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Netflix Player Uses Qt for Embedded Linux

By Nathesh, TMCnet Contributing Editor

An announcement from Trolltech (News - Alert) has stated that Roku has deployed Qt for Embedded Linux on Roku’s newly released Netflix player. The Netflix Player by Roku is a device that enables Netflix subscribers to instantly stream a growing library of movies and TV episodes from Netflix directly to the TV. Roku claims that customers can enjoy ease of use and simplicity with out high costs.

 

Trolltech provides cross-platform software development frameworks and application platforms. Trolltech's Qt is used in popular software such as Skype, Google (News - Alert) Earth, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Lucasfilm and customers worldwide. Trolltech's Qtopia has enabled a new generation of exciting consumer devices such as mobile handsets, video-phones, set-top boxes and media players.

 

Trolltech claims that their products enable companies to easily build and deploy software across a wide range of operating systems and electronic devices.

 

Roku is a supplier of innovative and easy to use digital media products. Their products include the Netflix Player by Roku and SoundBridge Internet radio line and also the B2B digital signage and kiosk solutions, the BrightSign line.

 

"As we developed the Netflix Player by Roku we were keenly focused on creating the best possible user experience for Netflix's eight million-plus customers," said Tim Twerdahl, vice president of consumer products, Roku.

 

"Qt provided us with the tools to implement our elegant and powerful user interface quickly, providing an important time-to-market advantage,” added Twerdahl.

 

Qt for Embedded Linux, formerly known as Qtopia Core, is an application framework for single-purpose devices powered by embedded Linux. Manufactures can design devices to required need using the Qt for Embedded environment. The future proof Qt software allows developers to code less, create more and deploy anywhere.

 

Qt’s efficient user interface and reduced time to market abilities are the reasons Roku decided to utilize Qt’s services. Qt can also support multiple operating systems and devices from a single codebase. As with all versions of Qt, developers are able to focus on building the core value of each product, instead of platform-specific maintenance.

 

Roku asserts that the Netflix player is assured to work with any kind of TV- standard or HD. With standard RCA jacks, S-video, component video, HDMI, and optical audio, the Player will work with virtually any TV, AV receiver, or home theater system.

 

For more information on Netflix player by Roku visit www.roku.com/netflixplayer and on Trolltech's offerings for consumer electronics, please visit http://trolltech.com/solutions/ce-mobile-vendors.

  

Nathesh is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Nathesh’s articles, please visit his columnist page.