The Canadian on-demand TV software vendor Espial will present its STB client based on DVB standards at IBC as a vehicle for extending the reach of RDK (Reference Design Kit) among the world’s cable operators. The Espial SDK client incorporates an application and User Experience (UX) framework based on HTML5, aiming to provide a common app deployment engine for cable operators. RDK is an important part of this story because it is fast becoming the established software framework for enabling cable operators to migrate from legacy QAM based HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coax) infrastructures to IP platforms built around the DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem standards.
RDK is a pre-integrated software bundle for TV customer premises equipment (CPE), including set-top boxes, gateways and hybrid devices. It was initially introduced by Comcast, the largest U.S. cable operator, to accelerate deployment of next-generation video products and services, but has subsequently gained wide industry support. It enables operators to standardize commodity functions while customizing applications and the UX on top.
The Espial demo will feature several next generation UX portals, including core video and custom sports apps, as well as access to popular HTML5 web-based content such as YouTube. RDK is the foundation of these portals with Espial’s application and UX framework on top.
Espial clients include CE vendors such as Pace, Humax, Cisco and Panasonic, as well as operators like Vodafone and Norway’s biggest MSO Canal Digital Kabel.
