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.”
MAM
Ritz Media World appoints Neeti Bhargava as chief content and client solutions officer
Seasoned radio leader to steer content and client strategy in AI era
NEW DELHI: Ritz Media World has appointed Neeti Bhargava as chief content and client solutions officer, strengthening its leadership team as brands ramp up investment in content-led, multi-platform engagement.
With more than 18 years in radio, media and content creation, Bhargava brings a storyteller’s instinct and a strategist’s eye to the role. Her career spans leading radio networks such as Red FM 93.5, Reliance Big FM 92.7 and My FM of the Dainik Bhaskar Group, where she shaped on-air formats, refined programming strategy and curated music and listener engagement initiatives that resonated beyond the airwaves.
Over time, her remit expanded from studio consoles to brand consoles. She has led voice-driven campaigns, crafted branded content, developed digital formats and delivered live experiences, blending creativity with commercial clarity. Her experience across content production, marketing strategy and creative leadership has given her a keen understanding of how audiences interact with brands across platforms.
In her new role as chief content and client solutions officer, Bhargava will oversee the agency’s content strategy and work closely with clients to design integrated campaigns spanning audio, digital and on-ground platforms. She will also guide internal teams to ensure consistency, quality and clarity in brand communication.
Ritz Media World founder Ritz Malik, said Bhargava’s cross-platform expertise comes at a pivotal moment for the industry. As marketing becomes increasingly data-informed and supported by AI tools, he noted, the need for authentic and well-crafted storytelling has only intensified. Her leadership, he said, will help the agency deliver campaigns that are both creatively strong and strategically sound.
Bhargava said today’s content landscape is shaped by evolving consumption patterns and technology-led media planning. While AI enhances efficiency and insight, she emphasised that compelling storytelling remains central to meaningful brand engagement. She added that she is excited to contribute to building integrated content that connects with audiences across formats.
The appointment reflects Ritz Media World’s focus on sharpening its content capabilities as brands seek smarter, data-backed ways to stay relevant in an increasingly crowded media marketplace.
