Espial (TSX:ESP) announced software contributions to the Reference Design Kit (RDK) code base for adaptive video streaming to enable HLS (Apple) and MPEG-DASH streaming in a RDK environment. The new software contributions are intended to support OTT services and market approaches for pay TV operators, and also let them adopt a simplified software approach for set-top boxes, other IPTV platforms or OTT devices.
"We're pleased to bring support for HLS and DASH streaming to RDK devices - capabilities which are critical for the next generation of pay TV services," said Kumanan Yogaratnam, CTO, Espial. "As the RDK environment grows, it allows pay TV operators to quickly intercept new OTT markets with a wide range of platforms and services."
Espial has contributed software designed to enable two adaptive bit-rate (ABR) streaming formats - HLS and DASH - that are now available as open source for use by RDK members. For operators within the RDK community - including cable, satellite and telco - the contributions are intended to allow creation of new IP-based video services, generation of new revenue and reduction of development costs. The new software is designed to let operators use RDK ABR streaming for traditional managed TV services - including VOD, time-shift TV, pause live TV, cloud DVR and IP multicast services - and also target specific market segments with OTT services, including millennials, cord-cutters and out-of-region subscribers.
The RDK is a standardized software bundle designed to provide a common framework for powering customer-premises equipment (CPE) from TV service providers, including set-top boxes, gateways, and converged devices.