OPEN RED BUTTON PROJECT
The Open Red Button Project (ORB) is an open-source initiative that brings HbbTV support to browsers. Using JavaScript and C++ components, ORB enhances browsers with HbbTV functionality, simplifying integration for connected TVs and set-top boxes. ORB includes libraries that integrate smoothly with platforms like Android (via WebView or Chromium) and RDK (via WPE), giving developers flexibility in implementing HbbTV support.
Check out our code on GitHub: https://github.com/OpenRedButtonProject/orb
What ORB Offers
Latest Support: ORB includes profiles for HbbTV 2.0.3 and 2.0.4 and was used by Ocean Blue Software to develop 2.0.4 tests for the official HbbTV test suite. ORB fully supports the latest HbbTV features like media synchronisation, companion screens, accessibility, voice control, and DVB-I.
Open Source: ORB is freely available as open-source software, allowing developers to access, modify, and contribute to the codebase for easy integration and customisation.
Flexible Integration: ORB is designed for versatility. It can be integrated with system browsers (like Android WebView and RDK WPE) or used as a standalone library or service on Android, giving developers the freedom to choose the best approach for their platform.
What’s Next?
- OpApp Support: ORB is expanding to support OpApp, a standard used by applications like Freely, to increase compatibility with interactive applications.
- Dedicated Browser and Service Architecture on Android: ORB is developing a dedicated browser option on Android with a service-based architecture. This feature will offer an alternative to WebView, providing greater control and optimisation for HbbTV on Android devices.
Getting ORB Ready for Production
The ORB project is designed as a reference implementation and requires additional modifications, including minor browser patches, for use in production. Ocean Blue Software (OBS), the creators of ORB, are experienced in making these modifications and integrating ORB into production devices.
For commercial support and discussion about how OBS can help with your project, contact OBS at info@oceanbluesoftware.co.uk
