UK firms ANT and Ocean Blue Software have partnered to deliver a fully-integrated connected TV software stack, with the combined solution to provide connected TV services including HbbTV by integrating the ANT Galio Platform with Ocean Blue's Sunrise DVB and Voyager MHEG technology.

The resulting software stack is described as being ideal for CE manufacturers such as TV and set-top box providers looking to quickly roll out connected devices targeting the HbbTV and other hybrid markets.  

The first HbbTV services were launched by German broadcasters in December 2009 and included catch-up programming from ARD and ZDF, video-on-demand from Tageschau, ARD digital text and Bayerische Rundfunk radio applications.  The French government regulatory body for TV issues, the Conseil Supérieur de l’Audiovisuel (CSA), has since added its support of HbbTV, with the launch of French interactive HbbTV services expected in 2011.

“As TV device manufacturers strive to deliver an increasing array of connected TV services presented in a simple, usable way, they are faced with developing an increasingly complex software solution," said Simon Woodward President and CEO of ANT.  "This partnership solves the problem by delivering a complete connected TV stack.”