Bristol - November 3, 2008

Ocean Blue Software's MHEG-HD Demo lets developers deliver better interactivity and user experience.

A new, free-to-use application now aids digital TV developers to design better, more compelling TV applications for High Definition (HD) TV. MHEG-HD Demo from Ocean Blue Software, a leading provider of world class software for the digital home, enables developers to visualise how applications will appear on HD devices. MHEG-HD Demo demonstrates how the applications will look to viewers. The ability to visualise, during the development process will enable developers to design the most advanced and user-friendly applications possible.

MHEG-HD Demo is based on an advanced, HD-supporting version of the MHEG international standard for interactive service technology. This new standard will provide an even greater wealth of information and services for TV viewers, such as enhanced viewer experience, games, news, bulletin boards, support services and better information, including programme synopses and Electronic Programme Guides (EPGs).

Ken Helps, Ocean Blue's CEO, said: "MHEG-HD Demo is an invaluable tool for developers of interactive TV because it lets them see and work with the full range of new functionalities that the new HD standard will provide. This application is going to enable developers to design the richest, most compelling and consumer-friendly digital TV applications, as well as being a significant aid for the industry's seamless advance into MHEG-HD".

The new application complements Ocean Blue's Voyager MHEG-5 software – the standard mandated middleware technology for Freeview digital TV receivers – which is ready for integration into the next generation of digital televisions and set top boxes. Ocean Blue is working in conjunction with the Digital TV Group (DTG) to finalise the new specification for HD support functions within MHEG-5 and is fully supporting the new DTG MHEG standards across its product range.