Operator Onboarding Guide

Everything you need to plan, integrate, theme and deploy your operator app on the RedSquid platform.

Welcome to RedSquid

Welcome to the RedSquid platform. This guide will help you deploy your branded TV application on RedSquid-powered devices, providing your customers with a seamless viewing experience while leveraging robust system-level capabilities.

What is RedSquid?

RedSquid is a TV platform that enables operators to deliver their branded applications on television devices while RedSquid provides essential system-level functionality transparently in the background.

The RedSquid Approach

Your Brand, Front and Center

  • Your application runs as the primary user interface
  • Your customers see your brand, your content, your experience
  • RedSquid remains invisible until system functions are needed

System Functions

RedSquid handles volume control, input selection, settings, FTI workflows, power management, and live broadcast TV automatically.

Seamless Integration

No conflicts between your app and system functions. Automatic focus management with consistent user experience.

Fast Performance

Fast boot times, smooth transitions, and optimized resource management for the best viewing experience.

Why Choose RedSquid?

Benefits for Operators

1. Accelerated Time-to-Market

2. Cost Efficiency

3. Brand Control

Platform Overview

Architecture from Your Perspective

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│              Your Branded Application                │
│  ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐   │
│  │   • Home Screen    • EPG / Channel Guide     │   │
│  │   • Content Browse • Search & Discovery      │   │
│  │   • Playback UI    • Settings (app-level)    │   │
│  │   • DVB-I Support  • Recommendations         │   │
│  └─────────────────────────────────────────────┘   │
│                                                     │
│  Your app receives:                                 │
│    ✓ Navigation keys (Home, Back, OK, Arrows)      │
│    ✓ Channel +/- (when your app has focus)         │
│    ✓ EPG key (if available on remote)              │
│    ✓ Number keys (when your app has focus)         │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                         ▲
                         │
                         │ Focus & Key Events
                         │
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│              RedSquid System Layer                   │
│  (Invisible to users except when invoked)           │
│                                                     │
│  Handles automatically:                             │
│    • Volume +/- (overlay)                           │
│    • Mute (overlay)                                 │
│    • Input selection (HDMI, Live TV)                │
│    • Settings (system-level)                        │
│    • Live TV (DTVKit · DVB-I · ATSC 3.0)            │
│    • Power management                               │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

User Journey Example

Typical User Experience:
  1. Power On: TV boots to your branded home screen (< 15 seconds)
  2. Navigation: User browses content using your UI
  3. Volume Adjust: User presses Volume+ → RedSquid overlay appears → Adjusts volume → Overlay dismisses → Returns to your app
  4. Content Playback: User selects a show → Your app handles playback
  5. Input Switching: User presses Input → RedSquid UI shows sources → User selects HDMI 2 → External device displayed
  6. System Settings: User presses Settings → RedSquid settings UI appears → User configures network → Returns to your app
  7. Live TV: User selects Live TV → RedSquid's DTVKit handles broadcast → Channel +/- now routed to RedSquid

Operator Application Integration

Application Requirements

Requirement Details
Technology HTML5 web application (Single Page Application recommended)
Browser WPE WebKit (Chromium-based, similar to Chrome)
Resolution 1920x1080 (Full HD), 3840x2160 (4K) support recommended
JavaScript ES6+ supported
CSS CSS3, Flexbox, Grid supported
Performance App launch in < 3 seconds, 60 fps UI rendering

Application Hosting Options

Option 1: Cloud-Hosted Application Recommended

How it Works:
  • Your app is hosted on your web servers
  • RedSquid loads your app URL in the browser
  • App communicates with your backend APIs
  • Updates are instant (no device updates needed)
Configuration:
{
  "operator_id": "youroperator",
  "app_url": "https://tv.youroperator.com/app/",
  "manifest_url": "https://tv.youroperator.com/manifest.json"
}

RedSquid JavaScript API

RedSquid provides a JavaScript API for integration with system functions.

Live TV Integration

// Request Live TV mode
RedSquid.LiveTV.requestFocus()
  .then(() => {
    console.log('Live TV mode activated');
    // RedSquid now handles channel controls
  })
  .catch(err => {
    console.error('Live TV not available:', err);
  });

// Listen for Live TV events
RedSquid.LiveTV.addEventListener('channelChanged', (event) => {
  console.log('Channel changed to:', event.channelNumber);
  updateEPGDisplay(event.channelNumber);
});

// Exit Live TV mode
RedSquid.LiveTV.releaseFocus()
  .then(() => {
    console.log('Returned to app control');
    // App now receives CH+/- keys again
  });

System Information

// Get device info
const deviceInfo = await RedSquid.System.getDeviceInfo();
console.log('Device:', deviceInfo);
// {
//   model: "TV-50-4K-001",
//   firmware: "1.2.0",
//   hdcp: "2.2",
//   drm: ["widevine_l1"],
//   tuners: ["dvb-t", "dvb-s", "dvb-i", "atsc3"]
// }

// Get network status
const network = await RedSquid.Network.getStatus();
console.log('Network:', network);
// {
//   connected: true,
//   type: "wifi",
//   ssid: "HomeNetwork",
//   signal_strength: -45
// }

Branding & Theming

Theme Configuration

RedSquid system UI elements (volume overlay, input selection, settings) can be themed to match your brand.

{
  "operator_id": "youroperator",
  "theme": {
    "colors": {
      "primary": "#00a0d6",
      "background": "#1a1a1a",
      "surface": "#2a2a2a",
      "text": "#ffffff",
      "text_secondary": "#b0b0b0",
      "accent": "#ff5722",
      "success": "#4caf50",
      "warning": "#ff9800",
      "error": "#f44336"
    },
    "typography": {
      "font_family": "Roboto, sans-serif",
      "font_size_base": 16,
      "font_weight_normal": 400,
      "font_weight_bold": 700
    }
  }
}

Brand Assets

Asset Size Format Usage
Logo (Light) 400x100px PNG (transparent) Dark backgrounds
Logo (Dark) 400x100px PNG (transparent) Light backgrounds
App Icon 512x512px PNG App launcher, settings
Boot Logo 1920x1080px PNG Boot screen (optional)

Device Configuration

First-Time Installation (FTI)

When a customer first turns on a RedSquid device, the First-Time Installation flow configures the device.

FTI Flow Overview:
  1. Welcome Screen (RedSquid branding)
  2. Language & Country Selection
  3. Network Setup (Ethernet/Wi-Fi)
  4. Operator Selection (if multiple operators available) OR Automatic Operator Loading (if pre-configured via USB)
  5. Broadcast Scanning (DVB-T/T2/S/S2 · DVB-I · ATSC 3.0)
  6. Terms & Conditions Acceptance
  7. Your Operator App Launches

Content & DRM Integration

Supported Video Formats

Format Container Codecs Max Resolution
MPEG-DASH .mpd H.264, H.265 4K (3840x2160)
HLS .m3u8 H.264, H.265 4K
Progressive .mp4 H.264, AAC 1080p

DRM Support

DRM Security Level Use Case
Widevine Level 1 (hardware) Premium HD/4K content
PlayReady SL3000 Microsoft ecosystem content

Widevine Configuration Example

player.configure({
  drm: {
    servers: {
      'com.widevine.alpha': 'https://drm.youroperator.com/widevine/license'
    },
    advanced: {
      'com.widevine.alpha': {
        'videoRobustness': 'HW_SECURE_ALL',
        'audioRobustness': 'HW_SECURE_ALL'
      }
    }
  }
});

Testing & Validation

Testing Phases

Phase 1: Development Testing

Environment: RedSquid Emulator (provided)

Phase 2: Device Testing

Environment: RedSquid reference device

Phase 3: Operator Acceptance Testing (OAT)

Environment: Production-like setup with your backend services

Performance Benchmarks

Deployment & Distribution

Deployment Models

Model 1: Operator-Specific Devices

You ship devices pre-configured for your service. OEM pre-loads your operator profile, devices ship directly to customers.

Model 2: Multi-Operator Retail

Devices sold in retail, user selects operator during FTI. Customer completes FTI and selects your service from operator menu.

Model 3: Bring-Your-Own-Device

Customers with existing RedSquid devices add your service via Settings > Operators > Add Operator.

Application Updates

Cloud-Hosted Apps (Instant Updates)

Process:
  1. Update code on your web server
  2. Next app launch loads new version
  3. No device update needed

Recommended: Use versioned assets and cache-busting for critical updates

Ongoing Operations

Analytics & Telemetry

Built-In Analytics

RedSquid automatically collects:

Access via: Operator Portal → Analytics Dashboard

Custom Analytics

// Track custom events
RedSquid.Analytics.trackEvent({
  category: 'Content',
  action: 'Play',
  label: 'Movie: The Great Film',
  value: 120, // duration in minutes
  customData: {
    content_id: 'movie-12345',
    genre: 'Drama',
    quality: '4K'
  }
});

Monitoring & Alerts

Operator Portal Dashboard shows:

Support & Resources

Documentation Portal

Operator Documentation Portal:

https://docs.redsquid.tv/operators

Available resources: Integration Guide, API Reference, Best Practices, Sample Apps, Troubleshooting Guide

Developer Support

Channel Response Time Best For
Email 24 hours General questions, account issues
Developer Forum Community-driven Technical discussions, sharing knowledge
Slack 4 hours (business hours) Real-time support, urgent issues
Dedicated Support 1 hour Enterprise/Premium operators only

Contact:

Getting Started Checklist

Ready to onboard to RedSquid?

Phase 1: Planning (Week 1-2)

  • Review this onboarding guide completely
  • Identify your deployment model
  • Determine hosting approach (cloud vs. local)
  • Assess DRM requirements
  • Schedule kickoff call with RedSquid team

Phase 2: Setup (Week 2-4)

  • Create RedSquid operator account
  • Configure operator profile
  • Upload brand assets
  • Set up development environment
  • Prepare test content

Phase 3: Development (Week 4-10)

  • Develop/adapt operator app for RedSquid
  • Implement RedSquid JavaScript API
  • Configure DRM license server
  • Implement analytics tracking
  • Test and optimize performance

Phase 4: Validation (Week 10-14)

  • Submit app for compatibility review
  • Complete Operator Acceptance Testing
  • Beta test with friendly customers
  • Address feedback and issues
  • Final compliance certification

Phase 5: Launch (Week 14-16)

  • Upload production app configuration
  • Configure rollout policy
  • Set up monitoring and alerts
  • Train support team
  • Launch to initial user base

Contact Information

RedSquid Technologies Ltd.