Future-proofing IPTV with RDK: convenient platform for operators

Every year, telecommunication technologies reach a new level, offering operators effective solutions and TV advancements. In this article we will focus on one of these advancements – RDK technology. We will explain why hundreds of operators choose this solution and why it has become so important to them.

What is RDK?

RDK (Reference Design Kit) is an open source platform that provides operators with a standardized set of software, tools, and additional localization modules for rapid IPTV deployment. A variety of equipment works on the RDK basis: TV set-top boxes, gateways, modems, and smart home devices.

Platform users have access to:

• standardized functions enabling convenient device management, application setup, and user interfaces
• analytical data that can be used to improve the customer experience and achieve better results
• part of the platform's components (RDK community members have the opportunity to comment and improve the code)

The RDK community consists of the RDK Management open source consortium of more than 600 companies — digital broadcasting operators, telecom equipment manufacturers, SoC vendors, software developers, and system integrators.

RDK platform benefits for operators

• Stable and reliable operation of devices and services.
• Community members can quickly make corrections to the open source code, allowing operators to quickly solve problems and connect new functionalities.
• RDK for IPTV is provided under a free license.
• The ability to quickly and easily migrate to RDK is ensured by an experienced team of professionals ready to offer operators technical support.
• RDK-driven IPTV can be upgraded at a pace comfortable for the operator. The modular RDK architecture makes it possible to gradually connect new functional blocks, build a unique service customized to the operator’s needs, and scale it over time.
• A large number of devices are compatible with RDK, so operators are not limited in their choice.
• Ready-made components and libraries are available to platform users, simplifying operations to reduce development time, costs, and launch services faster.
• Ability to integrate any voice assistants.
• The platform receives frequent updates, reducing the number of code errors and enabling the rapid introduction of useful new features.

Number of RDK devices in the world

RDK gains popularity every year. Solutions and devices based on the platform are used by IPTV, cable, and other operators in North, Central, and South America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. There are 125 million devices currently running on the platform, compared to 100 million in 2022.

Why would operators use this platform?

RDK-based solutions for IPTV allow operators to enter the market faster, creating services with unique features without investing large sums at the initial stage. Let’s understand how it works.

Rapid IPTV/OTT deployment. Ready-made tools, modules, and libraries are available to platform users. With their help, operators can develop new features and launch the service in a short time.

Cost reduction. RDK is based on open source code, so all platform users work within a common RDK ecosystem, using ready-made operator solutions. Users have access to ready-made components for video processing, content management systems, interfaces for working with various devices, and many other features. This enables operators to reduce development and support costs.

Responsiveness. RDK functionality allows the operator to make changes and launch new features quickly. This is important in today’s market as users prefer operators that keep up with broadcast innovations and provide subscribers with convenient features in a timely manner. In other words, RDK helps operators to remain competitive.

Opportunity to create a unique service. Operator-friendly RDK provides tools that can be used to build a project with a unique set of features. This allows the operator to create an exclusive market offer and stand out from competitors. In addition, the service can be improved at a pace convenient for the operator by introducing changes gradually, in accordance with its financial and resource capabilities.

Possibility to use ready-made applications and to create your own. Operators building a service based on the RDK platform can provide their subscribers with access to the application catalog provided by the built-in Metrological App Store. The platform also provides the ability to create custom apps using the RDK App Framework.

RDK and Android TV

RDK’s role in next-gen TV services is getting bigger and starting to compete with Android TV. For example, RDK provides the ability to customize the software to meet the needs of a particular project, while operators choosing Android TV can only use the proposed functionality, meaning that their ability to control the software is very limited.

RDK technology in digital broadcasting is a powerful tool for IPTV operators seeking to speed up the process of development, deployment of new video services (as well as other services), reduce costs, and build a next-gen IPTV service. The platform’s flexibility, open source code, and access to ready-made components make it an ideal solution for today’s TV market. These qualities are vital when the importance of continuous service enhancement and the ability to quickly introduce useful new features has never been greater.

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