It was intended as a largely free and open-source digital media framework compatible with numerous operating systems and processors (including mobile phones) and it was started by RealNetworks, which contributed much of the code.

Developers from the Open Source Lab announced in 2007 they would use Helix technologies for content creation applications and collaboration in the One Laptop Per Child project.

[8][9] Helix DNA client contains support for the following media formats:[10] Helix DNA Client for Android provides an HLS, MPEG-DASH, Verimatrix DRM and Microsoft PlayReady DRM media player for Android 2.2 to latest devices.

Helix SDK is supplied as a library which is included within Android Java applications for over the air installation.

[17] The Helix DNA Producer contains output support for the following data types:[17][18] Developers who want MP3 encoding can license the code from RealNetworks for a fee.

[17] There is also an add-on package for Helix DNA Producer SDK with AAC or aacPlus encoding support.