Samsung, LG and Four National Networks Set OHTV Standards

Industry sources say Korean television manufacturers of Samsung and LG and four television networks of KBS, MBC, SBS and EBS begin pilot service for open hybrid television (OHTV) which utilizes both existing broadcasting network and Internet protocol. This is intended to draw a new set of television standards of higher frequency efficiency and to stand against the Sony-Google alliance preparing for a smart TV release this fall.The OHTV project of Korea will be led by the six participants of next-generation broadcasting standards forum. The results of the pilot service will be critical in deciding the national standards and whether to pursue commercialization. The participation of Samsung and LG, the two predominant players in the world TV market, raises an expectation for new standard technologies targeting the European market. The Korea-led OHTV is based on hybrid broadcasting standards called hybrid broadcast broadband television (HbbTV). Telecommunications Technology Association is at the center of the initiative. The television networks asked the electronics companies to supply 20 OHTVs to be used for the pilot broadcasting, and Samsung and LG are discussing the development.“Standardization efforts began two year ago and a significant part of the standards for basic service were completed,” says a source from LG.. “This may affect ATSC 2.0 which is an upgraded version of ATSC, the U.S. broadcasting standards and Korea’s digital TV standards as well,” he adds.With an extended concept from smart TV, OHTV allows two-way data transmission with the existing networks and Internet protocol as return channels. OHTV adds non-real time broadcasting of 3D contents using unused frequencies to the strengths of smart TV which uses frequencies for broadcasting and IP network for Internet access. It features additional functions as well. For example, one can check the previous episode while watching a TV show through video on demand (VoD) service without turning on a computer. A more advanced electronic program guide (EPG) is also available.