Unlocking Super Aggregation (part 1): RTAB and its role in shaping the future of pay-TV

Fierce competition in today’s video entertainment world witnesses pay-TV operators struggling to gain traction, motivating many of them to innovate their business models by utilizing super aggregation.

Amsterdam recently played host to the prestigious RDK Global Summit, a gathering of over 600 key figures in the pay-TV and broadband industries. Irdeto took centre stage with a session titled “Unlocking Super Aggregation: The Imperative of Expert Guidance and Certification.” In this exclusive blog series, we aim to dissect the insights shared during that session and offer a deep dive into the world of Super Aggregation.

The first part of the series will focus on the RDK Technical Advisory Board (RTAB) and its significant role in the pay-TV and broadband industries.

The RDK Technical Advisory Board: A beacon of innovation 

Reference Design Kit (RDK) is an open-source software solution designed to standardize core functions used in video, broadband and IoT-connected devices. With a footprint of over 100 million devices across leading service providers globally, RDK has emerged as one of the most efficient solutions for operators to implement a super aggregation strategy.

RTAB is constituted by industry experts, thought leaders and organizations dedicated to shaping the future of pay-TV and broadband providers. It serves as a hub for collaboration and innovation, bringing together the brightest minds in the field. The RTAB members are experienced RDK advocates and contributors to drive technical roadmap innovation for the RDK community.

Who comprises the RTAB?  

RTAB is comprised of a distinguished group of leading organizations that are at the forefront of shaping the future of pay-TV and connected device technologies. As of the moment of writing, there are six pivotal companies that form an essential part of RTAB’s collaborative efforts.

One of these prominent members is Irdeto, which stands out or its significant contributions to the RDK community. Irdeto’s involvement is instrumental in advancing technical innovation and roadmap development within the RDK ecosystem. Irdeto brings a wealth of expertise to the table, particularly in areas such as certification, content protection, OTT monetization and cybersecurity.

Why does RTAB matter?  

The primary goal of RTAB is fostering collaboration, sharing best practices and providing valuable insights into the ever-evolving pay-TV landscape. Every member of this community is therefore essential and Irdeto has had a clear vision from the start.

By being a key member of RTAB, Irdeto reaffirms the commitment to the success of the pay-TV sector, collaborating with leading organizations and experts to further advance the industry’s capabilities and empower operators to succeed as super aggregators.

Want to explore more about RTAB and the RDK world? 

In September 2023, Irdeto participated in the 10^th RDK Global Summit in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, making a significant contribution. Irdeto had a prominent presence on the main stage, sharing valuable insights about certification, the importance of RDK and the considerable value of the RTAB.

During the session, Steve Russell, VP of Video Entertainment Solutions at Irdeto, and Bruce Curtin, Product Director at Irdeto, engaged in a compelling discussion with Brendan de Bruijn, Business Development at RDK Management. They explored the critical significance of RDK within the industry. In the following video, you can watch and listen the first portion of this informative session.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information about Irdeto RDK Video Accelerator and our portfolio of super aggregator solutions.

This is part one of the Unlocking Super Aggregation blog series. Check out the next part of this series for a comprehensive insight into the concept of super aggregation and how it opens a new era for the pay-TV sector.