Platform {Interactive TV} - (Sometimes also known as Interactive TV client. Associated with Interactive Television Application) - In computing, a platform describes some sort of framework, either in hardware or software, which allows software to run." (Wikipedia.) The term "platform" might be used interchangeably with the term "standard" or "specification," sometimes even "middleware". Platforms may be offered by individual entities (such as businesses or organizations) or agreed upon by many related entities. A platform may be proprietary or an open system. Digital television is a major television platform.

(1) The underlying system, standards, protocols, specifications and operating environment for a specific device, mechanism, transmission method, type of content etc. Also see Informitv's definition at:

(2) As "platform" might be used generically, it might include related Interactive TV technologies such as software, middleware and/or hardware. These might be known as technical platforms for Interactive TV (versus delivery platforms (below). Interactive TV platforms are often associated with Interactive TV Middleware providers.

Technical platforms for Interactive TV include:  MHP & DVB-MHP. See Interactive television Standards & Specifications.

(3) It might be used to refer to major content providers or communications transmission system such as digital terrestrial (MMDS), cable, telco, satellite, and the Internet. Thus these would be referred to as "cable platform," "satellite platform" etc.