Hillcrest Labs secures RDK license from Comcast

ROCKVILLE, Md. — Hillcrest Labs, the leading global supplier of software and hardware for motion-enabled products, today announced it is the first motion control technology provider to license the Reference Design Kit (RDK) software stack from Comcast. The RDK is a pre-integrated software bundle that creates a common framework for powering tru2way(®), IP or hybrid set-top boxes (STBs), and video gateway devices. The RDK initiative is intended to speed the development and deployment of next-gen video services such as cloud-based functionality, and enhanced guide experiences with richer graphics and better search capabilities. The agreement enables Hillcrest to provide software development, integration and testing services to OEMs, semiconductor manufacturers, software vendors, software integrators and MVPDs who are planning to take advantage of the RDK.

“Leveraging our depth and breadth of experience as a worldwide leader in motion-enabled products, Hillcrest is excited to be the first motion control technology supplier to support the RDK,” said Dan Simpkins, Chairman, Founder and CEO, Hillcrest Labs. “We are proud to embrace this cooperative effort to help operators, developers and device vendors innovate at a fast pace, with more intuitive and interactive user experiences.”

“One of our goals with the RDK program is to accelerate development of an advanced software solution throughout the industry, and provide enhanced user experiences across a broad set of STB, gateway, and system-on-a-chip (SoC) platforms,” said Steve Reynolds, Senior Vice President, CPE and Home Network, Comcast. “Motion control technology can be a compelling way for operators, developers and device manufacturers to create and deliver richer, more compelling multiscreen TV experiences. With Hillcrest’s support, we look forward to strengthening our commitment to providing integrated solutions that help move the industry forward in the next wave of consumer TV interactivity.”

Hillcrest’s patented Freespace(®) MotionEngine(™)software is a fully featured motion processing software product that can be added to a wide range of devices, including STBs, Smart TVs, Blu-ray and streaming media players, smartphones and tablets, game controllers, and more. The MotionEngine software interfaces with an array of MEMS sensors, including accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetic sensors, to produce high quality, application-ready motion data for a variety of use cases.

Companies that have licensed Freespace for use in their products include: Atmel, Eastman Kodak, LG Electronics, Logitech, Roku, SMK Electronics, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., TCL Multimedia, Universal Electronics (UEI), and more. Hillcrest has a worldwide intellectual property portfolio that includes over 100 granted and 200 filed patents

Hillcrest will demonstrate its Freespace MotionEngine software at NCTA’s The Cable Show, June 10-12 in Washington, DC.