Ahead of IBC2019 in Amsterdam, Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO) has joined the RDK Video Accelerator program and introduced a portfolio of pre-integrated RDK-based chipset solutions.
Specifically, Broadcom's BCM72180 and BCM72604 Advanced Ultra HD chipsets are intended to enable customer premises equipment (CPE) manufacturers to create different classes of new RDK Video Accelerator set-top boxes. The chipsets will come pre-integrated with the latest RDK software, RDK application framework, and the Metrological App Store to deliver 4K content and premium audio. RDK Video Accelerators are reference set-tops intended to enable service providers to develop, test, and launch new video applications, while maintaining control over user interfaces (UIs), consumer-facing applications, and set-top box data.
Released January, Broadcom's BCM72180 is the latest generation of HDR UltraHD set-top system-on-chip (SoC) devices, designed for 50% higher performance and 50% lower power than the prior generation. Newly integrated technologies include the AV1 UltraHD IPTV video codec, personalized Far-Field Voice (FFV) control, and 2x2 WiFi 6. The BCM72180 is designed to support hybrid (cable, satellite, and terrestrial) and traditional IPTV designs, with and without FFV. Based on CMOS silicon technology, the SoCs also feature non-host CPU-based content and data security.
"Broadcom has always been committed to RDK, and this new effort is aimed at the growing demand for RDK-based video solutions from global OEMs and service providers," said Rich Nelson, senior vice president and general manager, Set Top Box and Cable Modem Division, at Broadcom. "By creating pre-integrated chipset platforms, our customers can create compelling new RDK-based STB designs and products and get to market quickly and effectively."
"Broadcom continues to be a dynamic and leading contributor within the RDK community," said Steve Heeb, president and general manager of RDK. "Thanks to Broadcom, OEMs seeking to deliver turnkey RDK video products can now build, test and deploy a range of STBs to meet the various needs of service providers around the world. We're very pleased with their expanded support for the RDK Video Accelerator program and look forward to future collaborations."
RDK is an open source software platform for the connected home that standardizes core functions used in broadband, video, and IoT connected devices. It is intended to enable service providers to manage their devices; control their business models; and customize their apps, UIs and data analytics to improve the customer experience and drive business results. For video, RDK provides a common method to manage video tuning, conditional access, DRM, stream management, diagnostics and other functions.
Broadcom will showcase its RDK Video Accelerator chipset solutions at IBC.