Who would have thought that a technology from the 1970s could still be a topic today? Teletext – once a revolutionary source of information – wavers between cult status and relic in today’s digital world. But how do you keep the infosaur alive on a modern TV platform?
That was exactly the challenge we faced when integrating teletext into our TV platform. This much can already be said: the fossil thought to be dead is alive and has found a new home in our TV world.
Why teletext at all?
“Who on earth still uses teletext?” was our team’s first reaction. In fact, the info dino is still indispensable for many – whether for weather, news or sport.
So our task was to make sure that this target group would not have to do without their beloved feature in the digital world either. And that settled it for us: the info dino deserves a digital rebirth.
A technical journey through time
Sounds like a simple task? Far from it! Teletext is based on an analogue technology in which information was transmitted via the so-called vertical blanking interval in the picture lines. In the IP-based digital world, this concept simply no longer exists.
To recreate teletext digitally, we had to redevelop the entire system. This was not just about technical functionality but also about the look: the pixel-perfect retro appearance had to be preserved while scaling correctly on modern HD screens. It was a balancing act between nostalgia and technical precision – and a small piece of engineering craftsmanship.
Retro meets user experience
Modern set-top boxes no longer have a classic teletext button. So we integrated the function directly into our user interface. That way it remains easily accessible – and still feels familiar.
The goal was clear: to create a user experience that retains the operating logic of teletext but fits seamlessly into the modern TV world. The result? Mission accomplished!
Conclusion: the infosaur has gone digital
Integrating teletext into our TV platform is more than just a technical gimmick. It shows that tried-and-tested technologies can also find their place in a modern environment.
The info dino has not only survived but found a new home – proving that nostalgia and innovation can go hand in hand.
Would you like to find out more about how our whitelabel TV platform combines tradition and innovation? Discover the possibilities at netstream.ch/tvaas.
