The Internet of Things

The Internet of Things for the Home is the hot new trend for 2015

The 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is taking place in Las Vegas from 6-9 January. The Internet of Things for the home is the hot new trend, and the way this technology integrates into the home is one of the key themes at this year’s CES.

On display from the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) member companies, a variety of key elements in a growing VidiPath ecosystem that will soon enable consumers to seamlessly view subscription TV content on many devices throughout the home (these devices includes TV’s, smartphones, tablets, game consoles and more).

In September a Certification Program called ‘VidiPath’ were launched. CE interoperability testing using VidiPath reference designs were conducted by service providers. Over 20 DLNA members participated in VidiPath test events with products expected to be released during the first quarter of 2015.

Those who are able to attend the Consumer Electronics Show will be able to view the following VidiPath ecosystem elements from the DLNA members:

AwoX: the latest AwoX MULTIStriim software development kits. It allows the playback of live HD Pay TV channels on multiple screens everywhere in the home. The MULTIStriim Server kit is the perfect solution for satellite, cable or terrestrial gateways, and is the core of the AwoX MULTIStriim server, which is the first VidiPath-Certified Test Bed Reference Device. It is also used by several service providers and lead consumer electronics manufacturers. The AwoX MULTIStriim player kit enables manufacturers of set-top boxes, TVs, tablets and smartphones to implement VidiPath Guidelines that also comply with RVU 2.0 specifications.

Access: will showcase its latest VidiPath-supported solutions including integration with NetFront Living Connect 3.1. The additional support for the DLNA VidiPath technology on the client and server sides enables seamless and secure playback across consumer devices while the user experience are controlled across all screens. The integration of the VidiPath guidelines with NetFront Browser BE enables consumers to securely stream their favorite TV shows and movies from their service provider set-top box (STB) to devices such as games consoles, smartphones, tablets, telivisions and more within the home. Other software demonstrations include integrations with the ZapperBox dongle powered by Entropic, which shows how ACCESS software embedded in HDMI dongles enables operators to quickly deploy VidiPath compliant services.

Broadcom: solutions include a VidiPath server reference design and a VidiPath client reference design using Broadcom SoCs and Broadcom-developed Nexus-Trellis set top box software. The software is designed to support popular middleware solutions, including the new Open Source-based Reference Development Kit (RDK), for software development and rapid porting.

Elliptic Technologies: the company’s tVault for DTCP-IP solution is showcased as part of CableLabs’ Certified VidiPath Reference Device. The solution meets the DLNA Guidelines for secure deployment of premium TV content to devices in the home, and is being used by DLNA testing facilities to certify consumer electronics products to the VidiPath Guidelines.

JetHead: will demonstrate its latest HTML5, VidiPath client solution running on Broadcom silicon and connected to various test servers. Designed to be portable, JetHead’s client software require minimal support from each platform. The solution is developed to the VidiPath Guidelines and will start the Certification process in 2015.
Silicondust USA: will be demonstrating its HDHomeRun brand of Live Streaming Digital Media Servers (DMS), including Cable/OTA/Satellite solutions with DTCP-IP content protection. The solutions will enable content to be viewed throughout the home network by using applications and client devices that support Live TV rendering.

The DLNA is also looking to the future with VidiPath. Many different industry standards for streaming are being addressed by the organisation (including SMPTE, DECE, SCTE, CEA and ATSC).

Technical work with industry partners is currently focused on developing standards-based solution for streaming 4K/Ultra-HD TV profiles that will be included in the DLNA Guidelines by the second quarter of 2015. This will enable users to view content on multiple devices in the home with at least four times the resolution of today’s typical full HD 1080p formats.