HbbTV trial for GlobeCast and France 24

GlobeCast and France 24 will launch a HbbTV trial 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 connected TVs.

Throughout 2012, participating satellite TV viewers will be able to 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.

GlobeCast will provide ground services and uplink from its Paris technical operations centre. The satellite feed will be delivered via one Astra’s satellites at 19.2º East.

Frank Melloul, Head of strategy, development and public affairs at France 24 said “France 24 is present on five continents, reaching tens of millions of households around the world in three different languages. With this project, we’ve taken a step towards ensuring that all of these viewers have the same ability to interact with our programming.”

Philippe Rouxel, chief marketing officer of GlobeCast said, “We’re now finally seeing the convergence of broadcast and the internet. As a next-generation provider of broadcast services, GlobeCast will remain at the forefront of this movement. In this new ‘connected’ world, we are helping our broadcast clients offer an interactive, high-quality experience to their viewers worldwide, regardless of delivery method.”