UpdateLogic

Founded in 2003 and formerly known as Broadcast Data Corporation, UpdateLogic carved out a specific niche in the consumer electronics sector by providing device management systems. The company's primary business involved offering software update services that allowed television manufacturers and cable operators to deliver patches and upgrades directly to consumers' digital television receivers.

UpdateLogic's core technology, UpdateTV™, was engineered to automate the distribution of software updates over both terrestrial and cable television networks. This service was designed to be transparent to the end-user, requiring no consumer intervention to maintain the functionality and reliability of digital TVs. The system was built upon the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) A/97 Software Data Download Specification Standard, ensuring a standardized method for proactively updating a device's entire software stack.

As the market evolved towards internet-connected devices, UpdateLogic expanded its offerings under the NetReady™ brand. This service platform provided a more comprehensive suite of device management solutions, enabling manufacturers to remotely provision, update, support, and manage products like Smart TVs, Blu-ray players, and set-top boxes. Key services included Digital Rights Management (DRM) key provisioning, software and firmware updates, remote customer support, and device data analytics. The business model was centered on providing these services to leading consumer electronics manufacturers, with its embedded software integrated into the System-on-Chip (SoC) platforms of many devices. This approach aimed to reduce costs for manufacturers associated with product returns and on-site support.

In May 2014, Silicon Image (NASDAQ: SIMG) completed the acquisition of the privately held UpdateLogic for $13.5M. The acquisition was a strategic move for Silicon Image to expand its portfolio from integrated circuits and intellectual property into software and services, adding a recurring revenue stream. Following the acquisition, UpdateLogic was set to operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary under its existing name.

Keywords: device management systems, software updates, consumer electronics, digital television, firmware over-the-air, UpdateTV, NetReady, remote device management, ATSC, embedded software, set-top boxes, smart TV, silicon image, broadcast data corporation, remote support, DRM key provisioning, software as a service, IoT device management, CE manufacturers, system-on-chip