Welcome to RedSquid
Welcome to the RedSquid platform ecosystem. This guide will help you integrate RedSquid into your television hardware, enabling your devices to support operator-branded applications while providing robust system-level functionality.
What is RedSquid?
RedSquid is an operator application launch framework for television platforms that enables seamless coexistence between operator-branded applications and essential system-level functionality.
Key Benefits for OEMs
- Operator-Ready Platform: Ship TVs that operators can brand without custom development
- Reduced Development Cost: RedSquid handles system-level functions (volume, input, settings, FTI)
- Multi-Operator Support: Single hardware SKU supports up to 3 different operator configurations
- Standardized Platform: Built on RDK (Reference Design Kit) with proven industry standards
- Flexible Deployment: Support both operator-specific and retail configurations
RedSquid enables you to manufacture a single TV platform that can be branded for specific operators, configured during manufacturing or at first boot, updated over-the-air throughout the product lifecycle, and deployed in both operator and retail channels.
Platform Architecture
System Components
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ RedSquid Platform │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ RedSquid System Application │ │
│ │ • Volume Control • Input Selection │ │
│ │ • Settings UI • FTI Workflows │ │
│ │ • DTVKit (Live TV) │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ ▲ │
│ │ System Keys │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ System-Level Key Interception Layer │ │
│ │ (Routes Volume, Input, Settings to RedSquid)│ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │ │
│ ▼ Other Keys │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ Operator Application │ │
│ │ • Branded UI • Content Navigation │ │
│ │ • EPG • OTT Integration │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ WPE Browser / Thunder API │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ RDK Platform / Linux Kernel │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Hardware Platform (SoC) │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Technology Stack
| Layer | Technology | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Application Framework | RedSquid + Operator App | User-facing functionality |
| Browser Engine | WPE (WebKit Port for Embedded) | Web content rendering |
| Middleware | Thunder API | Application lifecycle management |
| Platform | RDK (Reference Design Kit) | Standardized TV platform |
| Operating System | Linux (RDK-based) | System foundation |
| Broadcast | DTVKit | DVB-T/T2/S/S2 · DVB-I · ATSC 3.0 · HbbTV 2.0.4 |
Hardware Requirements
Minimum Platform Specifications
| Component | Minimum Requirement | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| SoC Platform | RDK-compatible ARM/MIPS SoC | Amlogic T962D4 or equivalent |
| RAM | 1.5 GB DDR3/DDR4 | 2.0 GB+ for optimal performance |
| eMMC Storage | 8 GB | 16 GB (includes swap space) |
| Graphics | OpenGL ES 2.0 | OpenGL ES 3.0+ |
| Video Decode | H.264, H.265 (Main/Main10) | VP9, AV1 support recommended |
Required Hardware Components
1. Network Connectivity
- Ethernet: 10/100 Mbps port (mandatory)
- Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz minimum), 802.11ac (5 GHz recommended)
- Bluetooth: Optional, for remote pairing
2. Broadcast Tuners
- DVB-T/T2: Terrestrial tuner (EU/UK markets)
- DVB-S/S2: Satellite tuner (optional, market-dependent)
- DVB-C: Cable tuner (optional, market-dependent)
- DVB-I: IP-delivered service discovery (recommended for hybrid line-ups)
- ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV): Mandatory for North American SKUs
3. Content Protection
- HDCP 1.4: Mandatory for HDMI outputs
- HDCP 2.2: Required for 4K content
- DRM Support: Widevine Level 1 or PlayReady SL3000
4. Audio Support
- Dolby Digital Plus: Required for premium audio
- Dolby Atmos: Recommended for 4K/HDR content
- AAC/HE-AAC: Standard audio codec support
- Audio Pass-through: HDMI audio output support
5. Input/Output
- HDMI Inputs: Minimum 2x HDMI 2.0 ports
- HDMI Output: Pass-through for external audio (optional)
- USB Ports: Minimum 1x USB 2.0 for FTI configuration loading
- Audio Output: Optical/SPDIF for Dolby pass-through (recommended)
Integration Overview
Integration Timeline
| Phase | Duration | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Setup | 1-2 weeks | Platform evaluation, SDK installation, development environment setup |
| Phase 2: Platform Porting | 4-6 weeks | RDK/Thunder integration, driver validation, bootloader customization |
| Phase 3: RedSquid Integration | 2-4 weeks | RedSquid app deployment, key interception setup, testing |
| Phase 4: Testing | 3-4 weeks | System validation, compliance testing, operator testing |
| Phase 5: Manufacturing Setup | 2-3 weeks | Personality package integration, production line testing |
| Total | 12-19 weeks | From SDK delivery to production-ready |
Prerequisites
Before beginning integration, ensure you have:
- RDK-compatible SoC with necessary drivers
- RDK development environment set up
- Access to RedSquid SDK and documentation portal
- DVB tuner drivers and DTVKit license (if supporting Live TV)
- DRM credentials (Widevine/PlayReady) for your device models
- HDCP key pool allocation
- Network access for backend service connectivity
Manufacturing & Provisioning
Personality Package System
Each RedSquid device requires a unique Personality Package containing security credentials and device identity. This package is generated during manufacturing and flashed to the device.
Personality Package Contents
| Component | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|
| HDCP 1.4 Keys | Content protection for HD | Key pool allocation |
| HDCP 2.2 Keys | Content protection for 4K | Key pool allocation |
| Widevine Keys | DRM credentials (Level 1) | Google DRM provisioning |
| MAC Addresses | Ethernet + Wi-Fi MAC addresses | Pre-allocated pool |
| Device Certificates | PKI certificates for backend auth | Generated per device |
| CI+/OTTS | Conditional access (optional) | Operator-specific |
| index.json | Manifest with all metadata | Auto-generated |
API Integration
Request Format:
curl -X POST https://api.redsquid.tv/v1/personality/generate \
-H "Authorization: Bearer {YOUR_API_KEY}" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"batch_type": "production",
"batch_id": "2024-Q1-001",
"quantity": 1000,
"security_profile": "standard_hdcp22_widevine",
"operator_config": "operator_a_uk"
}'
System Integration
Dolby Audio Integration
Dolby audio support is a critical component for premium content delivery. The OEM is responsible for obtaining, integrating, and managing Dolby libraries.
OEM Responsibilities
The OEM must directly handle all aspects of Dolby integration, licensing, and deployment. RedSquid does not provide or manage Dolby libraries.
Dolby Library Integration
The OEM receives a signed Dolby library from Dolby Laboratories containing a unique Dolby ID specific to your device manufacturer registration.
| Component | OEM Responsibility | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Dolby Library | Obtain from Dolby Labs | Signed library with unique Dolby ID |
| Dolby ID | Register with Dolby | Manufacturer-specific identifier |
| License Agreement | Execute with Dolby | Commercial licensing terms |
| Library Integration | Integrate into platform | Link with RDK audio pipeline |
| Certification | Dolby certification testing | Required before commercial deployment |
| Updates | Manage library versions | Deploy updates via OTA |
Integration Process
- Register with Dolby Laboratories
- Complete manufacturer registration
- Execute licensing agreement
- Receive unique Dolby ID
- Obtain Signed Libraries
- Dolby Digital Plus decoder library (libddplus.so)
- Dolby Atmos decoder library (libdlbatmos.so) - if supporting Atmos
- Libraries are cryptographically signed with your Dolby ID
- Integrate with RDK Audio Pipeline
- Place libraries in system library path (/usr/lib or /lib)
- Configure RDK GStreamer pipeline to use Dolby decoders
- Set up audio routing for HDMI and optical outputs
- Configure Audio Capabilities
- Declare Dolby codec support in device capabilities
- Configure EDID for Dolby audio formats
- Enable pass-through for external audio devices
- Testing & Certification
- Complete Dolby certification testing
- Verify Dolby Digital Plus playback
- Test Dolby Atmos (if supported)
- Validate audio pass-through scenarios
Library Deployment
# Typical library locations on device
/usr/lib/libddplus.so # Dolby Digital Plus decoder
/usr/lib/libdlbatmos.so # Dolby Atmos decoder (optional)
/etc/dolby/dolby.conf # Dolby configuration
# Libraries must be:
# - Signed with your unique Dolby ID
# - Read-only and protected from modification
# - Included in system partition
# - Not user-accessible
RedSquid Integration Points
RedSquid applications will automatically utilize Dolby decoders when available through the RDK audio pipeline. No application-level changes required - Dolby integration is transparent to operator applications.
- Operator apps stream Dolby-encoded content via standard HTML5 video element
- RDK/WPE browser routes audio to GStreamer pipeline
- GStreamer automatically selects Dolby decoder when Dolby audio detected
- Audio output adapts based on connected device capabilities (HDMI/optical)
Licensing Costs
OEMs should budget for Dolby licensing fees:
- Per-Device Licensing: Dolby charges per manufactured unit
- Annual Reporting: Device shipment quantities must be reported to Dolby
- Certification Costs: Initial certification testing fees apply
- Ongoing Compliance: Periodic recertification may be required for major updates
For Dolby licensing and technical integration support:
- Website: https://professional.dolby.com
- Licensing: Contact Dolby licensing team for your region
- Technical Support: Available after registration and licensing agreement
Key Interception Integration
RedSquid requires system-level interception of specific remote control keys. This must be implemented at the input driver or RDK layer.
Required Key Routing
| Key | Destination | Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Volume +/- | RedSquid | Always intercepted |
| Mute | RedSquid | Always intercepted |
| Input | RedSquid | Always intercepted |
| Settings | RedSquid | Always intercepted |
| Power | RedSquid | Always intercepted (v0.2+) |
| CH+/CH- | RedSquid | Only when in Live TV mode |
| Number Keys 0-9 | RedSquid | Only when in Live TV mode |
| Home, Back, OK, Arrows | Operator App | When operator app has focus |
Testing & Validation
Functional Testing Checklist
Boot & Initialization
- Cold boot completes in < 15 seconds
- Boot splash screen displays correctly
- Network connectivity established (Ethernet/Wi-Fi)
- Personality package loads successfully
- Device registers with backend
First-Time Installation (FTI)
- USB configuration detection works
- Network setup flow (Ethernet/Wi-Fi) completes
- DVB-T/T2 scanning finds channels
- DVB-S/S2 scanning works (if satellite tuner present)
- Operator app loads after FTI completion
- Theme colors apply correctly
System Keys
- Volume +/- displays overlay and adjusts audio
- Mute key toggles audio mute
- Input key shows source selection UI
- Settings key opens RedSquid settings
- Power key triggers standby/wake
Performance Benchmarks
- Boot time: < 15 seconds
- App launch time: < 3 seconds
- Channel change time: < 2 seconds
- Settings overlay: < 300ms
- Network UI loading: < 500ms
Backend Services
Required Backend Connectivity
| Service | Endpoint | Purpose | Protocol |
|---|---|---|---|
| Device Registry | api.redsquid.tv/v1/devices | Device registration | HTTPS (TLS 1.2+) |
| OTA Updates | ota.redsquid.tv/v1/updates | Firmware/app updates | HTTPS |
| Telemetry | telemetry.redsquid.tv/v1/events | Usage analytics | HTTPS (batch) |
| Crash Reporting | crash.redsquid.tv/v1/reports | Crash dumps | HTTPS |
| Operator Config | config.redsquid.tv/v1/operators | Branding/config | HTTPS + CDN |
| CDN Assets | cdn.redsquid.tv/ | Logos, packages | HTTPS + CDN |
Support & Resources
Documentation Portal
Available resources include API Reference Documentation, Integration Guides, Hardware Compatibility List, Known Issues & Workarounds, and Release Notes.
Developer Support
Technical Support Channels:
- Email: oem-support@redsquid.tv
- Developer Forum: https://forum.redsquid.tv
- Slack Channel: #redsquid-oem-integration (invite-only)
Support Tiers:
- Tier 1 - Community: Forum support, 48-hour response time
- Tier 2 - Standard: Email support, 24-hour response time
- Tier 3 - Premium: Dedicated Slack channel, 4-hour response time, on-call support
Certification Program
Complete the RedSquid OEM Certification to validate your integration:
- Complete integration checklist
- Submit test device for validation
- Pass compliance testing
- Receive certification badge
- Listed in RedSquid Certified Devices directory
- Access to operator partnerships
- Marketing co-promotion opportunities
Apply: certification@redsquid.tv
Contact Information
RedSquid Technologies Ltd.
- Website: https://www.redsquid.tv
- Email: info@redsquid.tv
- OEM Partnerships: partnerships@redsquid.tv