Hornets Tech launches SDI and ST 2110 conversion hardware for live production
Hornets Tech has announced the upcoming launch of a new hardware range featuring SDI and ST 2110 encoders and decoders, alongside a new IPTV platform, set to debut at IBC2026. The hardware is designed to facilitate signal conversion between legacy SDI and uncompressed IP formats for broadcast and live sports production environments.
Key Takeaways
- New SDI encoders convert up to 16 inputs into MPEG-TS for IP distribution within a 1RU form factor.
- Hardware range includes ST 2110 encoders and decoders for managing uncompressed video and audio feeds off production networks.
- HDMI encoder option supports up to eight inputs, including 4K60 signals from AV sources and media players.
- Integrated IPTV platform features a set-top box capable of simultaneously displaying eight streams across two screens.
Why It Matters
The introduction of dedicated SDI and ST 2110 encoders addresses the technical friction in facilities transitioning toward IP-native architectures. By offering high-density conversion in a 1RU footprint, Hornets Tech enables broadcasters to maintain existing SDI infrastructure while scaling uncompressed ST 2110 workflows for live sports. This shift is critical as the industry moves away from point-to-point connections toward shared IP networks that demand precise synchronization via PTP. As facilities increasingly adopt hybrid models, the ability to offload uncompressed signals from the primary production network will be essential for maintaining performance. Watch for adoption rates among Tier 1 sports broadcasters looking to simplify their contribution-to-production handoffs.
Additional Context
The transition to SMPTE ST 2110 remains a focal point for the broadcast industry in 2026 as facilities move toward software-defined production. Unlike traditional SDI, which bundles signals together, ST 2110 treats video, audio, and metadata as separate streams to increase workflow flexibility. According to MainConcept reporting from June 2026, this standard is now fundamental for organizations requiring frame-accurate, deterministic performance in multi-camera environments, even as it demands rigorous network planning and Precision Timing Protocol (PTP) synchronization. At IBC2026, several vendors are presenting solutions to bridge these format gaps. Per The Broadcast Bridge in August 2026, Intinor is demonstrating ST 2110 output capabilities that allow compressed public internet feeds to be ingested cleanly into uncompressed facilities. Similarly, Cobalt Digital showcased enhancements at the same event for its Sapphire and Indigo lines, integrating JPEG XS to enable ultra-low latency media transport across mixed-vendor systems. These developments reflect a broader market shift where the primary challenge is no longer choosing a standard, but managing the complexity of hybrid SDI, IP, and NDI environments. Hardware providers are also focusing on high-density edges to reduce physical footprint in mobile units and data centers. Riedel Communications, for instance, expanded its SimplyLive Production Suite Flex in August 2026 to include ST 2110-capable server configurations, emphasizing an integrated approach to media transport and control. This competitive landscape highlights the pressure on firms like Hornets Tech to provide not just hardware, but engineering support that simplifies the integration of these disparate transport protocols.
Read full article at latamstage.com
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