July 7, 2025, 2:18 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
It’s also called the “Red Button” service: HbbTV is a modern version of teletext that can be activated with a press of the red button on the TV remote—if you even know it exists.
Have you ever pressed the red button on your TV remote? Almost every remote for modern TV sets features a series of colored buttons, often unlabeled or simply marked with A, B, C, and D. But what do these buttons do, and why is the red button particularly important? TECHBOOK explains the function of HbbTV.
The Successor to Teletext
The red button leads to what is known as HbbTV–short for Hybrid Broadcasting Broadband TV. This somewhat cumbersome name describes a modern form of teletext, now offered by almost every broadcaster. Instead of low-resolution text, HbbTV provides a modern interface similar to online media libraries. Its functions also surpass those of traditional teletext.
Broadcasters, for example, provide access to their media libraries, offer additional information about the current program, display news and weather information, or host viewer voting.
Read also: The History of Teletext–and Who Still Uses It?
What You Need for HbbTV
As a rule of thumb: If you bought your TV after 2014, there’s a good chance it supports HbbTV. To be sure when purchasing, look for the HbbTV logo, which marks compatible TVs.
The basic requirement for HbbTV is that the TV is connected to the internet. Many devices use the built-in Wi-Fi antenna or a LAN cable connection for this. Some older models without built-in Wi-Fi can be upgraded with compatible Wi-Fi sticks–whether this is possible depends on the manufacturer and model.
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Media Libraries, TV Programs, Viewer Voting
One particularly practical aspect of HbbTV: It’s free! If you have a compatible TV and an internet connection fast enough for video streaming, you can use the modern teletext at no extra cost and access HD content in media libraries without needing an additional streaming stick for your TV.
In 2021, ARD, a German public broadcaster, expanded HbbTV with a new feature. Since then, the “ARD Program,” an electronic program guide, can be accessed via the red button on the remote. Additional program details are available, and with an integrated search function, TV programs and media libraries can also be searched. Overall, the operation is intended to be more intuitive and easier.
What many also don’t know is that HbbTV often offers accessible features, such as sign language overlays. Additionally, subtitles are available, which can be individually adjusted in size and display.