Samsung has announced that it has licensed the Reference Design Kit (RDK) from RDK Management to accelerate delivery of next-generation IP video onto new devices. RDK Management is a joint venture between Comcast and Time Warner Cable, with the aim of developing a standardized set of software bundles for set-top boxes.

The RDK is a pre-integrated software bundle, initially developed and licensed by Comcast to create a common framework for powering tru2way, IP or hybrid set-top boxes and gateway devices. The RDK’s software bundle can also power gateway devices, and other devices like connected TVs and other CE devices.

“One of our goals with the RDK program is to accelerate development of an advanced software solution throughout the industry, which allows MVPD’s the opportunity to provide enhanced user experiences across a broad set of STB, gateway, and SoC platforms," said Steve Heeb, President and General Manager of RDK Management, LLC. “Samsung’s support of the RDK helps expand it as global platform available to operators around the world.”

Samsung said it has already begun deploying set-tops based on the RDK but did not specify how many devices or boxes it was supporting, or which operators it would work with (Will update: at the TV of Tomorrow conference, Samsung said it is deploying with Comcast already). Comcast has been using the RDK as part of its own next-generation X1 next-gen set-tops that use cloud-based infrastructure and delivery.

In addition, using a common framework will allow cable operators to cut product development cycles to under a year, and allow for faster upgrades, and a larger poll of set-tops vendors to work with.

Since it was founded in 2012, RDK is supported by over 100 licensees, including OEMs, Systems Integrators, chip-makers and software vendors. Other set-top box vendors include Pace, Cisco and Arris (Motorola).