Access Co. Ltd.

31/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 31/07/2024 08:01

ACCESS and NetRange Set New Standards for Interacive Entertainment on Smart TVs with the Launch of an Integrated HbbTV Browser and Appstore Solution

Hamburg & Oberhausen, 31st July, 2024 - ACCESS Europe GmbH, a leading provider of advanced software solutions for connected TVs, mobile devices, and networking, and NetRange MMH GmbH ('NetRange' an ACCESS company), the global provider of white-labelled, turnkey Smart TV and OTT ecosystems, today announced the launch of NetFront™ Browser BE v3, the latest version of ACCESS browser which supports HbbTV2.0.4. This solution is fully integrated with the NetRange HbbTV Appstore, enabling TV manufacturers and brands to easily launch HbbTV services, and do it globally, quickly and cost-effectively.

By integrating the latest version of HbbTV, the new ACCESS browser delivers on the promise of state-of-the-art interactivity and functionality for Smart TVs, including support for Operator Applications (OpApp) and other essential features, so that ACCESS customers are equipped with the most advanced and compliant technology and entertainment available. Primarily deployed in Europe, with live projects also in the Middle East and APAC, HbbTV is supported by TV and device manufacturers including KTC and TCL MOKA on MTK chipsets and Konka on AOSP TVs based on a HiSilicon chipset.

"ACCESS is committed to driving the evolution of HbbTV standards by providing cutting-edge solutions that enhance the viewer experience," said ACCESS Europe's CEO, Aono Masahiro. "Our latest HbbTV browser and Appstore solution enables TV manufacturers and brands to meet the growing demand for HbbTV-enabled TVs, and do it with unique integration, powerful testing capabilities, and cost efficiencies."

The joint ACCESS and NetRange HbbTV solution provides significant advantages to customers, including:

Latest HbbTV Technology: Access to the latest HbbTV version, ensuring support for all current features and standards.

Reliable Testing Framework: With the inclusion of Ligada test suites, ACCESS offers a robust and comprehensive testing environment, a valuable resource.

Continuous Product Planning: ACCESS's proactive approach to product planning ensures that the latest HbbTV versions and requirements are consistently met and incorporated into the roadmap.

Unified Solution: By partnering with ACCESS and NetRange, ODMs and TV brands can streamline their operations. Rather than coordinating with multiple vendors for browser and app portal needs, clients can rely on a single point of contact, simplifying project management and reducing time to market.

Integrated Content Offerings: The collaboration between ACCESS and NetRange delivers a cohesive solution, providing HbbTV channels from the portal, facilitating a simplified deployment process, with joint testing and debugging efforts.

Cost Efficiency: ACCESS offers a bundled solution that is more economical than engaging separate contracts with multiple service providers, offering substantial cost savings to customers.

As the industry continues to evolve, ACCESS's innovative approach to the HbbTV ecosystem sets a new benchmark for interoperability and user experience. The ACCESS and NetRange HbbTV solution represents a significant leap forward in smart TV technology, promising to enrich the user experience with seamless functionality and enhanced content offerings.

About ACCESS
Since 1984, ACCESS CO., LTD. (Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, Index, 4813) has been providing advanced IT solutions centred on mobile and network software technologies to telecom carriers, consumer electronics manufacturers, broadcasting and publishing companies, the automotive industry and energy infrastructure providers around the world. The company develops mobile software solutions that have been installed on over 1.5 billion devices, and network software solutions that have been used by hundreds of companies. Utilising its network virtualisation technology expertise and knowledge, the company is currently focusing on the development and commercialisation of Internet of Things (IoT) and media solutions that combine embedded and cloud technology. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the company maintains subsidiaries and affiliates in Asia, Europe and the United States to support and expand its business globally. Learn more about ACCESS at www.access-company.com.

About NetRange
NetRange, an ACCESS CO., LTD. company (Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, Index, 4813), is the global pioneer of white labelled, licensed App Store provider for Smart TVs, Set Top Boxes, Automotive platforms, and other connected devices such as smart projectors.

NetRange is the One-Stop-Center for Smart TV Brands/ODMs, Chipset vendors, and operators for accessing the licensed contents, covering content agreements, providing backend services and running DRM certification processes. The NetRange solution is integrated on more than 300 partners worldwide including Mediatek, Hisense VIDAA O.S., Arçelik, TCL MOKA, Skyworth Digital, Sharp, Loewe and Changhong. Its fully featured Smart TV Appstore includes local and global premium VoD stores, FAST channels, cloud games, live sports, the latest music, and lifestyle apps.

In addition, NetRange also leverages its content relationships and broadcast technology expertise to provide the Twine4Car Automotive platform solution, a connected car infotainment platform, and VISNOS, a client-based Smart TV OS that significantly reduces the hardware cost for TV manufacturers by enabling Smart TV features through devices with low-powered CPUs. Please visit www.netrange.com for more information.

For ACCESS and NetRange media inquiries, please contact:
Email: [email protected] / phone: +44 (0)20 3832 3690/3691 or +44 (0) 7711 239 062