Java TV Getting Started

Getting Started With Java TV

Java TV refers to JSR 927, the Java Community Process (JCP) specification providing API's for digital TV-related capabilities for set-top boxes, Blu-ray Disc players, and other digital media devices. Java TV is an optional package which sits atop the Connected Device Configuration, Foundation Profile, and Personal Basis Profile (CDC/FP and PBP). The Java TV API provides access to a variety of broadcast- and media-related API's supporting a wide range of applications.

Common applications include Electronic Program Guides (EPG's), Video-on-Demand (VOD) clients, games and educational applications, applications for accessing internet data (e.g. weather, news tickers, social networking), and, on most Blu-ray Disc titles, the user interface and bonus content. The Java TV platform is built on top of the Oracle Java Embedded Client platform, which is an underlying Java platform catered towards various embedded devices. Click here to go to the Oracle Java Embedded site.

Java TV Capabilites

The Java TV API provides an ideal development and deployment platform for the emerging class of interactive television services. The Java programming language provides content developers with a high degree of control and flexibility over the look and feel of their applications, enabling them to deliver the most dynamic and compelling interactive television experiences to their audience.

One of the more powerful value additions that the Java TV API can bring to the emerging digital TV marketplace is its ability to significantly enhance broadcast content. The Java TV API enables developers to pump up content in several ways, including:

• Providing TV viewers with engaging interactivity
• Real-time displays of relevant, contextual information in parallel with standard TV programming
• Electronic commerce transactions initiated from advertising spots, programming, or applications such as home banking
• Real-time interactive communications with TV personalities and animated characters

Through Java technology extensions, developers and providers can create content that takes full advantage of the underlying video, audio and graphics hardware of a digital television or set-top box. The Java platform allows developers to synchronize the display of application elements such as bitmaps and text with the underlying video or background audio of the television broadcast. In addition, transparency-to-video and graphics layering capabilities give developers more flexibility and control over the appearance of these application elements.

Java TV is also an important part of Blu-ray technology, leveraging advanced content delivery capabilities to all Blu-ray enabled devices, such as Blu-Ray DVD players and Sony Playstation.