EBIF
What is EBIF?
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EBIF - "Etv Binary Interchange Format". An Enhanced TV (ETV) application format that agents on legacy, resource constrained devices use to recognize that there is interactive content on the channel. EBIF defines the complete end-to-end system including how bits go on the wire, which authoring tools spit their bits out in EBIF, and which end user devices interpret or decode EBIF bits. Both content and service providers can pick whatever EBIF-spitting tools they want. Service providers additionally must select which ETV end user device software they buy. -->
Read moreIt's Working: NYU's Twitter ETV Test Application
Introducing the Twitter proof-of-concept app, an EBIF app created by Shawn Van Every of NYU. With EnableTV's help to get this app running and accessible via SlingPlayer, this the the first example of and end-to-end test that OEDN has facilitated.
More about this application:
This is a bound application (tied to an MPEG-2 stream) that puts up a button that says "Get Last Tweet". If you push the "Select" button on the remote, a Java CGI application which is used for EBIF 2-Way Packaging triggers a PHP script, which returns XML for packaging. The PHP script uses the Twitter API and pulls up the latest message to Twitter. When the EBIF application receives a response from the Java CGI app, it displays that message over the top of the video.
0 comments2010 - The year of EBIF
As Verizon's Widget Bazaar vision rolls out, excitement for EBIF applications is spreading with increased urgency. FiOS's new widgets, including Facebook and Twitter on TV, are examples of these micro-apps that can spin up in short order.
Leslie Ellis, technology analyst for Multichannel News, breaks EBIF all the way down to “ee-biff” in today's feature. She cautions, "if consumers are exposed only to EBIF triggers that lead exclusively to ads, they could easily 'learn,' incorrectly, that clickable things on the TV screen are ads, so why bother."
Testing an EBIF Application 101
Right now (as of September 2009) the testing process for EBIF applications is confusing at best - so here's some insight on the current state of testing an EBIF application.
While EBIF is a widely accepted standard for developing ITV applications, there is not a standard method for getting an application tested and deployed across millions of digital set-top boxes within the US cable MSOs (multiple system operators). Application developers will need to discover the current certification method on an MSO by MSO basis prior to deployment.
EBIF Developers Welcome Here
The TVWorks Developer Network now offers a free membership option for anyone who wants to develop EBIF applications. When you join the developer network you’ll receive access to a wide variety of resources to assist you through the ETV/EBIF application development process. This is an outstanding opportunity for anyone interested in creating applications for potential deployment on Comcast’s and other operators’ set-tops. Whether you are considering creating your first application or you are an experienced ETV developer, you will find materials to help make your ETV development a success.
Get started today! Create a free account at: https://developer.tvworks.com/
TVWorks Developer Network membership provides access to:
istart ETV program
Today's application developers need a robust set of tools and support to address technical challenges and maximize efficiency associated with developing iTV applications. The istart program offers a portfolio of developer tools to address these technical challenges. The istart program is designed to provide an entry point for application developers who need set-top client development tools and support on multiple platforms. Under the istart umbrella, we offer several developer programs to meet your individual requirements, including Cisco's SARA / PowerTV® and tru2way Axiom™, Time Warner's Mystro Digital Navigator (MDN) and OCAP Digital Navigator (ODN) as well as TVWorks ETV client.
TVWorks Developer Network
The TVWorks Developer Network is intended for software vendors, advertisers, MSO’s, and content providers that are interested in developing compelling applications that take advantage of the CableLabs ETV specification. Membership provides organizations with the TVWorks XDK toolkit for authoring and simulating applications, and documentation on the TVWorks ETV platform and MAX (Managed Application XML) authoring language. Members receive support throughout the development lifecycle of applications, including MAX language assistance, lab access, and support for the production components necessary for deploying applications. Different levels of support are available depending on the needs of the 3rd party developer. Please contact TVWorks for additional information about the developer program options. Contact: xdksupport@tva.tvworks.com
Press Release: BIAP releases end-to-end Enhanced Binary Interchange Format (EBIF) product suite
PLANO, Texas, Jan. 14 / BIAP Inc.
TV of Tomorrow Show - San Francisco
(from http://www.itvt.com/)
InteractiveTV Today [itvt], the first, best and most widely read news source on interactive and multiplatform television, is pleased to present the second annual TV of Tomorrow Show, March 11th-12th (Tuesday-Wednesday), 2008 in San Francisco, California at the famous Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.
Go to http://www.itvt.com/tvoftomorrow/ for details.
ITA Technology Walk-through 07
“Twelve rooms. Twelve technologies. One hundred executives”. 2-day, invitation-only, personalized showcase targeting executive producers / showrunners from prominent TV series. And media-directors / brand-managers from major advertising brands.
Link to conference: http://www.itvalliance.org/techwalk7.htm
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