RealNetworks Launches Streaming Platform
By Simon Applebaum -- Multichannel News, 7/22/2002 11:43:00 AM
RealNetworks Inc. has launched 'Helix,' an open-system platform and developer community for generating and transmitting digital/streaming-media content to any Internet protocol-enabled communications device, including digital-cable set-top boxes.
The platform includes server hardware, known as 'Helix Universal Server,' which can process streamed video and audio from different sources before distributing the content to various devices.
Also, content providers can access a single source code to use the platform.
CEO Rob Glaser said the platform is compatible with most set-top-box operating systems and middleware, including Windows, Java and Linux.
'This is about making convergence actually converge by getting rid of the bottlenecks,' he declared during a Helix announcement press conference Monday morning in San Francisco. 'An open model is a superior model, and having this is a key catalyst for the digital industry ahead.'
More than 30 companies have pledged their support to Helix in a content or technology direction, including Cisco Systems Inc., Intel Corp., Sun Microsystems Inc., Sony Corp., TiVo Inc. and Texas Instruments Inc. At this point, Sony is the only digital-cable set-top-box vendor aligned with the venture.
At press time, RNI did not note whether other set-top suppliers, as well as cable operators and programming services, were invited to support Helix.
Additional products and vendor alliances are forthcoming, an RNI spokesperson noted at press time.
No related content found.
Featured Company
-
Digital Rapids
Digital Rapids is the leading provider of professional hardware and software tools, technology and expertise for bringing video to wider audiences and new viewing platforms. Continuing to set new standards in quality, productivity and versatility, our solutions span the critical ..more
VIEW ALL GALLERIES
