Hornets Tech to debut ST 2110 and SDI conversion hardware at IBC2026
Hornets Tech has announced a new series of encoders and decoders for SDI and ST 2110 signals, alongside an IPTV platform, scheduled for demonstration at IBC2026. The hardware is designed to support hybrid broadcast infrastructures by facilitating signal conversion and low-latency wireless RF transmission.
Key Takeaways
- New SDI encoder converts up to 16 inputs into MPEG-TS for IP distribution within a 1RU form factor.
- ST 2110 hardware enables uncompressed video and audio to exit production networks without full-facility signal migration.
- HDMI encoder model supports up to eight 4K60 inputs for integrating laptops and media players into broadcast chains.
- IPTV platform manages channel lineups for set-top boxes capable of eight simultaneous streams across two screens.
Why It Matters
The transition to IP-based production remains non-linear, requiring hardware that maintains legacy SDI utility while adopting SMPTE ST 2110 standards. By offering 16-channel density and sub-40 ms latency, Hornets Tech addresses the specific pain points of facilities operating side-by-side formats. This launch highlights a broader industry pivot toward software-defined flexibility that doesn't demand immediate 'forklift' upgrades of existing SDI routing. As broadcasters face increasing pressure to deliver 4K60 content across diverse platforms, the ability to bridge uncompressed production environments with compressed distribution networks is a critical technical requirement. Watch for adoption rates of hybrid SDI-IP orchestration tools at IBC2026 as a proxy for market readiness.
Additional Context
The push toward hybrid infrastructure comes as the broadcast market faces a critical transition period. Per Market Reports World (February 2026), over 75% of broadcast operators have moved toward hybrid SDI-IP environments, yet 50% of distributors still prioritize multi-format compatibility over pure IP native builds. This fragmentation has intensified the demand for high-density conversion tools like those from Hornets Tech. Furthermore, Mordor Intelligence (September 2025) projected the broadcast infrastructure market to reach $8.27 billion by 2030, driven by the overhaul of legacy plants and the integration of cloud-native workflows that still require localized hardware on-ramps. In the wireless sector, Hornets Tech’s partnership with Domo Broadcast Systems aligns with recent high-stakes technical mandates. Per Domo (August 2025), the company recently assisted Formula E in meeting an FIA safety requirement to make all 22 on-board cameras simultaneously visible during races. This level of concurrency requires the exact low-latency COFDM and IP mesh technology that Hornets Tech integrates into its broader connectivity portfolio. Most recently, Domo announced the Raptor Talon TXR (July 2026), a miniature wearable 'ref-cam' system that uses H.264 encoding to deliver live 1080p60 feeds, highlighting the move toward hyper-mobile, ultra-low-latency contribution hardware. Director Alistair Horne, who received the 2025 IABM Technology Catalyst Award, has positioned the company as a specialist in 'demystifying' these complex IP transitions. This strategic focus is shared by industry peers; for instance, Riedel Communications is scheduled to demonstrate its own MediorNet hybrid SDI-IP capabilities at IBC2026 (August 2026). As SMPTE ST 2110 adoption expands, the emphasis has shifted from basic connectivity to sophisticated orchestration, where hardware must support RESTful APIs and real-time health monitoring to survive in modern software-defined data centers.
Read full article at kitplus.com
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