....in early 2012 with the support of Orange and SES. The service, to be offered to satellite viewers of FRANCE 24, initially in Western Europe, will add a layer of interactivity to satellite TV programming by harnessing the capability of connected TVs. Throughout 2012, participating satellite TV viewers will use their connected televisions to interact with FRANCE 24's linear and non-linear programming via their broadband connection. No additional equipment or hardware will be required. This will demonstrate HbbTV's ability to enhance the quality of DTH users' viewing experience. It will also 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.
GlobeCast will use its broadcast experience and knowledge of connected television to lead this trial. It will also provide ground services and uplink from its Paris technical operations center. The satellite feed will be delivered via one of the ASTRA satellites at 19.2 degrees East — SES' leading orbital position in Western Europe. As a leading Internet Service Provider, Orange will enable content providers to benefit from the latest technical solutions, thereby offering improved quality of service for the end viewer. This service will be developed within the framework of its strategic Smart Networks program.
HbbTV is an industry standard providing an open and business-neutral technology platform that seamlessly combines TV services delivered via broadcast with services delivered via broadband and also enables access to Internet only services for consumers using connected TVs and STBs.