Freesat+ box gets interactive with Opera

Humax implements Opera Devices SDK to advance the web experience

Humax, a world leading set-top-box manufacturer, showcases its web-ready Freesat+ box at the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) 2012 in Amsterdam. With the implementation of the Opera Devices Software Development Kit (SDK), Humax’s Freesat+ box provides Freesat’s newly launched service, , a HTML5-based backwards EPG. Through , viewers can navigate back through the EPG and choose to watch content on-demand.

The Opera Devices SDK has delivered the power of the web to millions of TVs, set-top boxes, portable media players and other devices across the world. It empowers Humax to build HTML5 and CE-HTML rendering into its Freesat+ box and supports the Open IPTV Forum (OIPF) and HTML5 browser technology, which have been adopted by the next-generation Freesat+ receivers. In addition, this tool kit includes a full web browser using hardware acceleration with DirectFB, and supporting WebGL, to speed up rendering and animations.

Humax chose the Opera Devices SDK for its services and Humax platform, ensuring a better and interactive web experience.

Freesat is a subscription-free, high definition digital TV service with over 150 channels, available throughout the United Kingdom. As of today, more than 2.6 million Freesat boxes and TVs have been sold. Humax offers a range of award-winning set-top boxes and recording boxes for Freesat. This week at IBC 2012, Humax showcases the new set-top box with the Opera Devices SDK inside, which supports the specifications of .

“Web services delivered to TV are increasingly moving to HTML5, so it makes sense to have one engine to drive the browser and power all applications,” says Lars Boilesen, CEO, Opera Software. “Freesat brings HTML5 technology to its next-generation products. People can browse the web, run apps, play music and games — and most importantly — watch what they want, when they want it, on their TVs. This is the power of the web. For set-top-box and device vendors, adopting web standards can reduce the barriers of deployment and shorten the time to market.”

Tae Hun Kim, head of the Business Division at Humax adds: “Humax has always been dedicated to creating the best viewing experience for Freesat viewers through our products. To take it to the next level, we decided to make our Freesat+ products more interactive and future proof. Opera is playing a central role in creating an intuitive web experience on TVs. We are working very closely with Opera to successfully make Humax Freesat+ boxes available in the market within our targeted time frame.”

The new Humax Freesat+ products will be available in the United Kingdom in late September 2012.

About Humax

Humax Co., Ltd. (Humax), founded in 1989 in South Korea, is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of digital set-top boxes, exporting its products to over 90 countries across the globe. The company has built a solid reputation as a leading supplier of high quality, feature-rich digital TV set-top boxes and digital video recorders (DVRs), for cable, satellite, and terrestrial, IPTV, and IP-Hybrid broadcasting.

Humax is positioned as a leading brand of set-top boxes in retail markets in UK, Germany, and the Middle East. As a leading brand, Humax participated in the digital switchover projects, Freeview HD and Freesat digital TV service in the UK. Also in 2009, Humax launched the IP-Hybrid platform in Germany. In the Middle East, Humax continues to expand its reputation by leading the HD switchover movement.

The company’s headquarters and R&D facility are based in Korea, with 16 offices worldwide including UK, US, Germany, France, Dubai, Germany, France, Italy, India, Japan, Thailand, and Australia. Humax exceeded KRW 1 trillion in revenue in 2010 and employs more than 800 people worldwide.

About Opera Software ASA

The worldwide World Wide Web — any device, any platform, any bandwidth, absolutely anywhere in the world. Opera Software was founded in 1994, based on the idea that access to the web should be a universal right. 275 million people (and counting) use the Opera web browsers for computers, mobile phones, TVs and other connected devices. Opera also delivers tools, distribution, engagement, monetization and market insights to developers, publishers and brands around the world. We are passionate about breaking down barriers, so everyone can share in the power of the internet. Our vision of one web for all remains at the heart of what we do, because we believe that participation changes everything. Opera Software ASA is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OPERA. ‘Opera’, ‘Opera Software’, ‘Opera Mini’ and the ‘O’ logo are trademarks of Opera Software ASA. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Learn more about Opera at www.opera.com.