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Platform speeds set-top box development

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Dec 19, 2003

Humax has used the Wind River Platform for Consumer Devices in developing its first products for the OpenCable standard.

Humax has used the Wind River Platform for Consumer Devices in developing its first products for the OpenCable standard.

The OpenCable initiative from Cable Television Laboratories (CableLabs) drives the goal of helping the cable industry deploy interactive TV services to consumers, through the use of a standard hardware and software platform specification.

These next generation set tops are the foundation for cable television service providers to provide advanced interactive television, embedded Internet protocol data connectivity, as well as a retail channel for set top hardware availability.

OpenCable based set top boxes are expected to be deployed beginning next year by service providers in Korea and North America.

"Humax chose the Wind River PlatfoRM for Consumer Devices because of its proven functionality, reliability and value", said Juha Park, General Manager for Humax's DTV development team.

"With Wind River's proven connectivity, tools and OS technologies found within the platform, we were able to concentrate on our core digital video expertise and bring these leading products to market on time, and on budget".

Humax has developed a complete product line of OpenCable compliant products.

The OC-1000 is a cost-effective basic digital set-top box for entry-level buyers.

The OC-2000 enables two-way return channel connectivity enabling service providers to deploy more advanced interactive television applications.

Finally, for consumers looking for both data networking and interactive television, the OC-2500 embeds a fully functional DOCSIS 1.1 cable modem.

This broad lineup of cable set tops allows service providers to deploy interactive TV and data services in stages, while allowing consumers to choose the set top based on their feature and functionality needs.

"Connected digital set tops are likely to be the leading method for broadband data, television, and voice services into the home", said Sayeed Choudhury, Director of Market Development for Wind River's Digital Consumer Group.

"Next generation OpenCable based set top boxes need feature-rich LAN and WAN connectivity and a rock-solid foundation platform to perform in such a critical role.

Humax's OpenCable product line serves a perfect example of seamless integration of TV and IT functionality into feature rich, yet consumer friendly devices".