MediaKind outfits CommScope STBs with Android TV

Dec. 17, 2020
Significant developments to the company's IPTV media platform, Mediaroom, enable operators to rapidly deliver set top boxes powered by Android TV to deliver wide-ranging media experiences. The new client solution integrates with hardware from CommScope.
MediaKind
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MediaKind announced the launch of Mediaroom Play, a new client solution that enables operators to rapidly deploy set top boxes (STBs) powered by Android TV. The launch represents a significant investment in Mediaroom, the company's IPTV platform, using the latest industry technologies and leveraging strong industry partnerships. The development provides an integrated platform for the delivery of modern TV experiences.

Mediaroom Play is a STB-based client solution within the MediaKind Mediaroom portfolio, developed on the Android TV operating system. The pre-integrated product provides a tested, reliable, market-ready means for the rapid launch of new STBs powered by Android TV. 

The solution's pre-integration includes CommScope's latest VIP7802 set-top utilizing Broadcom's 72180 system-on-a-chip (SoC), ruwido remote control unit, and support for a host of premium streaming service applications. Per the companies, this ensures Mediaroom Play is a future-ready platform, with further integrations of Third-Party Publishing (3PP) applications.

Mediaroom Play enables operators to become part of the global movement that is embracing the adoption of Android TV and its rich pool of over 1000 streaming content providers. MediaKind contends that Mediaroom Play significantly increases an operator's aggregation value, with access to over 7000 applications and games available on the Google Play Store. The integration also opens up new monetization routes for operators, with revenue share opportunities on the Google Play Store and through Google Ads. 

Raul Aldrey, Chief Product Officer, MediaKind, commented: "We are delighted to integrate our world-leading Mediaroom media platform with Android TV by launching our new client solution, Mediaroom Play. With this major new investment, we are enabling existing and new Mediaroom customers to rapidly launch modern video services that meet today's consumers' needs while also encompassing the vast array of converged experiences offered by Android TV. This pre-integrated, robust solution enables our customers to evolve from being video-only service providers to multi-service providers, tapping into Android TV's abundant consumer experience offerings."

With Mediaroom Play and its custom launcher user interface, consumers can leverage the set-top for gaming, utilities, communications, security, and home automation, opening up new entertainment and convenience options. The solution also incorporates free value-added features from Google for the consumer and operator, including Google Assistant, YouTube, Accessibility Services, GOTA (the application update tool), and First Time Configuration Wizard.

Other key features of Mediaroom Play include support for the Android TV operating system Release 10 and Widevine DRM support. It also encompasses enhanced cloud DVR features and additional data/reporting/analytics capabilities. The core Mediaroom components and primary services remain, such as live streaming, video-on-demand (VOD), Timeshift TV, PF application framework, and Mediaroom audio/video delivery.

For more information, visit www.mediakind.com.