Tele Columbus to launch HbbTV service

German cable operator Tele Columbus is launching a HbbTV service supplied by Alcatel-Lucent. It will run on NDS MediaHighway middleware.

The HbbTV service will be delivered over broadband to hybrid IP enabled set-top boxes across the Tele Columbus network. It will enable the operator to offer supplementary content and services, including video streaming and regional programming. The operator plans to launch the new HbbTV service towards the end of 2011.

Dietmar Schickel, chief commercial officer at Tele Columbus said: “The new HbbTV service will complement our linear and interactive TV product world as one of the most advanced offerings in the German market. We have prepared this step carefully through the launch of a new hybrid receiver at the beginning of 2010. With NDS and Alcatel Lucent, we have found the right partners for the further strategic and technological development of our digital TV platform and hardware base.”

Tele Columbus will work with content owners, publishing houses, web portals and regional companies to launch HbbTV applications. Partners will be provided with a template HbbTV application interface that can be tailored to their requirements and populated with content and information. New applications can either be made available across the entire Tele Columbus HbbTV network or targeted to specific regions and local areas.