RIA-IPTV - Web-based interactive TV solutions

Fraunhofer FOKUS places emphasis on flexible models for enhanced IPTV Services

Motivated by the demand for flexible and technology-driven approaches, Fraunhofer FOKUS has extended its research to Web browser-based TV platforms to overcome the limitations of todays internet driven TV services.

Currently, Web technologies such as HTML and CE-HTML (CEA-2014) can be used on various TV sets and STBs, allowing simple network deployment of interactive media services. Currently those solutions follow the names of HBBTV, NetTV or Internet@TV. But the problem is that these technologies have limited graphic interfaces. The next evolutionary step will introduce Rich Internet Application technologies (RIA) such as Adobe Flash, Microsoft’s Silverlight, JavaFX and HTML 5.0 for use on the TV screen. These technologies will create a richer user experience and allow for more sophisticated Web-inspired applications. A host of media clients utilizing these media technologies are available from Fraunhofer FOKUS. Fraunhofer FOKUS has also taken into account the needs of the stakeholders from the telecommunication sector by integrating NGN- and IMS-based signaling, thus meeting ETSI TISPAN and Open IPTV requirements.

RIA IPTV Client Overview

Based on the FOKUS IPTV Media Client Suite, the web-based RIA-Client solution supports SIP based signaling for managed IPTV environments as well as web-technologies for open service infrastructures. Telco and IPTV Profiles are supported by a Profiling module and the video playback is covered by an IPTV multimedia module. Beside this basic functionality, the client is designed for extendibility and testability. To support this goal, additional testing and logging tools are implemented.

RIA-IPTV key features:

• GUI layer supporting HTML5, JavaFX, Silverlight

• IPTV Multimedia support (HD Video, VoD, non-linear content)

• Interactive and targeted Services

• Personalization and Recommendation

• Platform independent service creation

• Integrated SIP Stack

• Profile Management

• Presence and Buddylist

• NGN/IMS support for managed networks