Oslo, Norway-based browser specialist, Opera Software, last week announced a deal with Germany's max communication that will see the latter launching a new eviado-branded hybrid HD set-top box for the retail market, equipped with Web technology from the Opera Devices SDK.
Opera, which bills the Opera Devices SDK as being optimized for TV screens and as offering "stringent support" for such new TV standards as HbbTV and OIPF, says that Web technology has proven to be a fast and cost-effective way to create widgets, support OTT solutions and render on-screen content. The company says that its technology offers full support for next-generation broadcast portals and services such as ARD/ZDF Mediathek, Tagesschau and ARTE. "Due to Opera's support for standards such as HbbTV, CE-HTML and W3C, they were the best choice for bringing the full power of the Web to the eviado STB's," eviado CTO, Frank Zimnik, said in a prepared statement. "With Opera technology, we are able to deliver next-generation TV services right now, whether it is video-on-demand, new applications from third parties or simply full Web browsing from the TV screen." Added Opera CEO, Lars Boilesen: "Opera running on eviado's hybrid HD STB is a masterful combination of the best in interactive TV today. We have made it our priority to support recognized industry standards in order to enable new, Web-based content and services that meet the requirements of broadcasters and STB manufacturers."
Opera-equipped eviado set-top boxes are scheduled to ship next quarter and will be distributed exclusively by max communication. In its press materials announcing its deal with max communication, Opera provides the following "real-life example" of how its technology might be used: "Using Opera's technology, you can enable an existing, PC-only, video-on-demand catalog and bring this content to a STB. By adding local subtitles to the thousands of VOD titles from online providers, the result is a purpose-built VOD catalog ready to address a global market." Last week Opera also announced deals with digital TV software company, Ocean Blue, and with TV manufacturer, Loewe (see the articles published on itvt.com, March 23rd and 24th).
