Set-top box middleware is an embedded software solution, rather like a PC
operating system, that enables operators to run the same applications on STBs
from different manufacturers, regardless of the underlying hardware. Typical
interactive STB applications include Electronic Program Guide (EPG), customer
care software, games, weather display, e-commerce, enhanced TV and interactive
advertising.
Digital Video Broadcasting – Multimedia Home Platform, DVB-MHP,
is an open standard that utilizes a common Java-based API for digital set-top
boxes. DVB-MHP is an open and non-proprietary standard, allowing service
providers to build solutions formed by the best of each supplier’s products,
both hardware and software. It prevents vendor lock-in and provides a flexible
way to expand systems and service offerings, and help to manage long-term
system maintenance. Applications developed for DVB-MHP can be authored once and
run seamlessly on any DVB-MHP-compliant set-top box, regardless of the box
manufacturer, content or delivery method - terrestrial, cable or satellite.
According to the latest DVB-MHP update, countries like Italy, South Korea,
Finland, Germany and Spain have adopted this interactive platform.
The MBT (‘MediaBeaconTower’) System Technology TV middleware
has been developed over several years by HDIC, alongside its head-end solution
for use by TV operators, and has been enhanced and brought to market by the
S-BMC joint venture. The MBT system is compliant with the DVB-MHP open
standard, provides high performance and is reliable, with minimal footprint,
and it can be embedded into DVB-T/C/S and IPTV STBs.
MBT middleware provides TV operators with exceptional
flexibility in enabling them to run multiple Java applications – with complex
interactivity where required – and with the ability to download new
applications and new software versions using the DSM-CC (Digital Storage Media
Command and Control) Data Carousel and Object Carousel protocols. In addition
its open interface with the device drivers simplifies the development of third
party applications that add value to the package. The middleware supports
multiple standards ‘out of the box’, against the single-standard HTML browser
solution.
This DTV STB solution is compliant with MPEG-2, DVB-MHP,
Chinese DTV standard (draft) and other standards. It supports Java applications
under Java ME (Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition), the collection of Java APIs
targeting embedded consumer products, enabling easy authoring for value-added
applications. Its modular design provides open solutions for different market
deployment needs, and its layered architecture ensures hardware independence,
meaning that the system has minimal deployment costs and short
time-to-market.
About S-BMC
Shanghai Blue Media Software Technology Company Ltd. (S-BMC) is a joint
venture between STMicroelectronics, which owns 65%, and HDIC
(ShanghaiHigh-DefinitionDigitalTechnologyInnovationCenter), a subsidiary of the
prestigious ShanghaiJiaotongUniversity, which owns 35%. The joint venture was
announced in October 2004 and S-BMC was incorporated in March 2005. S-BMC
develops software technologies for digital TV and offers the MBT middleware
solution.
* InStat - MPEG Video ICs: The Buzz Around MPEG-4 AVC - June 2005 (Report
number IN0501839MI)
