MHP: Multimedia Home Platform - simply explained
The Multimedia Home Platform - MHP for short - can only be found today in the basement or in the technology museum. In this practical tip, we explain exactly what it is.
Multimedia Home Platform: What is an MHP?
The Multimedia Home Platform has been developed in Germany since 1993. The standard has been introduced in Germany since 2002, later also in other European countries and in South Korea.
- The MHP is a software interface, a so-called API. This software interface is suitable for digital television receivers. These include receivers for DVB-T, DVB-S (satellite) and DVB-C (cable).
- If the MHP is running on the receiving device, you can not only watch TV, but also use some additional services. These include an electronic program guide (EPG) and interactive services such as voting, quizzes and tele-shopping.
- The services of the MHP are operated via the remote control of the TV set or the receiver. An external receiver is usually required to use the MHP. Few televisions support MHP on their own.
The end of the multimedia home platform
Just a few years after the introduction of the MHP, it became clear that the platform would not prevail. In 2007, the ZDF pulled the plug and stopped supporting MHP.
- Among other things, the program "Understand fun" included the users of MHP devices in the show. The audience was able to take a quiz. The ZDF children's program "1, 2 or 3" pursued a similar concept.
- Since hardly anyone really used the MHP, the technology disappeared from the market after only a few years. Shortly afterwards, a new standard appeared with significantly more comfort and additional functions. The HbbTV standard is still supported by many Smart TVs today.
In the next practical tip we will show you how to watch TV without a TV connection.