Advanced Television

Standards

HbbTV releases Test Suite 2026‑1

The HbbTV Association, a global initiative dedicated to providing open standards for the delivery of advanced interactive TV services through broadcast and broadband networks, has released version 2026-1 of the HbbTV Conformance Test Suite. The latest update further strengthens the Test Suite’s role as the central resource for manufacturers, broadcasters and platform operators seeking device […]

April 2, 2026

Global momentum for DVB-I spec

DVB-I, the open specification for internet-based discovery and description of television services, is seeing global momentum following three new announcements. Firstly, Freeview New Zealand has announced it is working towards a nationwide production launch; additionally Ireland’s RTÉ has revealed plans for a closed technical trial of DVB-I for the Saorview platform; and thirdly Deutsche TV-Plattform […]

March 30, 2026

HbbTV Association publishes HbbTV 2.0.5 core spec

The HbbTV Association has published version 2.0.5 of its core specification, marking a key step in the evolution of the HbbTV standard. The specification was approved at the latest meeting of the HbbTV Steering Group. HbbTV 2.0.5 is an incremental update to HbbTV 2.0.4, published in 2024, and represents a significant technical advancement for hybrid […]

March 2, 2026

OBUSPA integrated with prpl and RDK

There has been a shift in how quickly broadband service providers (BSPs) using prpl Foundation and RDK platforms can deploy new services, from months and years to a matter of weeks, as both organisations have integrations with the Broadband Forum’s OBUSPA open source software. Two of the most widely used carrier-grade open source platforms for […]

February 19, 2026

UK ICO probes Grok data processing

The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has opened formal investigations into X Internet Unlimited Company (XIUC) and X.AI LLC (X.AI) covering their processing of personal data in relation to the Grok artificial intelligence system and its potential to produce harmful sexualised image and video content. It has taken this step following reports that Grok has […]

February 4, 2026By Colin Mann

EC probes Grok, X

The European Commission has launched a new formal investigation against X under the Digital Services Act (DSA). In parallel, the Commission extended its ongoing investigation launched in December 2023 into X’s compliance with its recommender systems risk management obligations. The new investigation will assess whether the company properly assessed and mitigated risks associated with the […]

January 26, 2026By Colin Mann

Ofcom investigates X over Grok deepfakes

The UK’s independent online safety watchdog, Ofcom, has opened a formal investigation into X under the UK’s Online Safety Act, to determine whether it has complied with its duties to protect people in the UK from content that is illegal in the UK. Ofcom notes that there have been deeply concerning reports of the Grok […]

January 12, 2026By Colin Mann

Pearl TV launching NEXTGEN TV Converter Box Programme

As the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) considers next steps on the transition to ATSC 3.0 television broadcasting in the US, Pearl TV has announced the NEXTGEN TV Converter Box Programme, an industry-led effort focused on ensuring that over-the-air TV households have an affordable and user-friendly way to access NEXTGEN TV services while continuing to rely […]

January 5, 2026

GSOA calls for universal connectivity goals

GSOA has released its new paper, Promoting Synergy Among Communications Services, exploring how the unique strengths of different technologies contribute to broader, more inclusive connectivity when supported by a framework that encourages investment, innovation and fosters diverse networks solutions. At a time when the ITU’s World Telecommunication Development Conference 25 (WTDC25) is renewing global commitments […]

November 17, 2025

MPs to question BBC editorial guidelines

The Culture, Media and Sport Committee of the UK House of Commons is to hold an evidence session with members of the BBC’s editorial guidelines and standards committee – BBC Chair Samir Shah and BBC board members Robbie Gibb and Caroline Thomson. The hearing is likely to take place in the next few weeks, with […]

November 12, 2025By Colin Mann