Tag: SOC

  • Comcast Cable and Time Warner Cable join to manage software in STBs

    Comcast Cable and Time Warner Cable join to manage software in STBs

    NEW DELHI: Comcast Cable and Time Warner Cable have joined hands to manage the Reference Design Kit (RDK) software being used in set-top boxes (STBs).

    The new venture RDK Management will manage the RDK licensing, community support and training, as well as code management.

    Comcast will contribute RDK components into the new entity, including the RDK code and specifications, related intellectual property rights, associated contracts and licenses which will be transitioned to the RDK Management.

    The RDK is a pre-integrated software bundle, developed and licensed by Comcast to create a common framework for powering tru2way, IP or hybrid STBs and gateway devices and accelerate the deployment of video services.

    RDK works with the CableLabs OCAP Reference Implementation software along with other open source components.

    The new entity will provide continuity with the existing licensing program and continue to offer a licensing program similar to the existing program. In addition, the new entity will set up an expanded support program to provide technical support to RDK licensees as operators more broadly deploy the RDK solution.

    Since its introduction in early 2012, more than 100 licensees have joined the RDK community, including OEMs, systems integrators, SOCs and software vendors as well as MVPDs to create a community of innovators focused on bringing rich, multi-screen TV home entertainment experiences to consumers faster.

  • Tata Elxsi unveils RDK system integration program

    Tata Elxsi unveils RDK system integration program

    BENGALURU: Leveraging its extensive and global experience from engagements with leading MSOs, OEMs and SoC vendors, Tata Elxsi has unveiled its latest system integration program for the deployment of the RDK (reference design kit) platform from Comcast.

    As an RDK System Integrator, Tata Elxsi will assist operators in determining specific requirements, integration, application development, pre/post testing and deployment in an efficient and cost effective manner.

    RDK is a pre-integrated software bundle that creates a common framework for powering tru2way, IP or hybrid set-top boxes and gateway devices and accelerates the development and deployment of next-generation video services. Comcast licenses the RDK to OEMs, SIs, SOCs, software vendors as well as MVPDs to create a community of innovators focused on bringing rich, multi-screen TV home entertainment experiences to consumers faster.

    The RDK offers a cloud-based platform for application development and requires neither platform specific implementation nor download. Thus it enables operators to easily deploy & upgrade applications in their network and ensure a consistent user experience in contrast to traditional middleware.

    As an open platform, the RDK allows application developers to benefit from the vast expertise of the open source community, facilitating easier implementation and faster turnaround.

    “As an RDK licensee, Tata Elxsi is pleased and excited to be an active promoter of the RDK and provides a comprehensive set of services to SoC Vendors, OEMs and MSOs help adopt and implement RDK based devices and services,” said Tata Elxsi EVP Manoj Raghavan.

  • Zee forays into Marathi feature film production

    Zee forays into Marathi feature film production

    MUMBAI: Zee Network’s chairman Subhash Chandra has announced its foray into Marathi feature films, by which the network will provide the financial backing to produce, market and distribute the movies in India and Internationally.

    “After the making of the film, the responsibility of its marketing, distribution, telecast etc (for Indian and overseas territories) shall be the responsibility of the Zee Group,” added Chandra.
    Zee executive vice president regional channels Nitin Vaidya told Indiantelevision.com that the network will attempt to raise the bar for financial investments in Marathi movies, by about 50 per cent depending upon the content requirements and production elements. The normal monies pumped in towards Marathi films varies between Rs 50,000,000 – 60,000,000.

    As a start up, the network has commissioned five production houses, namely Mahesh Manjrekar’s Ashvami Films, Gautam Joglekar’s SOC, Shrirang Godbole’s Indian Magic Eye, Smita Talwalkar’s Asmita Chitra and Rakesh Sarang’s Cams Club. In the next two years, these producers are to present the network with 15 Marathi films, three films each. Zee is also looking to tie-up with other production houses for the same.

    “With almost 60 -70 Marathi films produced this fiscal, we saw the strength of this market and decided to develop a business process to boost Marathi cinema,” added Vaidya.

    Chandra announced the latest Marathi film venture at the 8th Annual Parachute Jasmine Zee Gaurav Awards, where he also announced the launch of Zee 24 Hours, the first dedicated Marathi news channel.

    The Zee Gaurav Awards recognizes excellence in the Marathi film and theatre industry across 18 categories in films, 12 categories in commercial plays and five categories in experimental plays.

    This year in the films category Mission Champion bagged six awards for the best film, direction, story, screenplay, dialogue and child artist. In drama, Makdachya Hati Shampaign won five awards for music, script, actor, director and best drama, informs an official release.

    Zee Marathi also felicitated legendary actor Dr Shreeram Lagu and veteran music director Datta Davjekar for the lifetime achievement award – Zee Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar. While the Mee Marathi Award was given to Lage Raho Munnabhai lyrist Swanand Kirkire by Bollywood’s director Vidhu Vinod Chopra.

    The Zee Gaurav Awards will be telecast on Zee Marathi on 10 February at 7.30 pm.

  • Conexant’s satellite set-top box solution wins ‘leading product award’

    Conexant’s satellite set-top box solution wins ‘leading product award’

    MUMBAI: Conexant Systems Inc., a supplier of semiconductor solutions for broadband communications and the digital home, has announced that its CX2430X family of MPEG decoders for free-to-air satellite set-top boxes (STBs) has received the leading product award in the consumer electronics category in the EDN China innovation award 2006 competition.

    The system-on-chip (SoC) decoders were developed in Conexant’s Shanghai design center, which is focused on developing STB chips for worldwide applications.

    The award was presented to Conexant at a ceremony in Shenzhen. The 131 entries in the competition were judged by a panel of specialists that included representatives from academic and research institutions, universities, and Chinese original equipment manufacturers.

    Conexant’s broadband media processing business, executive vice president and general manager Lewis Brewster said, “We are honoured that our CX2430X MPEG decoders were chosen for this important award by a group of esteemed industry experts. We remain focused on delivering innovative solutions that will help Chinese manufacturers design and develop products for domestic and international markets.”

    The CX2430X family can be used for applications ranging from basic STB functionality to advanced STB applications. The devices include an integrated high-speed data port that easily interfaces to a variety of broadband front-ends, allowing the decoders to serve as a common back-end platform for satellite, terrestrial, and cable platforms, asserts an official release.

    In addition, the decoders can be used with our satellite tuners to form a complete front- and back-end system solution. This flexibility, along with the robust feature set, provides manufacturers with economies of scale as they can leverage a single device across multiple product offerings.