MAM
Irdeto partners with Amlogic, Skyworth to launch production-ready Hybrid STB Reference Design Programme
MUMBAI – Android TV, with the extensive Google app store is already playing an influential role in pay TV, as operators are under pressure to increase consumer choice, reduce cost and speed up time to market. To address these challenges, Irdeto has partnered with Amlogic, a leading fabless semiconductor company, and Skyworth Digital, the world’s largest set-top box (STB) manufacturer, to launch a production-ready hybrid STB reference design under Google’s Android TV program.
This provides operators with a pre-certified, cost-efficient hybrid Android TV platform that reduces launch time by up to six months. It is easier to maintain and provides a future-proof platform for operators to launch new business models.
“Under the Google program, we are delivering an Android TV production-ready hybrid STB reference design which will allow operators to simplify integration, speed up time to market and ensure a great user experience,” said Amlogic Corporate Business Strategy Senior Vice President
James Xie . “Through our partnership with Irdeto and Skyworth, we are also ensuring the highest levels of security to meet the most demanding premium content requirements, whilst ensuring operators have full control. In addition, the total product lifecycle is managed, including the update process, which provides significant savings to the operator.”
The lynchpin of this production-ready hybrid STB reference design is security. With Irdeto Armor, operators can provide a great Android TV experience – giving consumers both broadcast TV and the OTT apps they crave – while ensuring the highest levels of security for premium content delivery. Part of Irdeto Armor, App Watch also prevents the use of malicious and pirate apps or add-ons on the STB, a challenge that must be addressed when giving consumers access to open app stores.
“We’ve seen hybrid Android TV STBs as strategic additions to operators’ portfolio, enabling operators to launch premium services at the speed and cost-efficiency they couldn’t achieve on proprietary platforms,” said Irdeto Strategic Partnerships, Business Development and Marketing Vice President Steeve Huin . “With more at stake, operators must ensure the best security for both the content and the platform, including protection from malicious and pirate apps and add-ons on the set-top box. This partnership provides a secure, production-ready hybrid STB reference design that is pre-certified, meaning that operators will see an even quicker deployment for Android TV.”
“Fast deployment at scale is essential for operators looking to launch premium services and content,” said Skyworth Digital Strategic Partnerships, Sales and Marketing Vice President Charlie Zheng. “This partnership enables quick and easy deployment of new and innovative Android TV STBs, based on a single design, with trusted security implemented at the core. This provides operators with the assurance that their services can be easily maintained and are protected from pirates looking to implement malicious apps and supply illegal content.”
Brands
Muthoot FinCorp names Arun Kumar COO & Harjit Singh Takkar chief distribution officer
Leadership hires to boost operations and widen pan-India reach
THIRUVANANTHPURAM: Muthoot FinCorp has strengthened its top deck with the appointment of Arun Kumar B as chief operating officer and Harjit Singh Takkar as chief distribution officer, sharpening its focus on scale, speed and service as it pushes into its next phase of growth.
The flagship financial services arm of the 138-year-old Muthoot Pappachan Group, popularly known as Muthoot Blue, is expanding both muscle and mindset. With more than 3,750 branches nationwide and its digital platform, the Muthoot FinCorp ONE app, the company is betting on tighter execution and wider reach to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive lending market.
Arun Kumar B steps in with nearly two decades of experience cutting across financial services, technology transformation and customer analytics. He previously worked with CreditAccess Grameen, where he led enterprise-wide technology and data strategy initiatives and played a pivotal role during a major merger in the microfinance space. His work spanned integrating operations and products while scaling lending and non-credit offerings such as insurance and pensions.
At Muthoot FinCorp, Arun will steer operational excellence and strategic growth initiatives, aligning teams and processes to deliver sharper efficiency across the business. A gold medallist from Anna University and a postgraduate from IIM Indore, he also holds certifications in design thinking, Blue Ocean Strategy and business analytics.
Harjit Singh Takkar takes on the newly created role of chief distribution officer, reporting directly to the chief executive officer. The position is designed to energise the company’s distribution engine and bring greater governance and agility across its branch network.
Takkar brings over 28 years of retail banking experience, having held senior leadership roles at IndusInd Bank, Bandhan Bank, Yes Bank and ICICI Bank. Known for scaling branch networks and building high-performing teams, he combines distribution expertise with governance depth as a qualified company secretary with a master’s degree in finance and control.
In his new role, Takkar will oversee branch business and distribution channels, with a clear brief to expand reach, lift productivity and reinforce the company’s pan-India presence.
Commenting on the appointments, Muthoot FinCorp Ltd. chief executive officer Shaji Varghese, said the company continues to invest in leadership as it scales. “Our purpose is to improve the financial well-being of the common man. As we grow, strengthening leadership across key functions is important to ensure consistency in execution and customer experience,” he said.
With complementary strengths in operations and distribution now in place, Muthoot FinCorp appears set to move from steady expansion to sharper acceleration, backed by people, process and technology working in concert.
