World’s first RDK video accelerator with an Amlogic SoC

For Skyworth, the world’s largest Set Top Box (STB) manufacturer

Challenge

The primary goal was to assist Skyworth in developing the world’s first RDK Video Accelerator using the Amlogic S905X2 SoC.

The project involved meeting Skyworth’s need for a flexible engagement model. They had significant resources to contribute but required a partner capable of collaborating effectively and utilising their team where appropriate.

Shortly after the project commenced, a major operator selected this platform, leading to an expanded scope of work to support its development into a fully realised product.

Challenge

Solution

The solution required setting up the code configuration, build scripts, and recipes to facilitate seamless upstreaming and downstreaming within the RDK Code Management Framework (CMF).

We adopted an Agile approach and collaborated with Skyworth and Amlogic to incorporate their code and establish a baseline build that all parties could utilise. We undertook the initial integration of the RDK middleware with the Skyworth and Amlogic platform code, rigorously testing and resolving issues until we achieved baseline functionality.

The Skyworth Video Accelerator required specific platform customisations, including Bluetooth remote and Wi-Fi integration, rescue loader development, and the configuration of Widevine and Cobalt.

Solution

Learnings

This challenging project highlighted the importance of efficiently collaborating with multiple stakeholders to deliver RDK projects successfully.

In this instance, we engaged with parties from Skyworth, Amlogic, RDK-M, and various other technology providers.

Our experience, collaborative approach, and strong communication skills were crucial in ensuring effective project delivery among all stakeholders and facilitated knowledge transfer to the Skyworth team.

Learnings

We needed a strong partner that could take us from no experience with RDK through to Proof of Concept with RDK and ultimately to deployment of a Video Accelerator. We also wanted knowledge transfer – we have a very experienced team at Skyworth and Consult Red did a great job in collaborating with the team to ensure it was a truly joint development. I think as an extended team we’re a formidable option for operators looking to move fast with RDK.

Chris Briggs, CTO Skyworth

Impact and Value

This project delivered the world’s first RDK Video Accelerator on Amlogic, enabling operators to deploy their services quickly and efficiently while maintaining platform control.

It fostered a strong and dynamic partnership capable of delivering cost-effective RDK products to operators looking to launch premium OTT apps rapidly.

The project proved that RDK can be implemented swiftly and at a low cost with the right collaboration partners, such as Consult Red and Skyworth.

Impact and value

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