HbbTV, short for Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV, is a European standard that combines a regular broadcast television signal with internet based interactive features. It lets broadcasters overlay additional content, such as a red button style menu, program information, or a catch up player for recently aired shows, on top of a channel received through DVB-T2, DVB-S2 or DVB-C.
For HbbTV features to appear, the television needs both a broadcast tuner and an active internet connection, and support for the standard, which is common on current televisions sold in Europe but varies by region and manufacturer. When available, a small on screen prompt typically invites the viewer to press a button on the remote to open the broadcaster's interactive layer.
HbbTV works alongside a smart TV's own app platform rather than replacing it, since it is tied specifically to the broadcast channel being watched at the time. See our guide to antenna and reception for more on how broadcast television features work.
