What makes RDK development a smart choice?

With countless platforms and alternatives available, why does Reference Design Kit (RDK) deserve your attention? Glad you asked, because RDK comes with answers you won’t find elsewhere. It offers a unique balance between industry standardization and the freedom to innovate at the application level.

Faster deployment

RDK provides a standardized software framework for devices such as set-top boxes and gateways, allowing operators to accelerate the launch of new video services and features.

Ownership and control

RDK gives full operator control and open governance vs Android TV’s Google-centric ecosystem, letting operators retain ownership of their user experience, data, and roadmap decisions.

Harmonized architecture

A standardized RDK software framework across devices helps operators avoid maintaining multiple proprietary software stacks and simplifies integration and device management.

Kick off development of your RDK app with Oxagile

Reference Design Kit standardizes the core system layer of connected devices, but adopting it doesn’t automatically solve platform complexity. It simply gives you the right foundation. What happens next and how you get a high-performance UI depends on smart engineering.

Development

Building operator experiences on top of RDK

We carry out end-to-end RDK STB development, as well as design and develop applications and UI layers for smart TVs running RDK.

This includes:

  • Operator UI and application architecture
  • Video playback pipeline and player integration
  • Guide, navigation, subtitles, DVB-SI, and broadcast features
  • Voice and search integrations
  • Performance optimization and boot improvements
  • Packaging production-ready releases

Customization

Turning RDK into a reusable platform instead of a one-off build

Many deployments start with a single device and later expand across operators, countries, or OEMs. We structure the platform so it scales without multiplying codebases.

This includes:

  • HMulti-tenant application architecture
  • Unified codebase for various OEM device profiles
  • Feature flagging and remote configuration
  • Platform modularization for faster feature delivery

Middleware and integration

Connecting RDK to the services that power the product

We integrate content ecosystems, backend platforms, and security layers that that power your business logic and protect your content.

This includes:

  • CA/DRM integration
  • EPG, VoD, and OTT platform connectivity
  • Backend and cloud service integration
  • Containerized application environments
  • Telemetry, WebPA, and TR-069 management
  • Integration of partner apps

Testing and automation

Delivering stability across real deployments

RDK systems often run across thousands of devices. Testing has to reflect that scale.

This includes:

  • Automated regression suites
  • Device diagnostics and telemetry testing
  • Performance and load testing
  • Operator-specific test extensions
  • Certification preparation and field testing support

CI/CD pipelines

Making releases predictable

We implement build pipelines and deployment workflows that support continuous development and large-scale OTA rollouts.

This includes:

  • CI/CD architecture and pipeline setup
  • Build automation and version management
  • OTA update pipelines
  • Cloud deployment and device management tools

Maintenance and upgrades

Keeping the platform stable long after launch

RDK deployments continue evolving after release. We help teams operate and improve the platform without increasing operational costs.

This includes:

  • Post-deployment monitoring and diagnostics
  • Remote issue triage
  • Security and platform updates
  • Feature rollout planning
  • Analytics-driven optimization

Device selection

Helping operators choose the right OEM devices for RDK deployments

Selecting compatible and high-performing devices is critical for smooth integration and long-term success. We guide operators in evaluating OEM platforms to reduce risks and avoid costly rework.

This includes:

  • Assessment of RDK compatibility and performance
  • Guidance on integration readiness
  • Recommendations for multi-market scalability
  • Leveraging experience with OEM partners for informed decisions

RDK development without the hidden complexity

RDK set top box development is not without its challenges. After years of building video software platforms, we know exactly where they are and handle them early to turn RDK into a dependable product foundation.

Performance tuning

Heavy web-based UIs can struggle on legacy or resource-constrained RDK hardware.

Oxagile’s approach

We optimize the rendering pipeline and memory management within the application, utilizing frameworks like Lightning to ensure 60fps performance even on mid-range SoCs.

Application security

Connected devices are vulnerable to remote exploits and risks from outdated libraries.

Our solution

We focus on the application layer by implementing secure token management, encrypted credential storage, and robust API protection. Content security (DRM) is tightly integrated with player logic to achieve certified, tamper-proof playback.

Data privacy and compliance

Tracking user behavior and telemetry often creates legal risks regarding PII and data retention.

How we do it

We deploy privacy-first telemetry systems that anonymize user data at the source. Our approach includes configurable consent controls and automated compliance checks within the release pipeline, allowing analytics to drive product growth without the legal overhead.

Fragmentation

Operator customizations multiply maintenance and can break rollouts.

How we do it

We productize the platform around a configurable single codebase, mapping operator differences to configuration profiles and feature flags so fixes are written once and propagated predictably across all customers.

Maximizing RDK-V capabilities

We push the boundaries of the RDK-V framework to give your service a competitive edge. By bridging the gap between standard platform features and your unique business goals, we deliver a product that is both compliant and market-leading.

Content security

A standard RDK-V setup includes basic DRM like Widevine or PlayReady, but premium content often requires more. Our RDK-V development services also include handling the integration of additional CAS and DRM systems, tailoring the security layer to meet your specific requirements.

Strategic consulting

Our RDK-V consulting services provide the blueprint for complex architecture planning and rollouts across diverse devices and hardware tiers. We advise on structuring a scalable application layer, guiding you through the integration of high-demand features and sophisticated navigation logic.

FAQ

What is RDK?

RDK, or Reference Design Kit, is an open-source software platform that standardizes the core functions of connected-home devices. Originally created by US cable operators, it now supports multiple profiles, including RDK-V for video, RDK-B for broadband, and RDK-C for IP cameras. This lets operators and manufacturers accelerate development and maintain flexibility and control.

What do RDK development services include?

RDK development services help TV operators build and deploy video and connected-device platforms using the open-source Reference Design Kit. Services include set-top box and smart TV development, application and UI design, video playback and DRM integration, and operator application deployment on OEM devices. Teams also provide consulting on device selection, multi-market scalability, and feature rollout planning. By relying on RDK’s standardized and modular framework, operators can accelerate deployment while reducing engineering effort.

What are RDK-V development services?

RDK-V development services include building and customizing video platforms on top of the RDK-V stack. This covers operator UIs, applications, video pipelines, and integration with OTT services and DRM systems, helping operators deliver consistent, scalable, and feature-rich video experiences across multiple devices and markets.

What are RDK-V consulting services?

RDK-V consulting services help operators and manufacturers plan architecture, structure multi-device deployments, and solve integration challenges. By leveraging our experience with RDK-V, we guide teams on best practices for modular development, upstream/downstream workflows, and long-term platform maintainability.

Thinking about your flawless RDK platform?

Regardless of whether you’re looking to start development or have just begun to think it over, Oxagile’ll give you a cue on how to turn the labyrinth of RDK into a clear path.

Let’s talk