The founding members of the HbbTV consortium together with a large group of supporters jointly developed the HBBTV specification to create a global standard for hybrid entertainment services. Version 1.1.1 of this specification has been approved by ETSI as ETSI TS 102 796 in June 2010.
The HbbTV specification is based on existing standards and web technologies including OIPF (Open IPTV Forum), CEA, DVB and W3C. The standard provides the features and functionality required to deliver feature rich broadcast and internet services. Utilizing standard Internet technology it enables rapid application development. It defines minimum requirements simplifying the implementation in devices and leaving room for differentiation, this limits the investment required by CE manufacturers to build compliant devices. HBB-NEXT is the next step that will enhance existing standard by multiple – user environment, use of multiple devices (even mobile devices), new ways of interactions and security.