December 20, 2024

Submissions open for updates to the HbbTV specs

The HbbTV Requirements Group runs a requirements capture cycle for HbbTV approximately once a year in order to consider potential updates to HbbTV specifications.  The Requirements Group is calling for input from all HbbTV members regarding potential new features for inclusion in the core HbbTV specification aimed at products entering the market in 2026 or 2027. As part of this process, the Requirements Group will also consider proposals for the deprecation or removal of features from the specification, as well as proposals that relate to other HbbTV specifications.

For both additions and deprecations, we have prepared templates that we would like to ask members to fill in. The simplest way to submit proposals is via the Requirements area of the HbbTV redmine system. Anyone who is unable to access that system can also make submissions by filling in a feature addition template or feature deprecation template and sending it to the Requirements Group Co-Chair, Chris Poole.

You’ll note that there is a focus on feature additions that provide user benefits, and for which HbbTV has the appropriate expertise to implement. HbbTV’s ecosystem includes the core specification, independent specifications such as targeted advertising and operator applications, test assertions, a test suite, reference applications and developer portal, and the requirements process is designed to capture as much information as possible on how the proposals would affect these.

The deadline for submissions is 10th March 2025, but members are encouraged to submit proposals earlier if they can.

After submission, proposals will be discussed and refined in the Requirements Group before being put to a vote to assess the level of cross value chain support. All HbbTV member companies are encouraged to participate in the Requirements Group meetings to be part of these discussions. The Steering Group will ultimately decide whether to turn the requirements into a new specification release.

Chris Poole
Co-Chair, HbbTV Requirements Group