The MHEG-5 API has taken a significant step forward after Boxer chose the solution to run on its DTT pay-TV operations in Ireland, Denmark and the home territory of Sweden. Boxer will also continue to follow the specifications set down by the local standards association Nordig.

“The important thing is that we have an single set of specifications,” Peter Johnsson, manager of TV Technology, BoxerTV Access AB told Broadband TV News. He said MHEG-5 was recommended by the working party established to define the transmission standards for the Irish market where Boxer will launch a pay-TV service next year. It is already used in the UK on both Freeview and Freesat. Significantly MHEG-5 has been pre-installed in the majority of IDTVs sold around Europe. Boxer will use the UK MHEG profile version 1.06

The decision was welcomed by David Cutts of MHEG-5 developer S&T, and a founder of IMPALA, formed with other companies involved in the sector for the international promotion of MHEG-5 “This is very good news and we’re pleased because it improves the geographical reach as part of a sensible strategy.”