Trusted by the world’s leading media, OTT and PayTV operator brands, we’re a consulting partner that provides technology development services across the delivery platform.
From strategy, design, and embedded systems to cloud solutions and platform security, we’ll make your vision a reality.
For two decades, we’ve been innovation partners to some of the world’s leading media brands, helping them stay at the forefront of home technology.
We utilise the latest technology innovations to help TV, media, and OTT providers stay ahead of market developments and capitalise on IoT opportunities, such as smart, connected homes.
Our way of working is joined up – we collaborate closely with you and your teams to get the job done. Not only can we engage in blue-sky thinking and build your strategy, but we’ll also design, integrate, and deliver your technology solutions.
When hardware is fully written down but still performant, you are sitting in a golden window of opportunity. The pressure to replace ageing CPE is real, but in most cases the devices are not the problem. Software obsolescence, security support gaps, and the accumulated complexity of years of updates are what make serviceable hardware feel past its prime. Replacing it prematurely is one of the most avoidable costs in your technology estate.
We have spent over two decades integrating, optimising, and managing carrier-grade platforms for tier 1 operators, and we know how to extract additional years of productive life from in-field devices. From consolidating fragmented software estates and eliminating memory bottlenecks, to bridging security gaps after OEM support ends, we handle the hard engineering so your teams can focus on what comes next.
Whether it is integrating CA or DRM, or providing advice on security-by-design for intelligent devices, we have extensive experience with the security requirements of the media world and IoT.
Our long history in set-top box design and OTT services means we are a reliable and impartial partner for your device cybersecurity needs. In IoT, we understand that security is not just an add-on but an integral part of the system that needs to be considered from day one.
We have decades of experience securing systems and can analyse end-to-end (e2e) security.
As one of the most experienced RDK-V solutions providers in the industry, we support our clients from initial planning through deployment. Giving you the unique opportunity to innovate and differentiate your offering at the application and services layer.
We’ll help you define your strategy, identify which parts of the RDK toolkit are right for your needs and undertake a total cost of ownership analysis. We’ll create a roadmap for implementation, setting out a timetable for the migration.
We can help you deliver your vision by creating a TV application and fully integrating it, or by assisting you in partnering with an ODM and integrating the whole Android TV platform into your current ecosystem, giving you complete freedom to grow or innovate in the way you need.
We have years of experience in porting numerous OTT applications onto the most successful broadcast Operator platforms, adding premium streaming OTT services such as Netflix, YouTube, Prime & DAZN, or upgrading to Cobalt or NRDP.
Whether you need to assess the impact on your current service delivery, require integration support, assistance with adding new services, or advice on application porting, our team can provide the resources and expertise. This eliminates the time and cost of hiring and training new personnel.
Whether it’s developing a new product, or connecting and integrating existing devices and systems, there are a myriad of options and trade-offs you’ll need to think about; device selection, single source constraints, dependencies between hardware and software, operating system selection, the total cost of ownership, how you’ll implement it, time to market, product lifetime, and planned maintenance of the product.
We can help you set a strategy for success.
Whether you’re an operator looking to integrate vertically or a company wanting help with a new product introduction, it’s essential to find a partner with a track record in design for manufacture at scale.
We’ve over 20 years of experience working with the media industry; our hardware designs are deployed in more than 30 million set-top boxes in homes around the world. We can deliver a custom, cost-effective full product design solution from PoC and MVP to a scalable solution.
Simply put, we’re an experienced and reliable partner to oversee your design project from start to finish.
With over 20 years of experience working with major Tier 1 operators in the media space, we possess in-depth knowledge of a wide range of consumer electronics.
We’ve tested STBs, TVs, LNBs, remote controls, cables, satellite dishes, MDUs, hospitality systems, and more. We can conduct industry compliance testing on your product and guide the outcomes, helping you identify the causes of failure and address any issues.
We can also independently verify your self-certified testing regime or conduct pre-compliance testing on your proposed product.
Flexible delivery options to accelerate your transition and handle all your system integration needs
As one of Europe’s largest RDK teams, we’ll help you unlock the potential of RDK from planning to deployment
Be it proprietary, in-house, RDK or Android TV we can deliver the innovative new features your strategy demands
OTT services like Netflix, YouTube, Prime, Disney+ & DAZN, or upgrading to Cobalt or NRDP
Android TV is attractive in several markets, and our experts are here to provide responsive support pre- and post-launch, reducing risk and accelerating integration, whether that’s on the device, headend, or both.
We’ll help you navigate pitfalls, swerve device vendor lock-ins and open up flexible delivery options.
Having our extensive experience by your side can avoid setbacks and overcome the complexities of implementation and configuration.
While Android offers opportunities for rapid innovation and state-of-the-art features at an attractive price, several complications can impede success.
Operators will need more than just an application to get started; you may also need a broadcast stack, CA and PVR. This all adds up in time and money, but we can reduce your time-to-market and your total implementation cost.
We simplify the process, fix the snags, and help you solve problems so you can focus on making your customers happy.
We can help you deliver your vision by creating a TV application and fully integrating it, or by partnering with an ODM to integrate the entire Android TV platform into your current ecosystem, giving you complete freedom to grow or innovate as needed. Or, we can augment Android TV with exciting features, such as data and analytics, to improve the customer experience.
To retain subscribers and attract new ones, the flexibility of your offer is key. Lack of flexibility can be an issue when locked into contracts with middleware providers.
RDK-V offers the potential for you to regain control with a royalty-free solution, enabling you to take ownership of your proprietary user interface and STB management. This means you can improve the quality of your offering, creating subscriber loyalty and customer satisfaction.
If you’re looking for an alternative to proprietary middleware solutions, Consult Red is here to help.
We bring over two decades of experience in media, working for some of the biggest names in broadcast and streaming media.
As one of Europe’s largest RDK teams in the industry, we support our clients all the way from initial planning to implementation. Giving you the unique opportunity to innovate and differentiate your offering at the application and services layer.
We ensure unique solutions are delivered on time and within budget, offering sustainable cost savings in the future, free from royalty fees.
From the start, we offer a feasibility study and coordinate all partners and third parties, thoroughly managing the process from design and development to deployment.
As the media space evolves and customer demands grow, customisation and innovative features will be vital elements of your strategy. When it comes to middleware, you may feel the need to seize control over your ‘software destiny’. Alternatively, you might have a vision but are unsure whether to add functionality to your existing middleware solution or embrace new technology.
We can assess your options and develop a strategy to manage, integrate and optimise your middleware solution.
We can implement a project to plan, design, develop, integrate, and maintain your own middleware, or work with Android TV and RDK-V to give you control over your offering or remove costly supplier dependencies.
From the user interface to backend functions, we can help you create a tailored solution that delights your customers and helps your business thrive.
Consult Red has years of experience customising and creating bespoke products for some of the largest media operators. We’ll work with you from planning to integration and can seamlessly coordinate with any third-party partners.
Let us help you lower costs and provide a quality solution with complete ownership and freedom.
The addition of YouTube, Spotify, DAZN, Netflix, and other OTT services can be a great way to provide customers with choice and convenience. Instant access to their favourite channels and apps is what today’s digital users demand.
Whether you need integration support, help adding new services, upgrade assistance to Cobalt or RHoL, or application porting advice, our team can provide the resources and expertise without the time and cost of hiring and training new people.
We have years of experience in porting many OTT applications onto the most successful broadcast Operator platforms. The complex nature of porting can make the process protracted.
But with our help, our clients have been able to cut costs, integrate faster, and focus on delighting their customers. We also manage and achieve certification on behalf of clients.
The world’s leading operators turn to us time and time again, benefiting from our in-depth knowledge of operator platforms, responsive support, and the ability to tap into talent as needed.
Product design for manufacture including embedded hardware, security, compliance, maintenance and in-life support
Experienced solution architects in cloud platforms, embedded software, application environments and RF technologies
Tailored design services from some of the best talent in product design and development, from start to finish
Full product launch support including in-field investigation, triage, full stack debug and issue scrub
Real time insight from Android TV and RDK-WPA middleware integrated with NewRelics & AWS backend systems
At Consult Red, we manage the full product lifecycle, providing an end-to-end hardware service, including embedded hardware design, security, compliance, manufacturing partner sourcing, licensing, and support. We’ve got the expertise to deliver significant cost savings for clients and achieve optimal delivery.
Our goal is to deliver a cost-effective full product design solution. Simply put, we’re an experienced, safe pair of hands to look after your design project from start to finish.
Whether you’re an operator looking to vertically integrate, or a company wanting help with a new product introduction, it’s important to find a partner with a track record in design for manufacture at scale.
We’ve two decades of experience working with the media industry; our hardware designs are deployed in more than 30 million set-top boxes in homes around the world.
If you don’t want to be hit with the expense of OEMS and high royalty streams, or you don’t have all of the in-house skills or capacity to turn your ideas into volume products, our team can help.
Our product architecture services adapt to your current needs. No matter where you are on the journey, our expert team can support you. Whether you are considering a business case for a solution or developing a proof of concept, we can provide context and capabilities to move things forward faster.
With over two decades of experience architecting cutting-edge solutions for tier 1 operators and an exceptional network of contacts, we’ll get you to market faster, at lower cost and with greater impact.
Our team of solution architects has expert knowledge of RF technologies, all major cloud platforms, and a wide range of embedded software solutions and application environments.
We offer an independent perspective, years of experience working with diverse clients, and the flexibility to match your organisation’s exacting needs with our vast range of skills and talent.
Our ability to shift from architectural concepts to seamless implementation in a single discussion saves time and tests assumptions, ensuring you reach the right solution.
We can act as a design house, giving you access to some of the best talent in product design and development, and leading and managing your project from start to finish. Our product design experts are skilled in solving challenges and can create complex products at scale.
With our in-depth knowledge of the broadcast and streaming media industry, we can guide you on the best path forward and take your idea from design to product manufacturing.
This knowledge of media systems also means we are uniquely placed to make sure new products integrate seamlessly with your overall TV and smart home applications, creating a joined-up experience for the customer.
We tailor our product design services to fit your needs – perhaps for some established products you want to optimise your supply chain by dealing directly with contract manufacturers rather than using an OEM – our service can ensure a smooth transition.
Or, maybe you have a new product concept and want help bringing it to market in volume – if so, we offer an experienced and dependable path.
One of the most significant issues our clients face when managing a product launch is not being able to resolve problems quickly enough. If you have in-field issues that are hardware- or software-related, having an independent, experienced partner to work with you can often accelerate progress toward a solution.
We’ve got the expertise and experience to step in and investigate.
Consult Red has a long track record in product launch, in-field investigation, triage and analysis in projects that sometimes require complex stakeholder relationship management. We have worked for the world’s largest media companies, helping them get to the bottom of issues more quickly and offering a fresh perspective as an independent consultancy.
Our experts can help with middleware debugging and issue scrubbing, and will get to the root cause, helping you launch your product in a timely way.
Tap into our talent as and when you need it, with tailored teams precisely aligned with your needs. This reduces your overheads and gives you access to the right talent when you need it.
Product analytics and diagnostics are essential tools to gain better insight into how things are working and how customers are engaging with your product. Whether you want to reduce high customer support costs or boost subscriber retention, it pays to know what’s going on.
If you need to improve your customer user experience but are not clear where to start, Consult Red can help you begin the journey.
In our work with operators, we’ve developed and helped them build telemetry, analytics and diagnostic systems involving Android, RDK-WebPA, Conviva, TR-069 and other technologies, and connected to several backend systems including NewRelics and AWS.
We can help you get real-time metrics on easy-to-use in-field dashboards so staff at every level can access the information. With live updates on things like WiFi performance, your customer service team can be better informed when handling calls, enabling them to resolve customer issues faster.
With in-field STB analytics and live video diagnostics, you can deal with problems before they arise.
Securing systems, analysing end-to-end security and integrating CAS and DRMs across cable, satellite and OTT
Independent expertise to deliver device and system integration including complex multi-party projects
Managing compliance to Radio, Eco, RoHS, emissions, immunity and safety testing standards for all your hardware
Outsourced maintenance of older devices and software stacks to maximise return on deployed assets
Secure by design is now the catchphrase for cybersecurity; Consult Red has been working this way for decades. From integrating Conditional Access and DRM into operators’ platforms to exploring the attack surfaces of IoT devices, we have extensive experience in securing systems and analysing end-to-end security.
As systems of intelligent devices are built from complex mixtures of technologies, having a partner with experience in this challenging area can provide access to the latest knowledge and shorten time to market. Security is not an add-on but an integral part of the system that needs to be considered from day one.
As an independent consultancy working across all types of media, we have broad knowledge of integrating various aspects of CA and DRM. This makes us a great partner for any security integration and means we are a safe pair of hands for implementing a core aspect of content delivery.
Our experience with hardware and software platforms, and the many options for security implementation, means we can offer independent advice, strategic research, integration services, and testing.
Whether you are looking to evolve your traditional cable or satellite offering or develop a new OTT service, we can advise on the end-to-end security landscape and support your decision-making.
Whether you’re creating a new proposition or undergoing significant change in architecture, Consult Red is there to support you every step of the way. We work collaboratively, so we’ll be by your side throughout integration projects.
As an independent service provider, we’re an impartial partner that can mobilise a team of trusted experts to accelerate your integration or manage existing third parties and internal stakeholders through the program.
We’ll handle integration testing and all the nitty-gritty of multiple sub-systems from internal or external sources. And with years of experience managing integrations for leading media companies, we’re quick to spot potential issues and get things moving, avoiding unnecessary delays on projects.
Working closely with your team, we can integrate all your software and hardware while reducing risk and delivering fast, efficient systems integration solutions.
In this rapidly changing landscape, operators must have tighter controls over product compliance, Radio, Eco, RoHS, emissions, immunity and safety testing. Hardware validation from a certified body is required to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
By bringing in an external conformance specialist ahead of final testing, you can review your designs, identify design and manufacturing issues, and complete pre-compliance testing, all of which will ensure you get the best results from final testing at a Certified Body, saving you a great deal of stress.
With over two decades of experience working with major tier 1 operators in the media space, we have in-depth knowledge of a range of consumer electronics products. We’ve tested STBs, TVs, LNBs, remote controls, cables, satellite dishes, MDUs, hospitality systems, and more.
And we know first-hand what it’s like to be both the supplier and tester, giving us unique insight into the whole process.
Not only can we offer a flexible service with tailored performance assessment and supplier auditing, but we can also provide recommendations on how to improve products for manufacturing and high-volume deployment.
As technology advances at an increasing pace, you may be left with a number of legacy devices or software stacks that are no longer supported, yet you still want an effective way to manage them for existing customers.
If you don’t, you’ll likely face high call centre traffic and pressure to replace outdated technology – both of which are costly.
At Consult Red, we help broadcast and broadband operators with an alternative solution.
With outsourced software support and software maintenance, you can keep old and new customers happy.
Whether a past supplier is no longer able or willing to support you, or you’re running out of resources to deal with bugs and complaints, our expert team can step in.
We provide skilled legacy product support, delivering innovative solutions to preserve the value of your legacy base.
This not only saves you money but also saves you time, so you can focus on developing new products and keep your business moving forward.
Our thoughts, ideas and views as well as in-depth technical papers. Explore our insights, get to market faster and make your digital ambitions a reality.
Guides
The investigative and optimisation approaches that reliably recover performance from RAM-constrained Linux platforms.
Case Studies
Development and launch of an advanced 4k platform with an Operator-Tier Android TV launcher app.
Articles
Why sweating existing CPE is now the smartest move an operator can make.
