February 27, 2025

Update on HbbTV specifications and related activities

To keep aligned with industry needs and web technology trends, the HbbTV specification continues to evolve. This article is a summary of the recent and upcoming advancements in HbbTV specifications and related activities.

HbbTV 2.0.4: Key updates

The HbbTV 2.0.4 specification, published by HbbTV in March 2023 and by ETSI in September 2023, lays the foundation for the next wave of product innovation. The incorporation of 2.0.4 test cases in the 2024-1 and 2024-2 HbbTV test suite releases (the latter released in August 2024), has paved the way for HbbTV 2.0.4 compatible products in 2025. 

Key features

Key feature of HbbTV 2.0.4 include:

• Accessibility Integration: As the European Accessibility Act becomes law in 2025, accessibility is becoming more of a focus. While HbbTV does not mandate specific accessibility features, this integration is structured to accommodate external regulatory requirements.
• DVB-I Compatibility: Enables “red button” broadcast-related apps in a DVB-I DASH delivered channel.
• Voice Assistant Support: Voice interaction improvements address the need for seamless app control without requiring users to change from voice to remove control when an HbbTV application is started.  
• Feature Deprecation: While certain less-used functionalities are marked for future removal, they remain part of 2.0.4 for now to allow for smooth transitions.

For more details see the HbbTV 2.0.4 article on developer portal.

HbbTV 2.0.5: A glimpse ahead

The upcoming HbbTV 2.0.5 specification is set for release in 2025, targeting possible implementation in products in 2026 or 2027. It introduces major enhancements and addresses feedback from implementers and test developers on previous releases. 

Highlights

Key enhancements include:

• WebAssembly (WASM): Demonstrated at IBC by 3CAT, WASM enables advanced use cases like software video decoding. While already widely available, formally specifying this feature ensures consistent performance and usability.
• New Video Codecs: Optional support for AV1 and VVC codecs, with AV1 already functional in some current TVs.  
• HTTP/3 Support: Enabling the integration of HTTP/3 and QUIC for improved streaming efficiency.  
• Streamlining Features: Unused or historical features are being retired, such as multi-stream synchronization between broadcast video and OTT audio.  

Digital Rights Management (DRM) guidelines

Historically, HbbTV avoided addressing DRM, leading to fragmented solutions. To counter this, the HbbTV Association has:  

• Developed a DASH-DRM reference app, consolidating market insights on DRM system compatibility.  
• Introduced a comprehensive DRM integration document covering PlayReady, Widevine, and criteria for adding new systems.  
• Defined guidelines for content providers, platforms, and operators to streamline DRM implementations.  

HbbTV 2.0.5 will require support for at least one DRM system specified in the guidelines, ensuring consistency and compatibility across devices.  

Country-specific tests and harmonization 

Several countries, such as Italy and the UK, developed their own HbbTV test extensions, particularly for DRM. Recent reviews have highlighted opportunities for consolidating these tests into the main HbbTV suite. HbbTV aims to include these extensions in the 2025-2 test suite release, making things simpler for implementers by reducing the need for country-specific test suites.  

Looking ahead

The HbbTV Association’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, integration, and innovation ensures its relevance in a rapidly evolving media landscape. By aligning with industry needs and regulatory frameworks, HbbTV is positioned to support broadcasters, content providers, and device manufacturers well into the future.  

Jon Piesing
Vice Chair of HbbTV Association and Chair of Specification Group