Imagine Communications expands Selenio MCP3 with high-density uncompressed IP modules
Imagine Communications has enhanced its Selenio MCP3 platform with new Selenio UCIP modules, designed for high-density, multichannel uncompressed-over-IP functionality. These modules support real-time transport of 3G/HD/SD and IP signals, including AES67 audio and SMPTE 2022-5 Forward Error Correction. The solution facilitates a phased transition from SDI baseband signals to IP streams and vice-versa, specifically catering to low-latency broadcast contribution applications.
Key Takeaways
- New Selenio UCIP modules support up to eight independent SDI-to-IP or IP-to-SDI channels per single-slot module.
- Platform supports SMPTE 2022-5 Forward Error Correction and SMPTE 2022-6 RTP transport over 10GbE links.
- Integrated AES67 audio-over-IP and SMPTE 2059 PTP synchronization enable sub-microsecond timing across hybrid networks.
- Release 2.0 software adds critical 3G-SDI support when operating in AES67 mode.
- The SEL-8UCIP1-EOS module features eight configurable HD-BNC connectors for bidirectional signal handling.
Why It Matters
This launch addresses the hardware bottleneck facing broadcasters managing hybrid SDI-IP facilities. By consolidating high-density gateway functions into a single 3RU frame, Imagine provides a path to IP-native workflows without requiring a wholesale forklift upgrade of existing infrastructure. Concretely, this allows live event producers to maintain sub-frame latency and frame-accurate synchronization while leveraging 10GbE networks for signal transport. As the industry moves toward software-defined networking, such high-density hardware remains essential for the massive bandwidth requirements of uncompressed UHD feeds. Watch for adoption rates of these modules in tier-1 sports production trucks as they balance 12G-SDI reliability with IP scalability.
Additional Context
The transition to IP-based production is reaching an inflection point in 2026 as organizations face mounting pressure from aging legacy equipment and the economic benefits of software-defined systems. Per Haivision’s 2026 Broadcast Transformation Report, while SDI still remains the backbone of many operations, SMPTE ST 2110 adoption has risen to 30% of respondents, an increase from 26% in 2025. This gradual shift underscores the market demand for hybrid gateway solutions that allow broadcasters to migrate at their own pace while maintaining operational continuity. Competitive pressure is also driving the adoption of high-density IP infrastructure to support remote and distributed production models. Per TVBEurope in January 2026, the mainstream availability of 25GbE and 100GbE hardware is making uncompressed IP pipelines far more accessible for regional sports networks and community channels. Simultaneously, major broadcasters are securing multi-year contracts for IP migration; for instance, Rai (Radiotelevisione Italiana) signed a frame agreement with Imagine Communications in February 2026 to utilize the Selenio Network Processor (SNP) as a core building block for its SMPTE ST 2110 transition across master control rooms. Beyond pure video transport, the integration of standards like AES67 and SMPTE 2059 PTP is becoming a baseline requirement for interoperability. According to recent reports from BBright in December 2025, the convergence of operational experience and standardized ecosystem support has made 2026 the first year where IP delivers genuine transformation rather than just replacement value. This ecosystem growth is further supported by advancements in synchronization and metadata carriage, allowing for more complex, multi-venue live productions that were historically restricted by the point-to-point nature of SDI cabling.
Read full article at imaginecommunications.com