Apr 21, 2026

EKT’s Linux-Based Set Top Boxes Emerge as the Strategic Alternative Amidst Global Memory Price Crisis

Las Vegas

𝗘𝗞𝗧’𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘅-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝗕𝗼𝘅𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗺𝗶𝗱𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘀

LASVEGAS — As the global Set Top Box (STB), market grapples with a volatile memory price crisis, that began six months ago, EKT - your STB partner has reported a significant surge in demand for its Linux-based IPTV/OTT and hybrid Set Top Box (STB) solutions.

The ongoing crisis has sent shockwaves through the industry, particularly impacting the Android STB market. Devices that traditionally retailed for $30 have seen costs skyrocket to nearly $100. In contrast, EKT’s proprietary Linux-based architecture requires significantly less memory to operate than heavy Android-based counterparts, allowing EKT to bypass the most severe price hikes and offer a more stable, cost-effective solution to operators worldwide.

𝗔 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

Richard Smith, CEO of EKT, believes the industry is currently in a state of "wait and see," which may prove to be a strategic miscalculation for many.

"I think many Android-based operators will hold off ordering new STBs for the next six months, believing that the current memory crisis is temporary," said Richard. "In six months' time, they will realise that the new pricing is here to stay. They will realise they need to order new Set Top Boxes, and EKT’s Linux product can offer a robust, affordable solution."

𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀

Beyond cost savings, the shift to Linux may provide a timely opportunity for operators to address growing concerns regarding content security and infrastructure costs. Many Android-based operators currently utilize compromised Digital Rights Management (DRM) systems, leading to:

· 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝘀𝘀: High levels of content piracy.

· 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻: Massive amounts of CDN capacity being consumed by unauthorized users.

By transitioning to EKT’s Linux solution, operators can implement more secure DRM protocols, reclaiming their bandwidth and protecting their bottom line.

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻

The market shift is also prompting a strategic pivot for traditional broadcasters. Richard noted that the crisis is causing a re-evaluation of long-term roadmaps.

"Some of our DVB cable operators, who previously decided to stop ordering new cable STBs in order to focus solely on OTT, may now decide to resume traditional cable network expansion again," Richard added. The efficiency of Linux-based hybrid boxes allows these operators to maintain their legacy infrastructure while still providing a modern user experience without the prohibitive costs associated with current high-memory hardware.

EKT will be showcasing throughout the NAB Show at the ATSC booth in Central Hall, C1655. Attendees are invited to visit the stand for a guided demo of the architecture, capabilities, and integration opportunities.