"Hybrid TV for Europe and beyond" was the title of a symposium in Paris this week hosted by the French HD Forum, Spain's AEDETI Forum and the pan-European HbbTV consortium. Attended by over 200 delegates from around Europe, the event dealt with all aspects of the complex hybrid TV market as services continue to develop and roll out.

EBU representatives Michael Wagner and Peter MacAvock took part in a session dedicated to the regulatory aspects of Hybrid TV. Importantly, there are differences in the way the internet and broadcast television are regulated. With these worlds coming together in hybrid TV, there are challenges ahead for regulators in Europe. Addressing the discrepancies and ensuring that European operators can take full advantage of connected devices might require new regulatory approaches.

The panel discussion included Emmanuel Gabla (Commissioner, Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel) and Laure de la Raudière (Member of  the French Parliament) (pictured above). Each emphasized the need to address the specificities of the different European markets, while ensuring close coordination between different countries. France has been at the forefront of the regulatory deliberations around hybrid TV, but there are discussions under way in all markets launching Hybrid TV.

Successful hybrid television requires interesting services offered on interesting devices, but it also needs a regulatory framework that promotes a level playing field for all the stakeholders.

Other sessions at this week's symposium included reports on the developments in different countries launching hybrid TV like Spain, Poland and Denmark. There was naturally a particular focus on the pioneering French market and the work of the HD FORUM to bring the stakeholders together towards the common goal of launching HbbTV for their mutual benefit and of course to bring exciting services to the French consumer.