HbbTV - Seamless Integration of Broadcast and Broadband Services

HbbTV is a global standard that merges traditional broadcast TV with broadband-powered interactive services on connected TVs and set-top boxes. It enables advanced features such as video-on-demand, catch-up TV, enhanced graphics, and interactive applications, delivering a richer and more engaging viewing experience.

DTVKit’s core components (DVB, DSM-CC, DVB-I) integrate seamlessly with third-party HbbTV solutions, helping manufacturers build complete digital TV products quickly and cost-effectively. The Open Red Button Project (ORB) provides an open-source HbbTV engine with reference implementations for WebKit and WebView. DTVkit offers Android and RDK integrations of ORB alongside its DVB, DSM-CC, and DVB-I* components, enabling manufacturers to focus on their own value-added features and bring differentiated HbbTV-enabled products to market efficiently.

(*Android Only)

HbbTV Reference Features

The DTVKit HbbTV reference integration features:

  • Open Red Button Project (ORB): HbbTV 2.0.4-compliant browser engine delivering robust, standards-based interactive TV capabilities.
  • Complete Integrated Solution: Seamlessly combined with DTVKit’s DVBCore, DSM-CC, and DVB-I* components to provide a full HbbTV-ready stack. (*DVB-I integration available for Android only.)
  • Cross-Platform Support: Reference integrations available for both Android and RDK; two of the industry’s leading smart TV and set-top box platforms.

HbbTV Reference Benefits

The benefits of the DTVKit HbbTV reference integration include:

  • Accelerated Time to Market: Leverage a pre-integrated HbbTV reference built on DTVKit’s core components, reducing development effort and speeding up product delivery.
  • Complete Control: Gain full access to source code for all DTVKit components, integration layers, and the ORB engine, empowering rapid bug resolution, deeper optimisation, and tailored product customisation.
  • Stronger Product Differentiation: With the foundational HbbTV integration already handled, manufacturers can focus their resources on unique features that distinguish their products in a competitive market.
  • Cost-Effective Implementation: Delivered through DTVKit’s royalty-free membership model, helping manufacturers reduce costs while benefiting from a robust and continually supported solution.

Architecture

The ORB HbbTV solution is designed for seamless integration with DTVKit’s existing components. By leveraging the system’s native browser capabilities, it simplifies the deployment process and ensures compatibility across different platforms.

Architecture

The architecture of the DTVKit ORB HbbTV Android Reference integration includes support for:

  • HbbTV 2.0.4 API support for the system WebView
  • Media Sync and Companion Screen.
  • Integration with DTVkit’s DVBCore and DSM-CC.
  • Integration with DTVkit’s reference DVB-I client.

The RDK reference integration currently excludes support for DVB-I and Media Sync/Companion Screen although these can be added.

Testimonials

Hear from our Valued Members

“As a founding member, we saw the value in creating a sustainable, shared resource for DVB software. DTVKit gave us access to a robust, standards-based stack—one we could help shape and contribute to. It aligned perfectly with our mission to deliver high-quality Smart TV software without being tied to expensive, proprietary frameworks.”

Ocean Blue Software

“We joined DTVKit as we saw a need for a solution that was stable and mature, but where we could also gain a competitive edge. Such solutions are best acquired externally of your organisation, and DTVKit proved to be a great resource.”

EKT

“DTVKit has enabled us to reduce time-to-market, lower development costs, and improve platform scalability. It allows us to input into the future roadmap, based on real-world deployment needs. Our clients benefit from this agility and insight—getting to market faster with more resilient, future-ready solutions.”

Ocean Blue Software

“After spending several days reviewing the DTVKit source code, we were extremely impressed by its overall quality. The code is well organized and clearly structured, with a strong division of functional modules that makes it easy to understand how different areas of the software work together. We also found the implementation of its functions to be excellent, reflecting a high level of care and technical quality throughout.”

Redline

“DTVKit’s DVBCore software played a crucial role in the development of the Saorview Connect box, enabling the addition of PVR functionality to the product. The open-source nature of the platform allowed us to customize and optimize our solution in partnership with the product manufacturer, leading to the successful launch of the PVR feature.”

RTE

“During the design phase of our 5th-generation set-top box, Fetch TV sought a reliable DVB front-end software solution. DTVKit’s DVB Core software was highly recommended to us and played a critical role in the development of our Gen 5 set-top box.”

Fetch

Frequently Asked Questions

What software components are included? DTVKit gives you access to a powerful, production-proven suite of broadcast components — DVB, DVB-NIP, DSM-CC, HbbTV 2.0.4, CI Plus 1.4 and 2.0, plus ATSC 1.0 and 3.0.

How quickly can I get started once I join? Once your membership is confirmed and onboarding is complete, you’ll receive immediate access to the full DTVKit source code repository and documentation. Members are usually up and running within a few days.

How is the software licensed? Membership gives you unlimited, royalty-free access to the entire codebase. Use it, modify it, ship it – without per-unit fees or runtime charges. This model keeps costs predictable and empowers you to innovate freely, without commercial restrictions holding you back.

Is the software updated regularly? Yes. The stack is continuously maintained and improved, with updates driven by:

  • evolving DVB, ATSC, and HbbTV standards
  • security and performance enhancements
  • real product feedback from active members

What platforms does DTVKit support? DTVKit is designed to be flexible. It already supports Android TV, RDK, and hybrid white-label platforms, and can be ported to Linux or other embedded systems.

Do I need to be a DVB or ATSC member to use DTVKit? No. DTVKit is fully independent.

We align with DVB and ATSC standards to ensure compliance and interoperability, but you don’t need to join those organisations to use our software. Membership with DTVKit alone gives you everything you need to build compliant broadcast products.