KabelKiosk Choice service in Germany is just the beginning of a new generation of hybrid solutions that we plan to develop to support our clients – broadcasters, content providers and network operators – and their relationship with viewers.”