OpenTV

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The OpenTV Corporation is a leading global provider of technology and services for the delivery of digital and interactive television. The company headquarters are in San Francisco , USA. On March 26, 2010, OpenTV was completely taken over by the NAGRA Kudelski Group.

OpenTV is a service provider who makes its services and software available to television broadcasters and companies and implements their various demands and ideas with extensive company technology. OpenTV technology and software is used in 96 countries and nearly 60 million digital set-top boxes worldwide . The functionalities offered by OpenTV include interactive television with services such as interactive shopping, interactive and customer-specific addressable advertising, games and information services. For example, there is the possibility of personalized video recordings ( PVR ) and a number of other applications for broadcasting services, communicating with users and for customer care.

OpenTV Core Middleware ™

Development of OpenTV

OpenTV entered the digital television market in 1996. Since then, OpenTV Middleware ™ has established itself as the most widespread set-top box software (middleware) for digital TV services. It is also the basis for the delivery of advanced digital TV services from OpenTV. Since entering the market in 1996, OpenTV's scope of services has been continuously expanded. The latest added features include current developments such as Internet Protocol Television ( IPTV ), Personal Video Recorder ( PVR ) 2.0 / Digital Video Recorder (DVR) or High Definition TV ( HDTV ).

Support of industry standards

In the development of digital broadcasting, various independent technologies and standards have evolved. Due to the special structure of the Middleware ™ Core, OpenTV enables various technologies and standards to be used for your own services. Standards such as DVB , MPEG , ATSC , HTML , JavaScript , Java , MHP , HTTP and SSL are supported. In addition, the digital standards for service and program information MPEG PSI and DVB-SI are supported.

Middleware ™ architecture

The OpenTV Core consists of a compact and modular structure. This enables quick adaptation to the customer and easy use of advanced digital TV services. The modular software core can be linked with various extensions. In addition, the OpenTV core is based on the hardware of different set-top box models and can thus do justice to every possible customer. The different application environments are based on the core, which communicates with the set-top box hardware in a downward direction. This means that the digital services can be used independently on different hardware platforms, as they are based directly on the OpenTV Core and not directly on the respective hardware.

Basic characteristics

As already explained in the introduction, the OpenTV Core is modular, expandable and compact. However, these are not all properties of the core. In order to achieve persistence and longevity, OpenTV adheres to the international TV industry standards and includes a compilation of various TV libraries, extensions and application environments. The various libraries enable the basic functionalities for stable digital TV services. The extensions and application environments allow the flexibility to add features and functions as required at any time.

The possibility of using the same services and the same middleware on different set-top box hardware saves programming effort and time. Therefore, even in mixed set-top box hardware environments, no different software versions of the respective applications are required. Therefore, the OpenTV applications do not have to be broadcast separately for each hardware platform, which also saves bandwidth.

The backward compatibility with older OpenTV Middleware ™ versions enables network operators to switch applications and services to the latest versions step by step. Dynamic download is also supported. Libraries, extensions and applications can be downloaded dynamically or "on demand" in modules according to network capacity. Therefore, the memory is not overloaded and the integration of new functionalities, expansion or maintenance can be carried out quickly and easily.

Audio and video streaming is also supported. Special libraries enable the received data stream to be decoded with the help of MPEG video decoders. This also includes support for scaled or positioned MPEG video display, additional image layers and application-based volume control.

There are different mechanisms for security. Received programs and services can only be received by authorized recipients and hardware. Protected content cannot be copied or used without permission. Downloaded modules and updates are only executed after an authenticity check. Special services and libraries are responsible for digital rights management and encryption and decryption.

Extensions

In addition to the basic properties of the OpenTV Middleware ™ described, further functions can be added to the OpenTV Core. The extensions are nothing more than optional libraries. Extensions can be integrated, for example, to match the target hardware or its scope of performance. In order to be used efficiently, OpenTV Middleware ™ enables packets to be added or deleted according to the hardware. This means that no unnecessary storage capacity is used. There are also a number of optional extensions such as OpenTV Measure.

Application / execution environments

OpenTV Virtual Machine (OVM)

The OpenTV Virtual Machine is an abstraction layer over the OpenTV operating system and the underlying set-top box hardware. OpenTV applications are written in ANSI C. The compiled source code is called O-code. The O-code applications then run on a general virtual set-top box, which is only implemented in software, and are interpreted by the OpenTV Runtime.

There are two variants of compilation and execution:

  • a) In the application layer with the help of the OpenTV O-code Virtual Machine (OVM) and standard-based optional additional execution environments
  • b) In the hardware layer by abstraction of the driver functionalities with the help of the OpenTV libraries.

OpenTV HTML Package

With the help of the OpenTV HTML Package, it is possible to interpret HTML and JavaScript code written for TV. This enables web browsing in connection with a browser component on the set-top box. With the help of an authoring environment, service providers can migrate existing HTML and JavaScript code for the Internet to the basis for interactive television. In addition, the operator can provide customized and branded user interfaces for web surfing (e.g. with their own logo). The data is either received as part of the broadcast signal or sent over the return channel. 16 bit colors (65536) are available for the visualization of the web content. Virtual applications can be created using common web technologies that dynamically generate the content from HTML and JavaScript.

The OpenTV HTML package also supports a centered TV display, a media stream control, a TV media handler with window positioning (e.g. for video scaling), support for PNG , GIF , JPEG and XBM images , HTML 4.0, CSS 1.0 (and absolute positioning of CSS 2.0), JavaScript 1.3, DOM Level 1, SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0 and ETSI TS 102 330.

OpenTV MHP Package

The OpenTV MHP ( Multimedia Home Platform ) Package is a fully MHP-compliant extension to the OpenTV Middleware ™ Core. This package was developed in collaboration with Alticast. The MHP package offers the operators of the service the advantage that MHP can be used on a set-top box in a way that is compatible with OpenTV O-code applications. The MHP component can use various services of the OpenTV Middleware ™ (for example audio / video processing, OSD, PVR / DVR, return channel, etc.).

OpenTV Bluestack Package for Flash

This expansion package enables operators to offer Flash content via an execution environment. This means that the provider can also offer complex flash applications. These Flash applications are then created and authored using Flash TV development tools. Possible areas of application are improved screen displays, navigation, graphics and animations.

Digital Rights Management and Conditional Access (CA)

Conditional access (CA) and digital rights management (DRM) are implemented at OpenTV with the help of partner libraries. There are also optional extensions to provide a secure basis for the transmission of protected content in the network. OpenTV supports retailers and content providers with solutions to maximize protection in terms of CA and DRM. Corresponding IP set-top boxes with a special CA / DRM client are already in use (for example the Encryptonite System ™ from SecureMedia in the SV-500 set-top box).

Core 2.0

Basic characteristics

The Core 2.0 is the latest version of the OpenTV Set-Top Box Middleware ™ core and offers a number of new features and an improved storage architecture as standard. Support for the Personal Video Recorder (PVR) is already directly integrated in the Core 2.0. On the hardware side, new set-top box types equipped with multiple tuners and decoders are supported. The option of using home networks, high definition television (HDTV) and connecting external storage media (e.g. hard drives) is also integrated. Like the previous version, the Core 2.0 is completely backwards compatible with all older O-code applications and extensions.

Storage architecture

The new storage architecture is called OpenTV Multi-Pipe-Mass-Storage- (MPMS) architecture. Each event is placed in the corresponding pipeline and processed one after the other. There are several pipelines in parallel. Thus, special services can take over the process control and control of the data streams. It is now possible to send data streams from different sources (tuner, hard disk etc.) to different destinations (e.g. hard disk, TV etc.) at the same time. MPMS thus enables, among other things, simultaneous viewer / user activities. A program can be recorded and at the same time you can jump back and watch the program. Or a recording can be viewed and a live broadcast at the same time. This makes the PVR, for example, more flexible. Other programs can be watched easily during the recording. The set-top box can generally show several programs and on-screen displays (OSD) in parallel . Of course, this also depends on the set-top box used.

With the help of the integrated Multi Stream Support, all types of data stream sent can be received and used independently of one another. The dynamic pipeline definition, where the supported data stream types and associated sources and destinations are defined, can always be expanded. In this way, new data stream types, sources or destinations can be constantly added and then used immediately (e.g. support for USB 2.0, FireWire , DVD or external hard drives).

PVR 2.0 / DVR

OpenTV PVR 2.0 is an additional package based on OpenTV Core 2.0. The entertainment industry and content providers are offered the option of a comprehensive personal video recorder / digital video recorder solution. A number of new functions are supported with Core Version 2.0.

  • Programming using the Electronic Program Guide (EPG)
  • Pause from live broadcasts and then continue watching
  • Jerk-free fast forward and rewind during playback
  • Record two programs and watch other programs at the same time
  • Create bookmarks in recorded material
  • Recording of subtitles and teletext in addition to the program
  • Metadata entry for recorded programs
  • Skip advertising
  • Recording up to 120 hours
  • Rights management
  • u. v. m.

Depending on the provider of the service, certain functions can then be used. With an American provider, for example, you can still watch an American football game from several camera angles after the recording. Targeted jumping to certain scenes such as "best shot" or "furthest shot" is also possible.

IPTV

Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) is also a transmission technology that has been supported since OpenTV Core 2.0. This enables IP network operators and operators of cable, satellite, telecommunications and digital radio networks, for example, to offer pay TV services over IP networks. The OpenTV Middleware ™ will be expanded to include the functions network operators need to offer IPTV services over conventional or hybrid broadband IP networks.

With an IP-enabled set-top box, services such as pay-per-view, video on demand, services for the personal video recorder and other interactive applications can be received via a closed two-way IP broadband network.

Depending on the data speed of the user, different qualities can be offered (DSL, cable modem etc.). IPTV supports both standard definition TV (SDTV) and high definition TV (HDTV). In addition, IPTV is not tied to a specific standard such as MPEG-2 or MPEG-4, as is the case with conventional transmission via DVB or UMTS .

HDTV

In order to meet the digital standard for high-quality digital television, OpenTV also supports the latest standards with its Core 2.0. In terms of video, MPEG-2 HL and MPEG-4 AVC are supported. Depending on the set-top box hardware, a distinction can still be made between two qualities. On the one hand the high quality High Definition (HD) and on the other hand the digital standard quality Standard Definition (SD). In terms of audio, AC3 is supported with the HDTV Extension. Enhanced AC3 and ACC are planned for the next release version of OpenTV Core 2.0.

In order to maintain the quality of data transmission, especially for HDTV, the HDMI interface is supported from Core 2.0. This means that no loss of quality through digital-to-analog or analog-to-digital conversion is possible. In addition, the HDMI interface enables a higher bandwidth than previous interfaces. To implement copy protection for digital data, OpenTV Core 2.0 supports HDCP. With implementation on both sides (transmitter and receiver hardware), unauthorized copies of the data from HDMI or DVI interfaces are no longer possible.

In connection with HDTV, a new type of modulation (DVB-S2) is still supported for DVB via satellite. With DVB-S2, both high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) can also be transmitted. The biggest advantage of DVB-S2 is that, compared to DVB-S, around 30 percent more bandwidth is available.

A major European user of the OpenTV HDTV solution and a pioneer in the European HDTV market is TPS. The French company has chosen OpenTV to implement a new set-top box platform. TPS will soon be broadcasting its HDTV via satellite in France with the help of OpenTV.

OpenTV browser

OpenTV Device Mosaic ™ is a specialized browsing component that enables providers to deliver HTML content to users of digital interactive TV. The users can use the OpenTV browser as it is known from PCs or mobile devices such as handhelds or cell phones with Internet or WAP connection. OpenTV-Integrated-Browser ™ is the version of Mosaic ™ optimized for the Japanese market.

The OpenTV browser is already used millions of times in current implementations, among others by well-known companies such as Sony and Motorola. They use Mosaic ™ to offer their services through set-top boxes. A great advantage is that the OpenTV browser can be fully adapted to the wishes of the customer and common standards for web browsers are supported. The technical standards supported by OpenTV are HTML 4.0, CSS, ECMAScript, pJava, SSL and ATVEF.

Both OpenTV browser variants are characterized by the explained conformity to existing standards, speed, adaptability to customer and service provider requirements and flexibility (e.g. support and bridging of different CPU speeds, different transfer rates in the network and various content offerings).

OpenTV Participate ™

OpenTV Participate ™ is a product for the interactive involvement of the audience and users of digital TV services. This end-to-end solution enables service providers to integrate viewers on a platform-independent basis, as well as real-time management of massive user participation in connection with live or pre-produced programs. The management of multiple, simultaneous, planned or unplanned, synchronous or asynchronous or just individual user participations is supported with OpenTV Participate ™.

A great advantage is that the more diverse interactive and direct involvement of the audience can help to bind the target audience more closely to the provider through more attractiveness and participation. This of course also increases the provider's financial income opportunities. Live competitions, prize puzzles, quizzes, games, auctions, voting, shopping or fundraising campaigns are, among other things, such interactive services that can be offered with the help of OpenTV Participate ™.

In addition to the interactive services already mentioned, OpenTV Participate ™ offers the service provider modules for detailed live statistics and control of the interactive applications. The participation of a user and his behavior is recorded for the entire time of his use of the system (not only for the current use, but for all periods of use). In this way, the user behavior of all users can be precisely analyzed and evaluated. You can then react quickly and flexibly with measures to tailor the offer to the user and make it as attractive as possible.

OpenTV Enterprise Solutions

The OpenTV Enterprise Solutions offer service providers useful tools for the operation and management of digital and interactive services. This also includes the possibility of securing e-commerce transactions (protection of operator and user), correctly organizing and broadcasting interactive and user-oriented advertising campaigns, and carrying out evaluations of user behavior.

Like the other components of OpenTV, the Enterprise Solutions are also expandable, modular, usable with Internet technologies and open for use with the applications of other providers. For operational and operational purposes of the service provider, there are, among other things, system solutions for regulating data traffic, databases and communication systems. A service provider, i.e. an OpenTV customer, receives a seamless overall package. The following products are part of the "OpenTV Enterprise Solutions":

OpenTV account
Server-based customer relationship management, applicable for transaction services such as e-commerce applications, among other things.
OpenTV Advertise
Simultaneous planning and organization of customer-specific advertising in interactive applications.
OpenTV Advision
Display system for interactive and digital services and solution for organizing data traffic.
OpenTV Automate
Organizes the broadcast of digital interactive applications via different broadcast platforms.
OpenTV Gateway
Solutions with the help of OpenTV transmission systems for the connection of services such as standard e-mail, chats and commercial server services with the set-top boxes. Among other things, OpenTV Gateway is required to translate limited transmission protocols (e.g. limited in bandwidth) such as HTTP or IMAP.
OpenTV H2O
Client-server solution for stripped down set-top box types that do not support embedded web browsers, for example. OpenTV H2O transforms HTML and JavaScript content into interactive TV applications of the OpenTV Core Middleware.
OpenTV Measure
Embedded set-top box solution for performing measurements and evaluations of viewer / user behavior.
OpenTV Notify
Transmission and display solution for set-top box types without a constant active return channel, e.g. for recording requests.
OpenTV Publisher
Solution for publishing and developing XML-based interactive digital applications for OpenTV Core Middleware.
OpenTV streamer
Interactive content streamer with the option of multiplexing multiple data streams including the associated video data.
OpenTV Participate
A solution that involves the audience interactively in the TV service offering.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ FULL TAKEOVER OF OPENTV BY THE KUDELSKI GROUP (PDF; 24 kB) March 29, 2010. Accessed December 9, 2011.

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