Innovative, exciting and converged entertainment services come closer to global deployment across TV, Tablet and mobile devices

Leading IPTV industry forum OIPF (The Open IPTV Forum) have announced publication of an update to Release 2 of the global end-to-end Specifications for IPTV; Release 2 v2.1 is a major step forward for end-to-end interoperability within the IPTV ecosystem.

Release 2 of the OIPF Specifications include an evolution of functionality across many areas of the Release 1 Solution specifications, with notable enhancements of major functional areas. Some noteworthy services and features that are specified in Release 2 include:

• HTTP Adaptive Streaming of live and on-demand content, derived from 3GPP’s Adaptive HTTP Streaming specification
• Metadata and signaling procedures for emergency alert services
• SIP support for Multi-media Communication Services
• Support for Retransmission and Fast Channel Change, based on the DVB specifications
• Network-based time-shift and PVR
• Personalized content channel service
• Content bookmarking
• Session/service continuity through transfer or handover
• Trickplay and playout controls/restrictions
• Sharing of content between users
• Digital media purchase
• Support of Widgets for declarative/browser applications
• Use of mobile devices for remote control, based on the support of DLNA remote control remote user interface
• Better integration with CI+ based conditional access systems
• SAML-based single sign-on

The services and features offered in Release 2 are described more fully in this document. The new “point release” v2.1 supersedes all previous releases of the specifications.

Following the development and publication of these specifications (v2.1), the OIPF is defining usage Profiles and Interoperability Testing Specifications. It is currently also completing the definition of a Certification Program which will provide a basis for further confidence to Service Providers when architecting their IPTV solutions.

Dr. Nilo Mitra, President of the OIPF, acknowledged the efforts made by the Forum members in reaching this milestone: "The release of updated OIPF specifications v2.1 brings many innovative and exciting entertainment services, products and solutions one step closer to real-world, revenue generating, mass market consumer adoption.

The objectives of the OIPF are increasingly important at this time of media transformation, particularly as all players in the entertainment eco-system need to minimise costs and time to market whilst also meeting the demanding expectations and entertainment-appetite of the growing millions of connected TV, Tablet and Smartphone users worldwide.

The ongoing and focused participation and co-operation of Network Operators, Content and Service Providers, Consumer Electronics Manufacturers and Home and Network Infrastructure Providers within the OIPF, end-to-end of the entire IPTV value chain, are critical to the future success of secure, user friendly, commercially viable and compelling converged video, communication and entertainment services for the end user".

The latest specifications are available at http://www.oipf.tv/Release_2.html.