HbbTV 2.0.5 specification published by ETSI
The latest version of the HbbTV core specification, HbbTV 2.0.5, has now been formally published by ETSI as ETSI TS 102 796 V1.8.1 (2026-09).
On 22 September 2026, ETSI published the HbbTV 2.0.5 specification as ETSI TS 102 796 V1.8.1. The HbbTV Association had released the updated core specification in March 2026. The ETSI publication now provides the formal reference for companies adopting and implementing HbbTV 2.0.5.
HbbTV 2.0.5 is an incremental update to HbbTV 2.0.4, introducing a number of significant technical enhancements for interactive television services. One of the most important changes is the formal integration of Digital Rights Management (DRM) into the core specification. Devices are required to support at least one of the DRM systems defined by the HbbTV DRM specification (Microsoft PlayReady or Google Widevine) providing a harmonised approach to the secure delivery of premium content.
The specification also formally introduces WebAssembly (WASM) support, enabling developers to implement more computationally demanding functionality within HbbTV applications. This can support use cases such as efficient decoding of auxiliary video streams for accessibility services.
Other enhancements include additional web security measures and defined support for the VVC and AV1 video codecs, although implementation of these codecs remains optional. HbbTV 2.0.5 also simplifies implementation by removing unused features, marking others for future deprecation and relaxing selected requirements to improve interoperability.
Integration with DVB-I, first introduced in HbbTV 2.0.4, has also been enhanced. HbbTV 2.0.5 clarifies support for DVB-I applications associated with entire service lists, helping platforms and service aggregators address requirements such as obtaining GDPR consent or agreement to terms and conditions. A number of technical corrections arising from implementation experience have also been incorporated.
Publication as ETSI TS 102 796 V1.8.1 provides developers, device manufacturers, broadcasters and other implementers with the formal ETSI reference for HbbTV 2.0.5 as adoption of the new specification begins.
The HbbTV 2.0.5 specification and an associated explainer document are available in the HbbTV Resource Library.
