Making Smart TV Operator Apps comparable with TV Boxes (STBs)

While most IPTV operators rely on Set-Top Boxes (STBs) to deliver linear interactive TV services to consumers, several operators are moving towards app-based delivery. For Over-The-Top (OTT) service providers that offer video on demand or other non-linear TV services, delivery via TV apps is already an important method. There are some advantages in delivering TV services via an app, also for IPTV operators offering linear TV. For example, via apps operators and consumers are no longer forced to install a separate box per TV set. However, exploiting this opportunity comes with several challenges that we will highlight, such as OS fragmentation, API limitation and rigid streaming client configurations. Further we will present best practices on how to address these challenges, based on measurements in our lab. Particularly, we will highlight where standards such as HbbTV Operator Applications, CTA Wave, DASH-IF IOP guidelines can help and ultimately improve the user experience.