It is also called the “Red Button” service: HbbTV is a modern variant of teletext that you can start by pressing the red button on the TV remote control – if you know it even exists.
Have you ever pressed the red button on your TV remote control? On almost every remote control of current TV sets there is a row of colored buttons that either have no labeling at all or are named A, B, C and D with only little meaning. But what do these buttons do and why is the red button particularly important? TECHBOOK explains the HbbTV function.
The successor to teletext
The red button leads to the so-called HbbTV – the abbreviation for Hybrid Broadcasting Broadband TV. What lies behind this somewhat unwieldy name can be described as a modern form of teletext, which is already offered by almost every broadcaster. Instead of high-resolution text, HbbTV offers a modern interface, as known from online media libraries. And the functions also go beyond what classic teletext offers.
For example, broadcasters grant access to their media libraries, provide additional information about the current program, show news and information about the weather or organize viewer voting.
Also read: The history of teletext – and who actually still uses it?
You need that for HbbTV
As a rule of thumb: If you bought the television after 2014, there is a high probability that the device already supports HbbTV. If you want to be sure when buying, you should pay attention to the HbbTV logo, which identifies compatible televisions.
The basic requirement for HbbTV is that the television is connected to the Internet. Many devices use the built-in WLAN antenna or the connection via LAN cable for this purpose. However, some older models that do not have built-in WLAN can also be retrofitted with suitable WLAN sticks – whether this option is available depends on the manufacturer and model.
One of the most practical things about HbbTV is that it’s free! If you have a suitable television and an Internet connection that is fast enough for video streaming, everyone can use modern teletext at no additional cost and access HD content in the media libraries without having to connect an additional streaming stick to the television .
In 2021, for example, ARD has only added one function to HbbTV. Since then, “ARD Programm”, the electronic program guide, can be accessed via the red button on the remote control. Additional program details can be seen, and an integrated search function can also be used to search through TV programs and media libraries. Overall, this should make operation more intuitive and easier.
What many don’t know either, HbbTV often also offers barrier-free offers, such as sign language overlays. In addition, subtitles are also possible, which can be individually adjusted in size and display.