Unconference session ideas

This page shows the unconference session ideas submitted via the form found here.

For more information about how the day will run and for advice on how to plan your session, see the Unconference Hub.

(If you would like to edit or delete your submission below, please contact info@hbbtv.org.)

Beyond the Red Button: How Should Viewers Launch HbbTV Applications?

Proposer: Matthew Huntington, HbbTV Association

Session goals:

Background
For many years, the red button on the TV remote control has been synonymous with launching broadcast-linked interactive television applications. The term “red button application” has become widely used across the industry as shorthand for HbbTV applications, reflecting a convention inherited from teletext and early interactive television services.

However, television remote controls are evolving. Manufacturers and TV operating system providers are increasingly simplifying remote control designs, reducing the number of physical buttons and, in some cases, removing the four traditional coloured buttons altogether. Although these functions may remain accessible through virtual buttons, viewers often need to press an additional key and navigate an on-screen menu to access them.

This introduces friction into what has traditionally been a simple, one-button interaction, potentially reducing the visibility, accessibility and usage of HbbTV applications.
The challenge
HbbTV applications can respond to a range of remote control keys, creating opportunities to adopt alternative approaches to application launch.

The OK/Select button is an obvious candidate, being one of the most prominent and frequently used buttons on modern remotes. However, it may conflict with the television’s own user interface, programme information or other platform functionality.

Another approach, already being used by some services, is the Up directional button, which may offer a more accessible alternative without requiring viewers to navigate virtual button menus.

The challenge is that remote control designs, key handling and user interface conventions vary across TV manufacturers, TV operating systems and Operator Applications (OpApps). An approach that works well on one device may conflict with established functionality on another.

As remote controls continue to evolve, there is a growing need to understand which approaches provide the most consistent, intuitive and interoperable experience for viewers.
Objectives of the session
This unconference session will bring together broadcasters, HbbTV application developers, TV manufacturers, TV operating system providers and OpApp providers to explore how viewers should launch broadcast-linked HbbTV applications in an era of simplified remote controls.

The discussion will seek to:

Understand remote control evolution: Explore how physical and virtual button designs are changing, including manufacturers’ approaches to removing or consolidating traditional coloured buttons.
Share broadcaster and developer experience: Identify alternative application launch mechanisms already in use, including the OK/Select and Up directional buttons, and understand their effectiveness and limitations.
Understand platform constraints: Gather perspectives from TV manufacturers, TVOS providers and OpApp providers on key availability, reserved functions and potential conflicts with their user interfaces.
Consider the viewer experience: Discuss discoverability, consistency, accessibility and the implications of different launch mechanisms for viewers.
Identify opportunities for common guidance: Explore whether the industry can establish recommended practices for application launch that improve usability while minimising conflicts across devices and platforms.

Expected outcomes
The primary objective is to gather practical information and experiences from across the HbbTV ecosystem, identifying areas of agreement and potential conflicts.

A possible outcome would be a report providing guidance for HbbTV application developers and broadcasters on selecting appropriate remote control keys for application launch, taking into account usability, interoperability and platform constraints.

The session could also identify areas requiring further investigation or collaboration with TV manufacturers and TVOS providers, potentially informing future HbbTV developer guidance or recommendations.
Suggested participants
The session would particularly benefit from contributions from: