GlobeCast, FRANCE 24 drive Orange,SES HbbTV trial

In a boost to hybrid TV, in France at least, GlobeCast and FRANCE 24 are launching a trial in early 2012 of services based around the HbbTV standard. The partners hope that the test will ultimately provide valuable insight into how broadcast offers can combine the power and reliability of traditional broadcast delivery with the new possibilities offered by the latest technical solutions open to ISPs. Indeed as outlined by Philippe Rouxel, Chief Marketing Officer of GlobeCast said, "We're now finally seeing the convergence of broadcast and the Internet.” Moreover, they insist that the trial will demonstrate HbbTV's ability to enhance the quality of viewing experience of DTH users, something, much sought by satellite operators fearing mass uptake of over the top (OTT) services. Frank Melloul, Head of strategy, development and public affairs at FRANCE 24 outlined what this could mean for viewers. "FRANCE 24 is present on five continents, reaching tens of millions of households around the world in three different languages. With this project, we've taken a step towards ensuring that all of these viewers have the same ability to interact with our programming." The service, to be offered to satellite viewers of FRANCE 24 and developed within the framework of the Orange strategic Smart Networks programme, initially in Western Europe, will add a layer of interactivity to satellite TV programming by harnessing the capability of connected TVs to interact with the new organisation’s linear and non-linear programming via their broadband connection. In addition to broadcast experience and knowledge of connected television GlobeCast will provide ground services and uplink from its Paris technical operations centre with a satellite feed delivered via an SES ASTRA satellites operating at the 19.2º East neighbourhood.