See also
- Smart TV
- Digital media player
- Home theater PC
- Comparison of digital media players
- Next Generation Broadcasting Network TVOS, a Chinese-only operating system announced in December 2008 [69]
The following list encompasses notable smart TV platforms and application software that are used as software framework and middleware platforms used by more than just one manufacturer.
For TV sets and companion boxes vendors, available under OEM license.
| Framework | Managed by | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| HbbTV | HbbTV Association | An HTML5-based application framework middleware software platform provided by the Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV association. |
| CE-HTML | CEA (Consumer Electronics Association) | As part of Web4CE. |
| OIPF | Open IPTV Forum | As of June 2014, OIPF is now part of the HbbTV Association. |
| Tru2way | CableLabs |
| Framework | Managed by | Used by | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android TV |
| Gives access to Android apps through the Play Store. | |
| Boxee | Boxee, Inc | D-Link | Popular fork of the Kodi/XBMC media center software with custom graphical user interface and some proprietary application framework for apps. [3] [4] |
| Fire TV | Amazon |
| |
| Firefox OS for TV, My Home Screen | Mozilla | Panasonic | Panasonic's Smart TVs, including their new 4K TVs, continue to feature Mozilla's open source Firefox OS, despite Mozilla lowering its development priority on developing the operating system. [5] Panasonic is continuing to develop their fork, calling it My Home Screen while Mozilla has stated that they will continue to support and work with Panasonic [6] [7] |
| Frog | Wyplay | SFR | Used by some IPTV operators, such as SFR in France on its set-top-box |
| Google TV (original, not to be confused with 2020-released interface gradually replacing Android TV) |
| Android-based platform. [8] Its development stopped in 2013 [9] and it is replaced by Chromecast and Android TV. | |
| Horizon TV | Liberty Global | A cross-platform platform based fork of the Kodi/XBMC media center software with proprietary middleware framework for video on demand and handling DRM for streaming cable television channels. | |
| httvLink | HTTV |
| HbbTV-compliant |
| Inview | Inview Technology Ltd |
| Connects an ordinary TV (or set-top box) to get IPTV. [10] [11] |
| JRiver | JRiver | Runs on Windows, OSX, Linux, and Android. Features similar to Plex or Kodi. Closed source. | |
| Kodi Entertainment Center (formerly XBMC / Xbox Media Center) | XBMC Foundation | Kodi/XBMC is royalty-free and cross-platform. The core code is written in C++ and is open-source licensed under GNU GPL v2. It offers the possibility for easy rebranding by an original design manufacturer (ODM) or original equipment manufacturer (OEM), with customizing of interface look and feel using skins, and simple plug-ins from third-party developers, available via Python scripts for content extensions. Due to these reasons, many systems integrators have created modified versions of Kodi, along with a JeOS (just enough operating system) made for Kodi/XBMC that are mostly used as a software appliance suite in a variety of devices including smart TVs, set-top boxes, digital signage, hotel television systems, in-flight entertainment platforms, and network connected digital media players. | |
| MeeGo | Nokia, The Linux Foundation | Middleware for smart TV. Now split into Tizen, Mer, and Sailfish OS) [12] (Linux Foundation, Intel, AMD [13] ), currently based on a derivative fork of Kodi/XBMC media center software [14] [15] [16] [17] | |
| Mediaroom | Ericsson (formerly Microsoft) | Offered by 90 operators around the world | Middleware for pay-TV operators [18] [19] [20] |
| OpenTV | Nagravision |
| Middleware for pay-TV operators |
| TiVo OS | TiVo (part of Xperi) |
| Independent, neutral media platform that is content-first and respects OEMs branding. |
| Vewd (formerly Opera TV) | Vewd (part of Xperi) |
| |
| VIDAA | VIDAA International |
| Smart TV operating system giving access to 250+ global & local content apps. |
| Oregan Media Browser 5 | Oregan Networks |
| Middleware for pay-TV operators, deployed by large telecoms and cable operators such as BT and Telefónica on hybrid STBs. |
| Plex | Plex, Inc | Closed-source cross-platform media center with proprietary streaming functionality to numerous devices. Started out as a popular fork of the Kodi/XBMC media center software. | |
| PowerUp Suite | Zodiac Interactive |
| Middleware, presentation engine, low level adaptation, back office mediation for Tier 1 through Tier 3 pay TV operators |
| Roku OS | Roku, Inc. |
| Roku OS is an operating system that runs on Roku branded smart TVs, streaming players, and smart speakers. Roku calls it a "customized user experience built on top of an embedded Linux kernel". [54] |
| RDK (Reference Development Kit) | RDK Management, LLC |
| |
| Smart TV Alliance | Smart TV Alliance |
| A common SDK for TV app development and publishing for TV vendors. |
| Titan OS | Titan Operating System, S.L. | Philips (TP Vision) | |
| Tizen OS | Samsung | Samsung | For newer Samsung TVs |
| ToFu Media Platform | Pivos |
| Cross-platform fork of Kodi/XBMC media center licensed to third parties and other commercial partners as OEM. |
| Ubuntu TV | Canonical | Ubuntu operating system [55] [56] [57] based platform, with Unity Next user interface for TV. | |
| Virtuoso | RCA | RCA | A closed source operating system that supports only 2.4 GHz Wifi, offers apps Netflix, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Pandora, Accuweather and Mirracast screen share. |
| Yahoo! Smart TV (formerly Yahoo! Connected TV) | Yahoo! |
| |
| Shijiu TV | Shijiu, Inc |
| Middleware for internet TV. A cross-platform high-performance OpenGL based HTML5 engine licensed to third parties and other commercial partners as OEM. Also known as 'QCast'. |
Includes first and third-party solutions.
| Vendor | Platform | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| Aiwa | Roku OS | For TV sets sold in Mexico and elsewhere from 2022 onwards. [21] [22] |
| Amazon | Fire TV | For Fire TV devices, including Fire TV Stick. |
| AOC | Roku OS | For TV sets sold in Brazil, Chile, Peru and elsewhere from 2020 onwards. [23] |
| Apple | tvOS | For Apple TV devices. iOS-based, with an app store. For Apple TV generation 4 and later. |
| Apple TV Software | For Apple TV devices, generations 1 to 3. iOS-based. Initially based on Mac OS X Tiger and Front Row. | |
| Atvio from Walmart | Roku OS | For TV sets sold in Mexico and elsewhere from 2019 onwards. [24] |
| Britânia | Roku OS | For TV sets sold in Brazil and elsewhere. [25] |
| Caixun | Roku OS | For TV sets sold in Chile [26] |
| Cello | webOS | For TV sets sold in United Kingdom |
| CHiQ | Roku OS | For TV sets sold in Germany [27] |
| coocaa | Roku OS | For TV sets sold in Germany and elsewhere. [28] |
| Daewoo | Roku OS | For TV sets sold in Mexico and elsewhere from 2022 onwards. [29] |
| Element Electronics | Roku OS | For TV sets sold in the US and elsewhere. [30] |
| FFALCON | Roku OS | For TV sets sold in Australia [31] |
| Chromecast | For Chromecast HDMI dongles. | |
| Haier | Roku OS | For TV sets. [32] |
| Hisense | Android TV | For TV sets. |
| Roku OS | For TV sets sold in the US, Canada, Mexico, the UK and elsewhere. [33] | |
| VIDAA / VIDAA U | For TV sets. | |
| Hitachi | Roku OS | For TV sets sold in the US and elsewhere. [34] |
| HKPro | Roku OS | For TV sets sold in the Mexico and elsewhere. [35] |
| Huawei/Honor | HarmonyOS | For TV sets. |
| InFocusTV | Roku OS | For TV sets sold in the US and elsewhere. [36] |
| Insignia | Roku OS | For TV sets sold in the US and elsewhere. [36] |
| JVC | Roku OS | For TV sets sold in the US, Canada, Mexico and elsewhere. [38] |
| LG | webOS Smart TV | Current solution for TV sets. Used on Smart TVs released after 2014. [58] |
| NetCast | Former solution for TV sets. Used on Smart TVs released before 2014. [59] [60] [61] [62] [63] | |
| Roku OS | For TV sets sold in the US and elsewhere. [39] | |
| Magnavox | Roku OS | For TV sets. [40] |
| METZ blue | Roku OS | For TV sets sold in Germany, the UK and elsewhere. [41] |
| Microsoft | Xbox One | For Xbox One game console. More Smart TV features and TV apps expected with the Windows 10 update, that include the Windows Universal App Store. |
| Xbox 360 | For Xbox 360 game console, with smart TV features. | |
| Netgear | NeoTV | For NeoTV streaming players. |
| Nvidia | Android TV | For Nvidia Shield TVs. |
| onn. from Walmart | Roku OS | For TV sets sold in the US, Canada, Mexico and elsewhere. [42] |
| Polaroid | Roku OS | For TV sets sold in Mexico, the UK and elsewhere from 2023 onwards. [45] |
| Panasonic | Viera Cast and Viera Connect | For TV sets. The newer TV models now use the Firefox OS TV platform (no longer vendor specific). |
| My Home Screen | For TV sets. | |
| Android TV | For TV sets. Since 2020. | |
| Fire TV | For TV sets. Since 2023. | |
| Philco | Roku OS | For TV sets sold in Brazil and elsewhere from 2021 onwards. [43] |
| Philips | Android TV | For TV sets. |
| Roku OS | For TV sets in the US, Canada, Mexico and elsewhere. | |
| Net TV | Former solution for TV sets. The newer TV models use the Android TV platform | |
| RCA | Roku OS | For TV sets in the US, Argentina, Australia, Canada, the UK and elsewhere. [46] |
| Roku | Roku OS | For Roku TV sets. Also for Roku TV Streaming Sticks and Players. [47] |
| Samsung | Tizen OS for TV | For newer TV sets. |
| Samsung Smart TV (Orsay OS [64] ) | Former solution for TV sets and connected Blu-ray players. Now replaced by Tizen OS. [65] | |
| Sansui | Roku OS | For TV sets sold in Mexico and elsewhere from 2022 onwards. [48] |
| Sanyo | Roku OS | For TV sets sold in the US, Mexico and elsewhere. [49] |
| Sharp | Android TV | For TV sets. |
| AQUOS NET+ | Former solution for TV sets. | |
| Roku OS | For TV sets sold in the US, Germany, Mexico, the UK and elsewhere. [50] | |
| SmartCentral | Former solution for TV sets. | |
| Sony | Android TV | For TV sets. |
| PlayStation TV with Sony Entertainment Network | For PlayStation game console. [66] [67] | |
| Sony Internet TV (Sony Apps) | Former solution for TV sets. The newer TV models use the Android TV platform (no longer vendor specific). | |
| Spectra | Roku OS | For TV sets sold in Mexico and elsewhere. [51] |
| TCL | Android TV | For TV sets. The newer TV models use the Roku TV platform |
| Roku OS | For TV sets sold in the US, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Mexico, the UK and elsewhere. [52] | |
| Smart TV 2 | Former solution for TV sets. | |
| TiVo | TiVo | For TiVo DVR box. |
| Toshiba | Android TV | For TV sets. |
| Toshiba Places | Former solution for TV sets. | |
| VIDAA | For TV sets [68] | |
| Sling Media | Slingbox | For Slingbox set-top-boxes. |
| Skyworth | Android TV | For TV sets. |
| Vizio | SmartCast | For TV sets. |
| Western Digital | WD TV | For WD TV boxes. |
| Westinghouse | Android TV | For TV sets. |
| Fire TV | For TV sets. | |
| Roku OS | For TV sets sold in the US, Canada and elsewhere. [53] | |
| Samba TV | Former solution for TV sets. | |
| Xiaomi | PatchWall based on Android | For TV sets in mainland China, India, Indonesia |
| Android TV | For TV sets in global markets (models: 5ASP/5ARU/6ARG), Mi Box line of set top boxes and Xiaomi TV Stick line of streaming dongles. |
LG Electronics Inc. is a South Korean multinational major appliance and consumer electronics corporation headquartered in Yeouido-dong, Seoul, South Korea. LG Electronics is a part of LG Corporation, the fourth largest chaebol in South Korea, and often considered as the pinnacle of LG Corp with the group's chemical and battery division LG Chem. It comprises four business units: home entertainment, mobility, home appliances & air solutions, and business solutions. LG Electronics acquired Zenith in 1995 and is the largest shareholder of LG Display, the world's largest display company by revenue in 2020. LG Electronics is also the world's second largest television manufacturer behind Samsung Electronics. The company has 128 operations worldwide, employing 83,000 people.
Kodi is a free and open-source media player and technology convergence software application developed by the Kodi Foundation, a non-profit technology consortium. Kodi is available for multiple operating systems and hardware platforms, with a software 10-foot user interface for use with televisions and remote controls. It allows users to play and view most streaming media, such as videos, music, podcasts, and videos from the Internet, as well as all common digital media files from local and network storage media, or TV gateway viewer.
A home theater PC (HTPC) or media center computer is a convergent device that combines some or all the capabilities of a personal computer with a software application that focuses on video, photo, audio playback, and sometimes video recording functionality. Since the mid-2000s, other types of consumer electronics, including game consoles and dedicated media devices, have crossed over to manage video and music content. The term "media center" also refers to specialized application software designed to run on standard personal computers.
Now is a subscription over-the-top streaming television service launched in the United Kingdom in 2012. It is operated by Sky Group in Europe, and Xfinity in the US; both owned by the American media conglomerate Comcast.
Vizio Holding Corp. is an American publicly traded company that designs and sells televisions, sound bars, viewer data, and advertising. The company was founded in 2002 and is based in Irvine, California. In February 2024, it entered into an agreement to be acquired by Walmart, so Walmart can expand advertising sales in video content that streams for free on Vizio devices.
Moblin, short for 'mobile Linux', is a discontinued open source operating system and application stack for Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs), netbooks, nettops and embedded devices.
Wireless Home Digital Interface (WHDI) is a consumer electronic specification for a wireless HDTV connectivity throughout the home.
webOS, also known as LG webOS and previously known as Open webOS,HP webOS and Palm webOS, is a Linux kernel-based multitasking operating system for smart devices such as smart TVs that has also been used as a mobile operating system. Initially developed by Palm, Inc., HP made the platform open source, at which point it became Open webOS.
4K resolution refers to a horizontal display resolution of approximately 4,000 pixels. Digital television and digital cinematography commonly use several different 4K resolutions. In television and consumer media, 3840 × 2160 with a 16:9 aspect ratio is the dominant 4K standard, whereas the movie projection industry uses 4096 × 2160.
A smart TV, also known as a connected TV (CTV), is a traditional television set with integrated Internet and interactive Web 2.0 features that allow users to stream music and videos, browse the internet, and view photos. Smart TVs are a technological convergence of computers, televisions, and digital media players. Besides the traditional functions of television sets provided through traditional broadcasting media, these devices can provide access to over-the-top media services such as streaming television and internet radio, along with home networking access.
Toon Goggles is an American on-demand entertainment service for children that provides animated cartoons, live-action shows, games and music worldwide via the web and mobile applications on smartphones, OTT devices, smart TVs and tablets, led by CEO and co-founder Stephen Hodge.
Yahoo! Smart TV was a Smart TV platform developed by Yahoo! based upon the Yahoo! Desktop Widgets (Konfabulator) platform. Yahoo! Connected TV announced on August 20, 2008, at the Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco as the Widget Channel, it integrated the Yahoo! Widgets Engine with a new television oriented user interface to enable Internet connected applications to run and display on a 10-foot user interface. The platform was slowly being abandoned by its manufacturers, and was eventually deprecated. New apps that were based on Konfabulator stopped being added effective March 30, 2018, but existing apps can still be updated and installed, and HTML5 based apps are not affected by this.
Acetrax was a video on demand company which was founded in the UK and Switzerland and incorporated as a Swiss company in Zürich in 2006. The company was later acquired by Sky, a British telecommunications company. The company provided over-the-top (OTT) content in Europe, for connected TVs. As of 2011, the company claimed to have their contents on TVs in 282 million households, in 48 countries.
Miracast is a wireless communications standard created by the Wi-Fi Alliance which is designed to transmit video and sound from devices to display receivers. It uses Wi-Fi Direct to create an ad hoc encrypted wireless connection and can roughly be described as "HDMI over Wi-Fi", replacing cables in favor of wireless. Miracast is utilised in many devices and is used or branded under various names by different manufacturers, including Smart View, SmartShare, screen mirroring, Cast and Connect, wireless display and screen casting.
Roku is a brand of consumer electronics that includes streaming players, smart TVs, as well as a free TV streaming service. The brand is owned by Roku, Inc, an American company. As of 2024, Roku is the leading streaming TV distributor in the U.S., reaching nearly 120 million people.
Google TV is a digital distribution service for movies and television series developed by Google. It was announced in September 2020, offering search and discovery of video titles across multiple streaming services, including rental or purchase options, alongside watchlist features for accessing titles from eligible devices and platforms. The buy, rent, or preorder options were shared with the predecessor Google Play Movies & TV, which has since moved to the newer service.
Giraffic is a Tel Aviv-based company that had developed "Adaptive Video Acceleration” (AVA) software to improve the performance of streaming video. It sold primarily to OTT Video Apps Providers and to Consumer Electronics Device Manufacturers, such as LG, ZTE and Samsung.
The Apple TV app is a line of media player software programs developed by Apple Inc. for viewing television shows and films delivered by Apple to consumer electronic devices. It can stream content from the iTunes Store, the Apple TV Channels a la carte video on demand service, and the Apple TV+ original content subscription service. On iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Vision Pro, and Apple TV devices it can also index and access content from linked apps of other video on demand services.
The Roku OS is an operating system software developed by Roku Inc. It has powered consumer electronics products such as Roku-branded streaming players and smart TVs since 2004. The operating system leads the U.S. smart TV sector and reports 70 million users, as of 2023.