Sofia Backstage® Browser Platform enables distribution of wide variety of MHP services cost-effeciently and saves the bandwith used. Stage Browser is powerful XHTML microbrowser realised as a broadcast MHP application (Xlet). Its size has been minimized and application start-up time has been optimized. Content for Sofia Stage® Browser can be broadcasted or it can be accessed via the return channel. The mechanisms allow a wide range of interactive services to be created and distributed.

• Reduced bandwidth requirements:
• Many MHP services with one MHP application leads to saving bandwidth
• Simplified MHP service development
• Eased maintenance: Application, templates and content are separated.
• Full-color image format further reduces the bandwidth requirement up to 50%.
• Services start faster than if created with standalone MHP applications
• Full-color image support improves image quality while saving bandwidth
• Integration to existing Content Management Systems
  (XML and HTTP/s post interfaces).
• Content can be divided to different carousel streams
• Easy service creation - fast adaptation
• Easy return channel utilization in service creation - normal web servers and other existing systems can be used.
• Secure return channel allows revenue generating services
• Maintaining the compatibility of Sofia Browser MHP application against all available MHP receivers is much easier than maintaining a large number or separate MHP applications.

Browser platform has Sofia Stage® Launcher included. Sofia Stage® Launcher makes Set-Top Box application management easy. Everything can be controlled centrally, without having to touch the program code of any of the managed applications.

Applications can be preloaded to make them start immediately as the viewer presses a remote control button. Teaser icons on screen inform the viewers about available interactive services. Viewers can find and start all the services with the help of an application listing.

Sofia Stage® Launcher works with all MHP applications. Existing applications do not need to be modified in any way to be used with the Launcher architecture.

Launcher features:

• Preload - The applications can be started immediately.
• Iconify - Prompt the viewer for interaction.
• Start - Define the remote control keys to be used as shortcuts to launch applications, or start an application with a stream event.
• Pause - Force an application to be paused.
• Destroy - Force an application to be stopped.
• Application list - Help the viewers find and launch the interactive services, provide additional information to applications.