Fraunhofer Institute for Open Communication Systems
Fraunhofer Institute for Open Communication Systems

Exploring the Future of Television: Fraunhofer FOKUS Research in Connected, Smart, and Hybrid TV

Family with different devices sits on a grey sofa smiling
© Matthias Heyde / Fraunhofer FOKUS

Television is undergoing a profound transformation. Terms like Connected TV, Smart TV, and Hybrid TV now describe a new generation of devices that seamlessly integrate traditional broadcast content with rich, interactive internet-based services. These platforms offer viewers access to streaming portals, video-on-demand libraries, innovative ad solutions, and personalized content overlays – all delivered through advanced web technologies.

At the heart of this evolution is the convergence of broadcast and broadband, enabling hybrid services that enrich linear programming with contextual, interactive, and on-demand experiences. Today’s smart TVs serve not only as entertainment hubs but also as central nodes in smart home ecosystems, supporting voice control, AI-powered content recommendations, and cloud gaming .

Fraunhofer FOKUS plays a pivotal role in shaping this dynamic landscape. We actively contribute to key standardization bodies including:

  • HbbTV (Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV) – defining the European standard for hybrid TV services.
  • W3C Web and TV Interest Group – advancing web technologies tailored for television.
  • SVTA – improving streaming video interoperability

Through proof-of-concept implementations, interoperability testing, and strategic research, we provide a comprehensive and independent perspective on the diverse technologies driving this sector. Our work supports the development of scalable, user-centric solutions that meet the demands of a rapidly growing global market.

Fraunhofer FOKUS remains committed to innovation in digital media, ensuring that hybrid TV platforms continue to evolve in step with consumer expectations, technological advancements, and the expanding possibilities of connected living.

Prototyping and proof-of-concept develoment

We are building applications and services that conform to open and industry standards and platforms including HbbTV, Android TV, AppleTV, and all major SmartTV platforms (Samsung Tizen, LG WebOS, etc.).

We are building applications and services that conform to standards such as HbbTV and CE-HTML.

Current examples: