The document introduces an upcoming Android-based satellite receiver and discusses the advantages of Android over Linux-based receivers. Android receivers have more processing power due to their ARM architecture and multiple kernel support. They are faster and more powerful than Linux receivers. While Linux is suitable for TV reception, Android is better suited for the advanced functions now expected in receivers, such as high-performance DVR, web browsing, and games. More Android receivers will likely be released as the platform can support more apps and has advantages over the limitations of Linux receivers.

1. TELE-satellite
International
t
The World’s Larges
zine
Dig ital TV Trade Maga
since 1981
Alexander Wiese
Publisher
.com
alex@TELE-satellite
y
HQ in Munich, German
Dear Readers,
I’m extremely excited that in this issue we are introducing one of are missing. And yet another point that speaks for Android and
the first Android-based receivers. And if you read this issue of TELE- that many users don’t even know about: the color depth with Linux
satellite a little closer, you’ll discover another article that also has receivers is extremely limited (not the TV picture but rather the
to do with Android, to be more exact, it’s about a chipset that was color selection in the menus). Currently this turns out to be the
developed for Android receivers. This suggests that more Android- knockout punch if you want to use the receiver, for example, to
based receivers will soon become available. play games. There are no such limitations with Android; even 3D
games are possible. In this way the Android receiver can become
What makes Android so special? We are in no way disappointed the gaming center at home.
with Linux-based receivers and we’ve already introduced numerous
Linux devices and will continue to do so. The Linux-based system Android is used in many SmartPhones and tablets; there are
is perfect for receivers that are optimized for TV reception. That seemingly an unlimited number of Apps and there are drivers for
is a Linux receiver’s strong point but at the same time it’s also almost everything. This means that a receiver with Android is
a weak spot: the demands of receiver continue to rise. Receivers instantly understood by everyone and that every familiar App on
are becoming true media centers and this ends up highlighting the a SmartPhone or Tablet can also be used on an Android receiver.
weaknesses of Linux receivers more and more. Even the swipe function can be integrated in an Android receiver,
for example, via an appropriate remote control or you simply use a
The operating systems in Linux receivers run on chips with a single SmartPhone with a remote control App.
kernel and quite often with a clock frequency of 300 MHz. Higher
frequencies are hard to find. Android receivers, that use a chip The advantages of Android are not with TV reception but rather with
based on the ARM architecture, are able to use multiple kernels and all of the additional functions that are expected in today’s modern
have a clock frequency of more than 1 GHz. In other words, Android receivers. In the end, Android is the new Linux.
receivers are much faster and more powerful.
This enormous increase in capacity is not needed to watch TV. But
it comes into play when, for example, the PVR function in HD is
used. Another example would be a receiver’s web browser. Under Alexander Wiese
Linux it would only have a limited use; sufficient memory and Flash Editor-in-Chief TELE-satellite International
TELE
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Copyright © 2012 by TELE-satellite ISSN 1435-7003
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