coverstory_cover story 20/08/2014 11:28 Page 9
Entone: We are supporters of
RDK and will offer it as an
option on chipsets that support
it.
Farncombe: Although there
are other alternatives, RDK
addresses a fair amount of the
features required in a STB. This
said, there are gaps between a
generic stack and the actual
solution to be deployed by an
operator, and this gap has to be
filled by either the device
manufacturer or a software
integrator/middleware
provider. Understanding the initial
development requirements, and the post
deployment maintenance and evolution
requirements, is important before opting for a
solution such as RDK. Of course most open
source initiatives share the same challenge,
and RDK enjoys the benefit of being
supported by Comcast, which you would
assume is taking responsibility for designing
an effective solution for cable companies.
Freesat: We are agnostic to the middleware
used by manufacturers. If RDK evolves to
support European free-to-view satellite it
could help reduce cost to manufacturers.
Humax: We’re a big supporter of RDK and
have developments in several markets. We
have also been one of the lead RDK members
and will be expanding the product portfolio
utilising this middleware solution in order to
meet customer demands.
Rovi: Yes. RDK helps developers provide
more hardware-agnostic solutions. We will be
showing a Rovi guide solution on
SeaChange’s RDK at IBC.
S3: S3 Group is the official code manager for
RDK. Through our Consulting and SI
businesses, we are seeing strong momentum
for this solution.
SoftAtHome: We are an RDK licensee and
able to deliver an RDK solution to our
customers.
Viaccess-Orca: RDK improves
compatibility between different hardware
boxes. We already use RDKs provided by STB
manufacturers in order to insert our security
onto their STB.
Euromedia: Any other general
observations/predictions for the market?
ABOX42: We have been an innovator in the
advanced STB platform field for quite a while
and we see that our solution is picked by both
traditional operators who want to move to a
future proof, modern and complete solution,
as well we are serving new OTT operators
who are entering the TV field with compelling
new products and disruptive business models.
AirTies: We see a growing trend for IP STBs
24 EUROMEDIA
“Smart TV providers
need to find a way to
take their global offering
and cost effectively
localise them for specific
markets.”
that will be secured, operator-grade, small
form factor, advanced wireless included and
remotely manageable.
Albis: The STB will remain a strategic
member of the digital TV eco-system, as it
remains a key element to ensure quality of
experience for the subscribers, in addition to
providing value to the service provider.
ARRIS: Predictions are difficult due to the
fast-moving and evolving world we are faced
with. Set top boxes and gateways will
continue to play a strong role in future homes
as a key aggregation point for service
providers, although these may aesthetically
change. The “death of the STB” is greatly
exaggerated - but its role and future will
continue to evolve in the new multi-screen
reality we live in today.
Entone: Smart devices and home
connectivity are changing the way consumers
discover, watch and share the television
experience. More than half of TV viewers use
a laptop or smart device while watching TV,
and 2/3 of TV viewers use some OTT video
application at least monthly. As these trends
continue and new trends emerge, it’s clear the
STB has to evolve to remain relevant. At the
same time, until all video is delivered from
the cloud directly over IP networks, there will
remain the need for devices that adapt legacy
video, encryption and storage to work with
smart devices.
Farncombe: Smart TV need to either play a
role in the connected device and application
ecosystem, or fall back to being simply B