Samsung, Espial Team On RDK

Espial and Samsung have introduced a joint Reference Design Kit (RDK) platform that teams Samsung IP set-top boxes and home media gateways with Espial’s client software.

The product mix, which will feature an HTML5-based user interface and experience, will implement the RDK, a preintegrated software stack for IP-capable video devices that’s being managed by Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Liberty Global.

“The RDK platform helps us provide a set-top box platform that allows operators to more rapidly incorporate services that consumers expect, such as new and more immersive user interfaces,” said Ikdai Ham, VP and head of set top box S/W lab at Samsung Electronics.

“Espial is committed to delivering the best TV user experience across set-top boxes and smart TVs,” added Jaison Dolvane, president and CEO, Espial. “We achieve an exceptional TV user experience by extending RDK with our advanced application framework and user experience framework.

Samsung and Espial are two of more than 140 RDK licensees. Among deployment activities, Comcast is powering its X1 platform with RDK-based boxes from Pace and Arris, Liberty Global is expected to use RDK devices for its next-gen, cloud-based UI, and TWC has selected Humax for an RDK-facing IP client box.