The battle of operating systems is raging ferociously without an end in sight. When it comes to Pay TV market, Linux has been dominating the Set-Top-Box marketplace. However, the Android Set Top Box has been making headway recently and edging into the lead, as operators look to deploy a Hybrid DVB-C/T/S solution. For more information, visit:http://comigo.com/Blog/Post/8

1. 10 Reasons Why You Should choose an Android-Based
Set-Top Box Solution

2. •
The battle of operating systems is raging ferociously
without an end in sight. When it comes to Pay TV
market, Linux has been dominating the Set-Top-Box
marketplace. However, the Android Set Top Box has
been making headway recently and edging into the
lead, as operators look to deploy a Hybrid DVBC/T/S solution.
•
There are 10 main reasons why operators,
developers and any vendors should consider opting
for Android:

3. •
Familiarity
The Android STB provides a superb user experience
familiar to many users from other products that
operate with Android, including their HD
technology and Android tablets, which makes it
very user friendly, easier to adapt to, and reduces
the need to learn a new system.
•
State of the Art Technology
Android equips operators with the latest and most
sophisticated technology, allowing them, and
consequently their users, to constantly update the
service with new apps, developments, state-of-theart features and the already familiar user
experience (UX) used for Android mobile phones.
An operator who will have presence within the
multi-screen market and has the correct
middleware to supports open API for applications’
development, most likely won’t have any concerns
finding new clients for their solutions.

4. •
Ahead of Developments
The smart TV Android system is the choice for the
consumer who wants his device to always be ahead
of the times. TV control devices other than remote
controls, such as body gestures and voice
commands for example, can be incorporated. There
is every chance that such devices are more likely to
be developed rapidly for an open platform. The
same is valid for video conferencing devices (e. g.
microphones and cameras). This all enables
operators to offer additional services and a
comprehensive and attractive user interface.

5. •
Better Applications
Features and services for OTT Android STB have a
significantly better array of applications compared
to Linux STB. Operators seeking excellent OTT
services and who wish to expand to multi-screens
should ponder the possibility of Android. Operators
can also predefine a set of applications they
consider particularly attractive and useful for endusers. These apps can already be preinstalled on
the operator’s Android STB and they can then
promote certain applications and even contribute
to revenue sharing with service providers.

6. •
System Integrity Minimizes Risk Factors
Android Set Top Boxes have been talked about
since 2009 and recently many vendors have started
to look into Android as a potential operating system
for the OTT. Android's Sandbox model isolates
applications to allow Android to cover a wider
environment when it runs apps thereby allowing it
to maintain system integrity and thus minimize risk
factors. This is due to the fact that SoC vendors
implemented security measures to their solutions
and permitted users to use DRM-protected
content.
•
Secure Operation
Based on the recent market development, Android
devices have become highly adaptable because
they operate securely and safely even when new
apps are introduced. The hardening of Android
devices restricts the ability to install any external
unsigned application on the device. In this way the
Android box is as hardened as any other Linux box.

7. •
Rich Eco-System
Due to its rich eco-system, Android offers a wide
range of applications and games which can be used
on the big TV screen. In contrast to proprietary
STB’s Operating Systems, it doesn’t require setting
a dedicated developers’ community.
•
Support for Multicast Linear TV
Support for Multicast linear TV playout is high on
the operators’ wish list. Interactive TV middleware
vendors should equip their products and solutions
with support for this functionality support by an
Android-based STB.

8. •
Long Term Higher Value
Android boasts far-reaching APIs, built in- security,
web browsers and several incorporated
applications. Vendors and operators who are
planning to start investing in solutions today would
be well-advised to opt for Android. This means
having sophisticated services that will offer higher
value and superior experience for their viewers and
subscribers in the long run.
•
Free OS license
Permissive licensing allows the software to be
freely modified and distributed by device
manufacturers and other platform developers.

9. •
Learn more about the Android Set-Top-Box (STB)
capabilities and see how an Android STB operates
by using any handheld device as well by a remote
control – supporting IPTV live channels, OTT video,
VOD, DVB-X, external USB hard drives, and streams
personal content stored on the home network.

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