Ericsson announced that it has reached an agreement to integrate its cloud-based multiscreen platform MediaFirst TV into the Reference Design Kit (RDK).
RDK is a pre-integrated software stack for video and broadband CPE, jointly developed and managed by Comcast, Liberty Global and Charter (through its acquisition of Time Warner Cable). More than 275 consumer electronics makers, software developers, TV service providers, system integrators and service vendors have agreements with RDK.
Ericsson bills the integration of the cloud-based IP-delivery platform as essential as cable and satellite operators transition into hybrid video platforms.
“By integrating MediaFirst TV onto the RDK, we can offer cable operators or any TV operator adopting RDK, a powerful cloud-based TV platform to expand capabilities above and beyond consumers’ expectations,” said Shiva Patibanda, head of business line TV platforms for Ericsson, in a statement.
“Pay TV operators around the globe can now benefit from the common underlying software of the RDK, while retaining the ability to differentiate their customer facing TV experience using the innovative MediaFirst TV platform,” added Steve Heeb, president and general manager of RDK Management, LLC. “Ericsson is a proven IPTV market leader whom we are proud to collaborate with and look forward to scaling this integration across Ericsson’s global customer base.”
Ericsson developed Mediafirst using code from the former Mediaroom, which it acquired from Microsoft in 2013. Ericsson said tier-1 providers in the U.S., Europe, and Asia are using MediaFirst, but it hasn’t disclosed a client list.
For more:
- read this RDK press release
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