Toggle Releases HbbTV Service in Asia

SINGAPORE: Mediacorp’s bilingual OTT service Toggle has launched the new service Toggle Red Button, billed as the first use of hybrid broadcast broadband TV (HbbTV) in Asia.

The service brings together live broadcast TV and Toggle’s vast catalogue of VOD services into a single environment. Users will gain direct access to Toggle’s library of programs while watching Mediacorp’s free-to-air TV channels, all on one screen. In addition, users no longer need to use recording devices or set-top boxes, as they can watch them on catch-up through the Toggle menu in the TV environment.

The technology rides on Mediacorp’s Digital TV (DVB-T2) network, combining broadcast with broadband TV. The service is delivered via HbbTV-enabled smart TVs that are certified for the Toggle Red Button service.

HbbTV technology has been deployed across Europe, Australia and New Zealand. The service was developed in partnership with Finland-based HbbTV solution provider Sofia Digital.

Anil Nihalani, the head of connected media at Mediacorp, said: “We are delighted to bring the Toggle Red Button service to our consumers. The service provides direct access to great entertainment on Toggle within the free-to-air TV-viewing experience simply by pressing the red button on the TV remote control, without the need to switch to different sources and apps.”

Nihalani added: “This is just the beginning of a range of new features we have planned for the service. Our consumers can look forward to new content and a new level of interactivity. Advertisers can also look forward to innovations in reaching their customers such as addressable TV features and transaction capabilities.”