Česká Televize moves forward with HbbTV service

Czech public broadcaster Česká Televize has launched the second phase of an HbbTV pilot project by making 70,000 hours of content available to smart TVs.

The broadcaster’s digital archive, iVysílani, will now be available via TV as well as desktop, tablet and smartphone.

Česká Televize initially launched HbbTV applications a year ago with Superteletext and apps for the Ice Hockey World Championship, the Euro 2012 football championships and the London Olympic Games, as well as an EPG. The new TV app fatures catch-up TV and video-on-demand.

According to the broadcaster, 90,000 devices accessed its HbbTV service in June.

Česká Televize’s new media division executive director Pavlina Kvapilova said: “Modern audiences love to use iVysilani. If they miss something, they can find their favourite show later. It only takes a few seconds with a remote control to get the menu, directly from one of our programmes.”