RDK Launches App Program for Service Providers Worldwide

Amsterdam – September 18, 2018

  • Unveils App Framework and SDK for integrating premium video and other apps across set-top boxes
  • Names Metrological as first RDK pre-integrated App Store

At the 2018 RDK European Summit, RDK Management unveiled a new app program to make it easier to develop and launch apps consistently across RDK-based set-top boxes (STBs). The two-pronged program gives service providers the flexibility to use a versatile new RDK App Framework to build and manage their own solutions, or choose a RDK pre-integrated app store solution such as the Metrological App Store.

“Today marks a significant milestone in the history of the RDK,” said Steve Heeb, president and general manager of RDK Management. “Since inception, the RDK community focused on bringing transparency and standardization to certain technical functions of video set-top boxes and broadband gateways, enabling service providers to focus on their consumer-facing applications and UIs. Thanks to the RDK community, this new open source RDK App Framework will make it even easier for service providers to develop, launch, and manage apps in a consistent way across RDK set-top boxes. To be clear, RDK Management is not in the ‘app business’ itself, but rather ‘app enablement’ with our partners.”

Heeb continued, “Our community also includes many operators who simply want their own white-labeled app store that works across RDK set-top boxes. To support them, we’re pleased to name Metrological as the first RDK pre-integrated app store. It’s a clear testament to Metrological’s capabilities and ongoing contributions to the RDK community.”

RDK App Framework

The new RDK App Framework allows service providers to integrate apps into the TV viewing experience, provides onboarding and life cycle management tools, and enables app portability across various set-top box models. Specifically, application developers and service providers can now easily create HTML5 and native applications on set-top boxes using the new RDK App Framework and RDK Firebolt App SDK.

Driven by the RDK open source community, with key contributions from Metrological, it provides a complete development, build, and test environment for Web and native apps across RDK-based set-top boxes. Service providers now have a common technical framework to support native premium video apps, such as Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video, along with a wide-variety of niche or third-party HTML5 apps. Technical details are available at wiki.rdkcentral.com/display/RDK/Firebolt.

First Pre-integrated App Store: Metrological

For service providers seeking a more turnkey solution, Metrological’s App Store was named as the first RDK pre-integrated app store. Metrological’s App Store has been tested, integrated, and deployed on RDK-based set-top boxes to meet the rigorous performance standards of TV service providers. It includes access to a library of 300+ apps. In addition, the App Store can be used to launch premium video apps such as Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime Video; local and regionalized apps; and all of the back-office tools needed to launch and manage the lifecycle of an app store. Content providers are able to reach over 40 million households across operator networks by uploading a single app onto the Metrological App Library.

“Metrological is very proud of our contributions to the RDK App Framework and to be named the first RDK pre-integrated app store,” said Jeroen Ghijsen, CEO of Metrological. “The Metrological App Store has a small footprint suitable for new or legacy implementations, with a back-office that allows operators to personalize the TV viewer experience by quickly responding to changing consumer interests. Our App Store gives operators complete control over which apps they wish to support and promote on their platforms.”

RDK Management has also partnered with Metrological and leading STB provider ARRIS International plc to provide a new support tool and IP STB reference integration that allows operators to expedite application development, testing, and ultimately service deployment. Application developers and service providers can now utilize an IP set-top box powered by RDK software and pre-loaded with the Metrological App store. The new RDK App solution is on display at the IBC Conference this week in Metrological’s stand (14.F14) and ARRIS’ booth (1.B19), as well as the 2018 RDK European Summit in Amsterdam.

About RDK Management

RDK Management is an open source consortium that manages the Reference Design Kit (RDK). RDK is an open source software platform for the connected home that standardizes core functions used in broadband devices, set-top boxes, and IoT solutions. It enables operators 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. The RDK community is comprised of more than 350 companies including: CPE manufacturers, SoC vendors, software developers, system integrators, and service providers.  For more information on the tools, training, and events provided by RDK Management, please visit rdkcentral.com.

About Metrological

Metrological enables operators to seamlessly integrate premium OTT Services and niche content into a single TV viewer experience. The Metrological Application Platform delivers a product suite for onboarding and managing the lifecycle of web and native apps across set-top boxes and devices. Content providers are able to reach over 40 million households across operator networks by uploading a single app onto the Metrological App Library. Metrological works with cable and telecommunications companies such as KPN, Liberty Global, NOS, beIN, Tele Columbus, and Ooredoo. Founded in 2005, Metrological is based in The Netherlands with offices in the U.S. and Europe. For more information visit metrological.com.

Press Contact

Jeremy Pemble

JLM Partners

jeremy@jlmpartners.com

206-381-3600

Renee Burch

JLM Partners

renee@jlmpartners.com

206-381-3600

RDK Management is an open source consortium that manages the Reference Design Kit (RDK). RDK is an open source software platform for the connected home that standardizes core functions used in broadband devices, set-top boxes, and IoT. It enables operators 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. The RDK community is comprised of more than 600 companies including: CPE manufacturers, SoC vendors, software developers, system integrators, and service providers.  For more information on the tools, training, and events provided by RDK Management, please visit: www.rdkcentral.com.  

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