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FAQ

How do I download the SDK?

The Smart TV Alliance SDK consists of the following parts:

  • SDK software, a package for one of the supported operating systems which can be downloaded from the SDK Download page.
  • Documentation, that can be downloaded from the SDK documentation page:
    • Manual
    • Other documentation regarding the Smart TV Alliance ecosystem: guidelines and requirements, API reference and platform specification
    • Example Apps, which show a wide range of possibilities

The SDK runs on the following platforms:

  • Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, 8, 10
  • Mac OS X 10.5+ (X86/AMD64 only)
  • Ubuntu 10+

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What's new in the SDK?

SDK 5.0 builds on the alliance's SDK 4.0/3.0/2.5/2.0 toolkit, adding the latest technologies for developers and enriching the Smart TV viewing experience. SDK 5.0 is updated for specification 5.0, includes the option to configure Smart TV Device settings per bookmark which includes 1080p support, includes copy and paste functionality and has other improvements to the emulator software as well as updated documentation. It includes a common emulator so developers can test an app just once for all Smart TV Alliance member televisions, an automated application compliance tool and advanced debug tools to help developers solve problems faster and more easily.↑ Top

How does this SDK affect app developers? Why is it valuable?

The Smart TV Alliance SDK unifies application development requirements for Smart TV Alliance compatible TV platforms today based on open solutions technology and open standard systems. It allows developers to build, test and comply with all compatible platforms at once instead of developing the same app multiple times to meet the different manufacturer requirements, bringing new and exciting applications to market faster.

As new manufacturers join the Smart TV Alliance and use the SDK, developers can reach more manufacturers and more consumers at once.
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How does this affect the consumer experience?

Smart TV consumers will have access to more and better TV services like games, video on demand, music, social networking and more, in 3D with less stuttering and freezing. Support for the latest Smart TV Alliance defined digital rights management API requirements ensure consumers will have access to the best and widest selection of content available.
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Why should a developer use SDK instead of any HTML5 browser? What's the added benefit?

The Smart TV Alliance SDK includes a validation tool that allows developers to ensure that apps developed are compatible with the specification (5.0, 4.0, 3.0, 2.5, 2.0). The SDK offers features from the specification that are not yet included in regular HTML5 browsers, such as adaptive streaming (MPEG-DASH etc.), updates from versions 5.0 and 4.0, the Smart TV Alliance capability, DIAL multiscreen emulation/validation and DRM API emulation. Using the SDK software at an early stage in your app development limits the chance of issues later on when submitting your app for each platform.
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How much support will developers get from the Alliance?

Developers have access elaborate documentation from the SDK documentation page and information on the latest Smart TV Alliance specifications and SDK. They will also have the ability to ask questions. Specific questions on the supported Smart TV platforms can be found on the Smart TV makers' developer websites.
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What is the purpose of the Smart TV Alliance?

The Smart TV Alliance's mission is to provide a platform for manufacturers and developers to create interactive content for consumers' TVs. The Alliance has profiled a set open solutions technology and open standards so developers can build apps once to run on all supported Smart TV Alliance devices.

Using standard and non-proprietary technologies, the Smart TV Alliance accelerates time to market, reduces development costs and increases content choices for consumers.
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What opportunities does the Alliance create for developers?

The Smart TV Alliance will make a common specification for Smart TV app developers, which will make developers' lives easier by allowing apps to be written once for all compliant devices. Also, HTML5 will be the first-class citizen for all kinds of devices in the future.
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Do the partners need to register and pay for the SDK?

The SDK can be downloaded free of charge and needs the party to agree with the SDK download terms of use which are on the Smart TV Alliance website.
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What kind of apps will Smart TV Alliance support?

Any HTML5 app using the technical features of the Alliance platform is supported from the technical perspective. At the same time, platform manufacturers reserve the right to decide which apps comply with marketing and/or commercial policies of the respective company.

However, Smart TV Alliance mainly focuses on HTML5 apps for TV, and TV is mainly designed for viewing videos. That's why we are trying to standardize HTML5 video tags, multiscreen and DRM solutions. In the future, the Alliance will standardize solutions for smart home and other new features.
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How will the solutions be tested on the platform? Will there be a certification from the Alliance?

Once applications are built using the Smart TV Alliance SDK, the party needs to submit the application to manufacturer Quality Assurance. All the information for app submission can be found on the App Publishing page.
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Where/when will SDK 5.0 smart television be available?

Please contact each member for specific product lines and availability dates and locations.
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Is SDK 5.0 backwards/ forward compatible?

SDK 5.0 is a super set of SDK 4.0, SDK 3.0 and SDK 2.5, so unless you use any of the new SDK 5.0 features the app can also work on STA specification 4.0/3.0/2.5/2.0 devices. For future versions this will generally hold true as well, with the possible exception of the removal of some obsolete technologies from future specifications.
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Which devices does the Smart TV Alliance target?

Currently Smart TV Alliance targets devices from LG, Panasonic, Toshiba and TP Vision. For a complete list please refer to to the list of supported devices.
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What is the Branding Guideline of the Smart TV Alliance?

[Content will be updated later]

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Who can become a developer of STA? 

- Any individual, sole proprietary, corporate that would like to work with STA. The developer T&C is the agreement you should agree when registering as a developer with STA. You will be able to access the forum and use the CDP after registration as a developer. 

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What reporting mechanisms are available? 

- Please refer to each manufacturer for reporting mechanisms. 

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