RMAI

Rich Media Access Interface (RMAI)

 
The design philosophy underpinning ANT Galio Platform is that an open, simple and consistent framework enables rapid development and deployment of media applications, and that those applications should be both intuitive in behaviour, and consistent in their user interface. The Rich Media Access Interface (RMAI), an open API developed by ANT as part of the ANT Galio Suite, provides this consistent approach in dealing with a variety of media sources and formats, by allowing the developer to concentrate on the actions that can be performed, rather than the source or format of the media.Focussing on actions rather than type ensures the user is presented with a familiar and intuitive design wherever an application is used – IPTV, DVB, VOD, PVR or hybrid systems.
 
Design Objectives
  • Reduce the time taken to develop products and services
  • Reduce complexity in product design and development
  • Provide consistent application design across all platforms
  • Ensure new applications can co-exist with current services
  • Ensure future services can be quickly deployed
  • Ensure that deployed services can be easily updated and extended
The RMAI Solution
  • RMAI enables the rapid integration of multimedia applications with the ANT Galio Suite using an open, published API that is readily extended to include new requirements such as OIPF, or HbbTV profiles, or custom environments
  • RMAI uses a standards-based structure to create a familiar, simple, consistent framework for media applications
  • RMAI uses object based models to control and manipulate media and resources independent of source or format
  • RMAI ensures both application functionality and user interfaces are consistent across different platforms, improving usability
  • RMAI enables new services to be added using existing APIs, or by the addition of new modules or specifications
  • ANT Galio Suite provides an extensive roadmap of enhancements and extensions for content developers and service providers
How Does RMAI Simplify My Design Task?
 
The RMAI API offers a rich object model representing all the fundamental concepts familiar to the developer and the end user. These include low-level interfaces to streams and players and a high-level interface dealing with channels, programmes and recordings. Use of the higher-level APIs keeps application design as simple and as portable as possible.
 
RMAI introduces to the developer a consistent base set of APIs that enable developers to write applications that can run in a range of deployment scenarios, avoiding the need to consider media formats or delivery systems (e.g. IPTV, DVB-T or DVB-S), EPG data format, or VOD catalogue server choices. Optional extension APIs enable the designer to ensure specific requirements are supported for both OIPF and HbbTV, or for custom environments. In common with the Document Object Model, RMAI is divided into several modules. Seven different RMAI modules are currently defined: Core, DVR, Guide, Channel, DVR Scheduling, VOD, and Package Management.
 
ANT RMAICore Module
Providing high level access to basic TV features:
• Basic media playback and management
• Receiver settings and user preferences
• Parental control
Channel Module
Supporting named channels, regardless of the source:
• Access to high-level information about channels
• Management and filtering of channel lists
Guide Module
Providing information about programmes and EPG data, regardless of source:
• Access to high-level information about programmes
• Searching and querying of EPG data
• Asynchronous APIs means applications remain responsive
ANT RMAIBasic DVR Module
Providing low level APIs to support basic functionality:
• Basic recording and playback of media
• Time shifting of broadcast TV
DVR Scheduling Module
Extending the DVR functionality using features in the Channel and Guide modules:
• Schedule recordings based on EPG data
• Conflict detection and management
VOD Module
Providing access to VOD functionality, independent of the VOD head-end supplier:
• Browse and search VOD catalogues
• Purchase assets and subscribe to services
• View purchase history and current rentals
 
Package Management Module
Enabling download and storage of new applications, themes or UI languages
• Supports applications signalled in the broadcast stream (“red button” applications)
 
For more information on RMAI email rmai@antplc.com