Hybrid television. What is and how did she coincide with terrestrial television?

HBBTV, or Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV, is a system that enriches ordinary television with additional content from the Internet. TVP used it for the first time during Euro 2012 and since then the standard has been gradually developing. It works so that along with a normal television signal, we get information about available additional materials. If we want to use them, the TV downloads them online.

What does this give us in practice?

There are really many possibilities. During matches, we can check live statistics and watch replays. Information programs often have additional materials and detailed data. We also have access to:

• Extensive television program with detailed descriptions
• VOD libraries with archival programs
• Interactive weather forecasts
• Quizzes and surveys related to the program being viewed
• Information about actors and creators when displaying movies and series

How to start using HBBTV?

First of all, we need the right equipment. The good news is that HBBTV TVs have been available for many yearsespecially in the newer ones. If we have an older model, it is worth checking in the manual or internet if it has such a function.

We also need to act:

• Access to DVB-T2 terrestrial television (via the antenna)
• Internet connections (may be Wi-Fi or cable)
• Active HBBTV function in TV settings

We turn on HBBTV – step by step

• We connect the TV to the Internet
• We enter the settings menu
• We are looking for an option related to HBBTV (sometimes hidden in advanced settings)
• We turn on the function
• We switch to the HBBTV support channel
• When a red dot or message appears on the screen, press the red button on the remote control

Currently, as part of hybrid television, we have access to, among others:

• TVP VOD and TVP GO with a rich program library
• CDA Premium with movies and series
• Dedicated channels like TVP ABC 2, TVP Kultura 2 or TVP Historia 2
• Complete guide to television programs
• Radio stations (via the EMITEL platform)
• Various advertising applications

When is it worth using it?

HBBTV works great during sporting events – then we have access to statistics, repetitions and additional materials. It will also be useful when watching information and journalistic programs. The system also offers access to archival episodes of programs.

According to Dataxis analysts, by 2026 HBBTV services will be available in more than half of European households. In Poland, the development of this technology is mainly driven by TVP and Emitel, which plans to launch further services on the MUX-8 multiplex.