Set-Top-Box Software Development

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Set-Top-Box Application Development

We design and build AOSP-Based Operator Tier launchers and set-top-box software.

Fast, custom, certified.

Hybrid TV (OTT + DVB) Ready

We deliver hybrid TV experiences that merge OTT and DVB (C/T/S) into one seamless UI: unified channel lists and EPG, start-over/catch-up/NPVR, and instant deep links between live, replay, and VOD.

Third party integrations

We integrate third-party services like Netflix & Amazon Prime Video end-to-end: deep links, global search, recommendations and player intents. Our team handles certification, ESN/device identity & entitlement flows.

OEM Cooperation Experience

We work closely with OEMs such as Sagem, SDMC, and KaonMedia in building operator-tier launchers, including thorough testing of advanced features like video tunneling to ensure seamless device performance.

Google Assistant integration

We integrate Google Assistant on STB end-to-end: either locally or via Cloud-To-Cloud. Our launchers support natural-language commands like “show EPG”, “open guide”, or “tune to Channel 5”, plus rich content search.

Accessibility & EAA Compatibility

Our launchers are fully compatible with Accessibility standards and the European Accessibility Act (EAA), ensuring an inclusive user experience for all. They work seamlessly with screen readers like TalkBack.

Requirements & Certification

We are experienced with Operator Tier UX, Google’s requirements, and the certification process (including CTS tests), and work closely with OEMs to quickly resolve any issues and ensure fast time-to-market.

Proven Track Record

Decades of experience in the embedded and multimedia industries, delivering exceptional results.

Trusted by Industry Leaders

Successful implementations for major telecommunications operators and leading OTT providers.

Expert Team

A dedicated team of engineers specialising in STB software development and intricate hardware integration.

Project Excellence

From rapid prototyping to scalable production and comprehensive technical support, we manage projects with precision and expertise.

Why Us?

We combine deep expertise in Android TV, Operator Tier launchers, and Google certification to deliver fast, reliable, and branded TV solutions. Our team works hand-in-hand with leading OEMs to resolve issues quickly, streamline certification, and ensure seamless device performance.

With us, you get a trusted partner who accelerates time-to-market while keeping your brand at the center of the customer experience.

Why Operator Tier Launcher?

Custom UI

Operator Tier gives you full control of the home screen and content merchandising, instead of the “one-skin-fits-all” approach in Ref+. You can spotlight your live channels, VOD, and offers with your own rows/banners, navigation rules, and deep links to live/replay - without competing against a retail storefront.

Better Monetization

You own promo surfaces on the home screen, can place dynamic upsells (bundles, PPV, sports), seasonal merchandising, and ad integrations (AVOD/FAST, house ads). Precise targeting and conversion tracking tie engagement directly to ARPU - without feeding someone else’s platform.

Better Integrations with 3rd Parties

Deep integrations with Netflix and Prime Video (ESN, certification, deep links, Watch Next), Google Assistant, CAS/DRM (Widevine L1), billing, and analytics. Unified entity search, “tune to channel,” and instant, entitlement-aware playback across apps.

Reference Plus vs. Operator Tier Launcher

What it is

Google Services (GMS, Play Store, Cast, Assistant)

Content partner acceptance (Netflix, Prime, YouTube)

Time to Market

Control of UX

Flexibility (HW/SW)

Content Surfacing

Brand Visibility

Differentiation

Monetization

Customer Stickiness

Ref+

Google-certified device design (SoC + OEM STB/dongle)

Available

Easy (device already validated)

Fastest route - minimal customizations, ready-made hardware

Low

Low - hardware & software design is mostly fixed

Google controls recommendations and discovery

Device marketed as a “Google TV” or OEM box

Limited - similar to other Google TV retail boxes

Google owns app store placement and content discovery

Moderate - users associate device with Google ecosystem

Operator Tier

Special Google TV / Android TV mode allowing custom branded launcher

Available

Easy (Google ecosystem + your launcher, partners like visibility in curated surfaces)

Slightly slower - more certification steps, but still faster if built on Ref+

High - your branded launcher, with Google services underneath

High - custom hardware & software

Operator can promote own content first, customize rows, integrate linear channels, VOD, apps

Device home screen is your brand, not Google’s – customer journey starts with your UI

Strong - UI is unique, operator-branded, integrated with operator services

Operator can insert own promotions, upsell services, control discovery path

High - customers associate device with operator’s brand and content offering

The robust product now provides enhanced, comprehensive client interaction. Transparent, flexible, and engaged, N7 fostered a responsive and cohesive collaboration with the in-house team. The team reacted well to frequent changes and strives to deliver thoughtful, up-to-date solutions.

Kornel Zątek

Director of the Department of Service Development, Integration, and Subscriber Devices

Interested?

Let's start a project together

Our Extensions

Beyond the Launcher

Our complementary solutions accelerate delivery by automating end-to-end UI testing powered by AI and powering unified, content-aware discovery across live, replay, and VOD.

AI Tester
Our AI-driven tester automates end-to-end STB and Android TV testing by generating self-healing test steps from natural language input. It automatically detects errors, reduce QA cost and accelerate timely product delivery to production.
Content.Search
Our entity-aware content search & recommendation engine allows finding EPG, replays and VODs using content aware search, understanding synonymous, general knowledge and offers multilingual support.

Let's talk

FAQ

An Operator Tier launcher replaces the standard Google TV home screen with your own branded experience. It allows you to promote your content, apps, and services directly on the home screen, while still keeping access to the Google Play Store and Google services.

Yes. Operator Tier launchers are fully customizable, so you can apply your brand identity, colors, and layout to create a consistent look and feel for your customers.

Google certification is the process of verifying that a TV device meets Google’s technical, security, and user experience standards. Only certified devices can ship with Google Mobile Services, including the Play Store, YouTube, Chromecast, and Google Assistant. The certification ensures reliable performance, content protection (DRM), and compliance with requirements from both Google and major content providers.

The size of the team depends on the scope of your project, but typically a core Android TV launcher development team ranges from 3–6 specialists (Android developers, UX/UI designer, QA engineer), with additional support for certification and integration as needed.

The cost varies based on complexity and whether you choose a standard launcher or an Operator Tier solution with advanced features like recommendations and voice search. As a rule of thumb, a basic launcher may start in the tens of thousands of euros, while a fully customized Operator Tier launcher with certification support can be a six-figure investment.

Absolutely. Operator Tier launchers are Google-certified, which means customers continue to enjoy the Play Store, YouTube, Chromecast, and Google Assistant alongside your custom launcher.

From initial development to certification and market launch, projects usually take 6–12 months. The exact timeline depends on the complexity of the launcher, hardware choice, and the certification path (Ref vs Ref+).

You should plan for regular software updates, certification renewals, security patches, and maintenance of integrations with content partners. Costs vary, but maintaining compliance is essential for long-term market viability.

Yes. Operator Tier launchers give you control over content placement, so you can promote your own services, upsell VOD packages, or integrate advertising opportunities directly into the home screen experience.

Yes, provided the device meets Google’s certification requirements and passes the content providers’ own certification processes. We support you in ensuring compliance with both Google and major streaming partners.