Press Releases

ACCESS Licences Ligada iSuite enabling NetFront™ Browser BE to power next-generation Android and Linux HbbTV Smart TVs

Agreement with Eurofins Digital Testing provides ACCESS with the best-in-class tooling and test automation to validate compliance with latest HbbTV and related worldwide standards, such as UK Freeview Play

Oberhausen, April 12, 2021 – ACCESS Europe GmbH announces that is has signed a licensing agreement with Eurofins Digital Testing for Ligada iSuite to enhance conformance testing for HbbTV and Freeview Play. The deal enables ACCESS to ensure that NetFront™ Browser BE provides a commercially supported and regularly updated Chromium-based platform to CE manufacturers for next-generation Android and Linux based HbbTV Smart TVs and broadcaster OTT services.

Ligada iSuite for HbbTV is an all-inclusive HbbTV Test Harness and set of Test Suites, enabling interoperability, conformance and certification testing. By licensing Ligada iSuite, ACCESS ensures its compliance with HbbTV and other standards such as UK Freeview Play are best-in-class, allowing manufacturers to focus on differentiating their devices to build products that consumers love and build brand loyalty.

“We’re proud to be working with Eurofins and utilising its de-facto worldwide standard for digital TV testing,” says Dr. Neale Foster, CEO at ACCESS Europe. “With the knowledge that ACCESS utilises the Ligada iSuite platform, our SoC, mainboard and CE manufacturing partners can develop and launch their new products with confidence,” concluded Foster.

Built on the Chromium engine, enhanced for the embedded smart TV environment and available for both Linux and Android based devices, NetFront Browser BE provides CE manufacturers with the perfect foundation. By ensuring compatibility in today’s hybrid broadcast environment, NetFront Browser BE enables seamless access to broadcaster services, reduces time-to-market and lowers maintenance costs. As a commercially licensed and supported HbbTV and HTML5 solution, customers also benefit from improved standards support, updates and security features. Additional pre-validated entertainment services can be added via the NetRange App Store, affording manufacturers a one-stop solution where desired.

“We are very happy to welcome ACCESS as part of the Ligada family” says Dr. Bob Campbell, Director of Engineering at Eurofins Digital Testing. “As a recognised world leader in provision of test solutions for browser-based technologies such as Hybridcast and BML, we are excited to provide a core component to the ACCESS testing strategy for HbbTV and Freeview Play based devices.”

About ACCESS
Since 1984, ACCESS CO., LTD. (Tokyo Stock Exchange First Section Index, 4813) has been providing advanced IT solutions centered 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 more than 350 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 Eurofins Digital Testing:
Eurofins Digital Testing is a global leader in independent Quality Assurance, (QA), testing and cyber security for software systems, content and devices with operations in Belgium, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Sweden, the UK and the USA. We help businesses in mediatech, fintech, energy, governmental and the other industries assure quality in their digital transformations towards Industry 4.0.

We are a trusted provider in a broad spectrum of quality solutions covering: Managed test services & augmented test resourcing, industry recognized advisory & training, including Eurofins Academy, Lab-based testing services & infrastructure, Test automation & Conformance testing services & tools, Comprehensive cyber security services & tools, Eurofins Digital Testing is part of Eurofins Scientific, which has more than 800 laboratories in 50 countries and around 48,000 employees worldwide. Founded in 1987, Eurofins is highly regarded in testing, with a level of expertise that makes it the first call for businesses around the world.

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