The experience of TV is evolving and adapting faster than ever. In order to provide users with the best possible  TV experience with wide range of  interactive services including program guides, infotainment, access to catch-up services and video on demand, FRANSAT, the French DTH platform operated by Eutelsat (News - Alert), introduced its "FRANSAT Connect" interactive portal using the HbbTV standard.

FRANSAT Connect was developed for connected TV sets and decoders compatible with the FRANSAT satellite platform. It will help consumers to navigate, find and discover TV content easily.

It enables viewers to get a wide range of interactive services including scheduling information for current and upcoming programming, infotainment, access to catch-up services and video on demand. It allows television viewers to navigate scheduling information menus interactively, selecting and discovering programming by time, title or genre. The viewers can display the portal on their TV screen in full-screen mode and through the "FRANSAT Info" channel  or as a banner displayed on any channel by pressing a dedicated button on the remote control (depending on equipment installed).

FRANSAT Connect offers improved access to interactive applications provided by the channels available in the FRANSAT platform by referencing them within the portal. It is available via a new range of HbbTV-compatible satellite receivers.

The company is also introducing FRANSAT Connect program guide that will enable viewers to access it from their smartphone or tablet.

FRANSAT's CEO Jean-Luc Deroudilhe said in a statement, "Starting from a base of subscription-free digital channels for French homes beyond range of DTT reception FRANSAT is transforming into a fully fledged platform able to offer linear and non-linear services. Our vision is to provide users with an intuitive and straightforward interface that matches viewer expectations for a broader television experience."