SetAppBox is a commercial software framework being demonstrated at IBC by its developer NewFaceTV, who provide technology for TV user interfaces. The framework is said to enable any Android TV connected device like Google TV or Android-based HDMI dongles to become a TV grade set-top box in a short time, without huge investment in Java applications development.
SetAppBox allows the running of HTML-based TV portals on any Android platform. Using common web technologies like HTML, CSS and JavaScript, together with the device remote control, it is said to be possible to create TV apps like an electronic guide, live TV or VoD store. It runs either as a standalone application or as a device launcher.
Targeting markets vary from small service provides to tier one operators, the SetAppBox solution is designed to help the use of any Android platform to enable a TV-grade experience for end users. IPTV/OTT, hybrid (DVB-T/T2, DVB-S/S2, DVB-C, ATSC) and hospitality are just some of the potential users.
For content owners, the company claims that SetAppBox is the fastest route to TV, by making a VoD store targeted at any Android device.