Wyplay, creator of software solutions for pay-TV operators, and global semiconductor specialist STMicroelectronics have disclosed their contributions to the development of Canal+ Group’s new Cube S set-top-box.

The hybrid OTT / broadcast set-top-box runs Wyplay’s open source Frog Client middleware, integrated by Wyplay’s professional services team on top of a hardened Linux kernel with the Conditional Access and Digital Rights Management systems used by Canal+ Group to secure its DTT pay-TV bouquets and OTT streaming services. The middleware from Wyplay also provides an advanced HTML5 user interface and applications execution environment that underlies all the key features provided by the Cube S designed to make it stick with subscribers: on-demand and catch-up TV services, subscription VoD, third-party music streaming applications, control and casting from the MyCanal mobile application through a RESTful API, and a recommendation service called ‘Suggest’.The Cube S is powered by an STMicroelectronics STiH310 dual-core multimedia processor (Dual ARM Cortex-A9 ‘Cannes2’) bringing a computing power of over 7500 DMIPS, powerful graphics acceleration, and rich connectivity optimised with the Frog client.

“This is our third product collaboration with Canal+ Group,” said Jacques Bourgninaud, Wyplay CEO. “Never before had they gone so far in taking control of our open-source Frog software to develop the user interface and applications running on the Cube S device. This project also entailed a close cooperation with STMicroelectronics whose latest STiH310 chipset brings the most powerful set-top-boxes in its category.”

“Our STiH310 processor brings 10 times more processing power compared to the previous generation of Canal+ Group set-top-boxes, making the Cube S one of the most powerful and innovative hybrid devices,” said Philippe Notton, Group Vice President and General Manager, Consumer Product Division, STMicroelectronics.

“We had already successfully partnered with Wyplay for the upgrade of our installed base of set-top-boxes,” said Frédéric Vincent, Executive Vice President, Technology and Information Systems, Canal+ Group. “Our latest Cube S device, is the result of the effective collaboration with STMicroelectronics’ and Wyplay, delivering an unrivalled user experience to enjoy our whole live programming lineup together with our group’s on-demand catalogue.”