Review • October 12–14, 2026
Plugfest Berlin 2026
Three days, over 60 participants from 30 companies, and more than 190 test sessions.
At Fraunhofer FOKUS in Berlin, device manufacturers, broadcasters, platform operators, and technology providers put the interaction of their technologies through its paces. One of the best-attended editions in the history of the Plugfest.
Europe’s densest test hub
Testing what would otherwise only go wrong in the real world.
The annual Plugfest of Deutsche TV-Plattform and the Digital TV Group, in cooperation with the HbbTV Association, is Europe’s central interoperability event for the hybrid TV and streaming world. From October 12 to 14, more than 60 participants from 30 companies came together at Fraunhofer FOKUS in Berlin to jointly test devices, software, and platforms in more than 190 test sessions, under real-world conditions and at a high technical level.
With this high level of participation, Plugfest 2026 ranks among the most successful editions in its history. The format is purely work-focused: no observers; everyone brings devices, content, or implementations, and testing takes place in 1:1 sessions.
Focus: What mattered
In 2026, the tests focused on HbbTV, streaming, immersive audio, and DVB-I, as well as UHD HDR tests via HDMI®. Device manufacturers, broadcasters, platform operators, and technology providers examined the interaction of their devices, content, and implementations, and used direct test sessions to identify where compatibility between different systems can still be improved.
This allows technological challenges to be identified early, long before the products reach audiences. The Plugfest also reflects the international nature of the industry: experts from companies around the world used the days in Berlin to test their implementations together and exchange experiences.
Nicole Ludwig · Managing Director DTVP“The high number of participants once again confirms this year that interoperability testing remains essential for the industry, particularly when introducing new technologies and platforms. Together with our partners from the DTG, the HbbTV Association, and Fraunhofer FOKUS, we offer our members added value that can demonstrably accelerate the development speed of new products and services.”
A positive outcome: precision that impresses.
The tests were successful and ran without any major complications. A particular highlight was the get-together on Tuesday evening, which was well attended and provided additional space for personal exchange.
Stefan Kunz, Sky Deutschland · Head of the Ultra HD Working Group and DTVP Board Member“The Plugfest was once again great fun this year. It remains impressive to see the precision with which the participating companies work on the interoperability of their devices and carry out their tests. At the same time, it is exciting to observe how many new insights continue to be gained even at an already very advanced stage of technological development.”
Plugfest review • Berlin 2026
Impressions from the Plugfest
Thank you
A platform for the entire industry.
A big thank you goes to the Fraunhofer FOKUS team for their hospitality, excellent planning, and on-site support, as well as to the Digital TV Group and the HbbTV Association for the successful collaboration, and to all participating companies for their commitment. Immediately following the Plugfest, the HbbTV Testing Event took place at Fraunhofer FOKUS from October 14 to 16, where the next HbbTV Test Suite was validated using real implementations.
DTVP is already looking forward to the next Plugfest.
In cooperation with our partners:
