What is HbbTV in a smart TV

Have you paid attention to offers to take part in a vote or survey while watching programs and shows? This is done using the HbbTV service. What is it and how to use it?

What is HbbTV and why is it needed?

HbbTV is a special function with which interactive content is displayed on the TV screen. It combines the capabilities of the Internet and television.

In simple terms, the service is a special website that the user can call up on the screen using the control panel. It makes it possible to find out additional information, one way or another, related to what is being viewed on the screen. For example, if you are watching a football match, HbbTV allows you to get data about the players, statistics of their activity on the field, and view replays of game episodes.

Among the main properties of the service are:

1. Interactive information. Allows you to participate in voting and surveys, and make purchases directly while watching TV advertising.
2. Image control. You can choose the angle of the broadcast.
3. Repeat viewing. In Europe, you can watch a video within a few minutes after the end of its broadcast.
4. Additional broadcasting options.

Today the service is available on a number of European television stations. In Russia, you can use the format on Channel 1. It seems that such unpopularity of the service in our country will not last long.The service is very convenient both for those who watch TV and for those who broadcast programs.

Initially, the service was developed so that users could receive additional services regardless of which TV operator they use. Operators could also use the service for their own purposes and provide viewers with additional opportunities without spending a lot of money on it. Indeed, HbbTV for operators is a software interface on the basis of which paid interactive services can be created.

How to enable HbbTV on TV

In April 2018, Channel 1 used HbbTV technology for the first time. Viewers of the show “The Voice. “Children” could choose candidates for the next season themselves and evaluate the abilities of the little participants. Now this feature continues to be introduced into other talk shows and sports programs.

In this regard, more and more people are interested in how to turn on HbbTV. Depending on the TV model, the following activation options are also possible.

SONY

• "Home" key on the remote control;
• Next, select “Settings” > “Help” > “Troubleshooting” > “Privacy Settings”;
• set the “On” slider to “Interactive application”;
• Click "Agree".

LG

To enable it, you need to go to the TV settings. There, find the “Channels” menu and click “On”.

PHILIPS

• press the house icon on the remote control;
• go to the menu “Setup” > “General Settings” > HbbTV > “On”.

Samsung

Go to system menu > Data Transfer > On.

Panasonic

Find Cable Channels > Interactive Apps > On.

Before using the HbbTV function on a smart TV, you need to know that it does not work when the Timeshift service is turned on, watching a recorded video, the Internet connection is turned off, or there is no Wi-Fi signal.