What is RDK Video(RDK-V)?

RDK-V is a fully modular, portable, and customizable open source software solution for video devices . It accelerates the deployment of next-gen video products and services, simplifying customization and user experience.

The latest version of the RDK Video software stack is designed to simplify app development and integration. It provides companies with complete control over their apps, device data, and customer experience. RDK Video is designed for use with Lightning™, HTML5 based web apps as well as native streaming video apps, all integrated through Firebolt®. RDK Video offers users an adaptable interface through its comprehensive Reference Lightning™ UI. Additionally, users can develop and customize their own UI based on their specific requirements. The platform is enhanced with Firebolt®, which expedites the rigorous certification process required by today’s leading global streaming app providers and ensures compatibility with their latest releases, eliminating the need for future updates.

Furthermore, RDK Video integrates Thunder, an event-driven interface framework that allows the flexibility to enable or disable any feature as a plug-in. Thunder microservices, also known as RDKServices, are implemented as plug-ins and configured within the WPE subsystems. RDK Video supports global streaming apps by featuring pre-integrated top global streaming applications. This provision gives operators a straightforward pathway to deliver the most popular content to their subscribers.

RDK Device profiles

From the fundamental RDK IP STB to the more sophisticated RDK TV, RDK offers a variety of device profiles: IP STB, Hybrid STB, and RDK TV.

For a basic grouping of RDK Video features across device profiles, please refer below diagram:

IP

STB

RDK Video for IP offers provides a unified approach common method to manage video playback functions with . The IP client devices as interfaces for receiving video content. This profile brings all your favorite apps, live channels, and On Demand contents together in one place. The system focuses on IP-based data streaming without tuner capabilities. It supports playback based on Adobe® Access, PlayReady®, and Widevine DRM if supported by platform. It supports various content delivery modes such as VOD, SDV, iPPV, and Wi-Fi video streaming. The system includes an emergency alert system, cast screening, adaptive bit rate functionality, MPEG-DASH support, and HDR 10-bit compatibility for video platform. Video output resolutions extend up to Ultra HD/4K with HDR, and audio formats include Dolby® MS12 for a high-quality viewing experience. Additional features encompass customizable telemetry, closed captioning, copy protection, and song track identification, emphasizing a comprehensive and user-friendly video streaming platform.device serves as an interface and receives video content from an in-home media gateway device or from an external media server.

Hybrid STB

RDK Video for Hybrid

RDK Video for Hybrid

RDK Video for Hybrid is an IP STB device. It provides a common method to manage complex video functions such as tuning, conditional access, DRM, and stream management. In addition to its IP features, this profile encompasses QAM and DVB tuning, facilitating versatile channel selection. It supports media streaming to in-home devices, enables home networking, and offers recording functionality for enhanced user convenience. With support for progressive download, conditional access for secure content delivery, and integration of premium apps, it caters to diverse entertainment needs. The device also includes diagnostics support, enhancing troubleshooting capabilities, and ensures compatibility with all popular streaming protocols, making it a comprehensive solution for modern video consumption.

TV

RDK Video for TV, is an open - source Smart TV profile , serves as a comprehensive platform for that allows manufacturers and operators to construct build RDK-based TV and video solutions. Beyond video-specific features(IP STB features), RDK Video for TV incorporates TV-oriented functionalities, including color, picture, and audio adjustment. Additionally, it supports offline display for third-party devices via HDMI and facilitates display device power management and Consumer Electronics Control (CEC). In essence, RDK Video for TV offers a holistic and customizable solution that brings together the best of both video and television features.

Additional Resources

Getting Started:

• Try out RDK: To know how to begin with trying out RDK, please follow Try out RDK.

User Guides:

• Features: A detailed list of features supported by RDK-V is available at Features.
• Architecture: For RDK-V architecture details and structuring of RDK-V Components, follow Architecture.
• Components: For detailed documentation of RDK-V components, follow Components, and for detailed documentation of RDK-V subsystems, follow Subsystems.
• Builds/Yocto: For details on Yocto build systems and RDK Yocto builds, follow Yocto build systems.

API References:

• HAL: For details of RDK Video HAL list, please follow HAL .

Application Details:

• RDK UI: For details of available RDK UI options, follow RDK UI Options.

Device Profiles:

• IP STB: For an overview of the RDK-V IP STB device profile, follow IP. 
• Hybrid STB: For an overview of the RDK-V Hybrid STB device profile, follow Hybrid.
• RDK-V TV: For an overview of the RDK-V TV device profile, follow TV.