MainConcept launches software-only ST 2110 SDK to simplify IP-based broadcast ingest
MainConcept has introduced the beta of its ST 2110 Client SDK, a software-based implementation for receiving ST 2110 video and audio streams. This development addresses the industry's shift from SDI to IP-based media workflows, offering flexibility and scalability for modern production environments. The SDK supports core ST 2110 specifications, NMOS for stream discovery, and is designed for hardware-agnostic deployment.
Key Takeaways
- Supports uncompressed video (ST 2110-20) and PCM audio (ST 2110-30/AES67) reception via standard network hardware.
- Integrated NMOS protocol support enables automatic stream discovery and connection management within IP networks.
- Includes a Universal Color Space Converter to perform real-time color conversion of received streams in-workflow.
- Hardware-agnostic architecture permits deployment on COTS network interface cards (NICs) rather than proprietary SDI hardware.
Why It Matters
The shift toward software-only ST 2110 reception allows broadcasters to virtualize ingest and monitoring, moving away from the physical constraints of specialized SDI cards. By decoupling essence handling from dedicated hardware, developers can integrate professional IP workflows directly into cloud and software-defined architectures. This strategy reduces capital expenditure by leveraging standard IT infrastructure while providing the scalability needed for multi-feed 4K and 8K production. To gauge the success of software-defined media, track whether these implementations can match the sub-microsecond Precision Time Protocol (PTP) synchronization essential for Tier-1 live broadcast environments.
Additional Context
The transition from SDI to IP has entered a more mature phase as major broadcasters prioritize software-defined infrastructure. Per TVBEurope in May 2026, the industry is moving beyond initial IP adoption toward environments where cloud and virtualization are considered operational standards. This shift is supported by open-source initiatives like the Open Visual Cloud Media Transport Library (MTL), which enables standard commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware to handle high-bandwidth ST 2110 streams without proprietary dependencies. Industry adoption metrics highlight the urgency of this transition. According to Haivision's 2025 Broadcast Transformation Report, 51% of broadcasters now use a hybrid infrastructure combining SDI, IP, and cloud technologies, while 37% have specifically adopted SMPTE ST 2110 for their cloud and IP environments. Major networks such as NBC and the BBC have already transitioned to ST 2110 workflows for remote production, while Telemundo Miami used the standard for its 4K studio to reduce overall infrastructure costs by an estimated 25%, per PacketStorm in early 2025. While software-defined workflows offer flexibility, technical challenges remain around Precision Time Protocol (PTP) synchronization. Industry reports from mid-2025 noted that nearly 50% of technical issues in early ST 2110 deployments were linked to PTP configuration errors. Meanwhile, the concurrent adoption of JPEG XS for low-latency compression is expanding the reach of ST 2110 into bandwidth-constrained environments. For example, intoPIX showcased updated JPEG XS solutions at InfoComm 2025 that enable 4K and 8K video over standard IP networks, reinforcing the market's trajectory toward software-managed, high-resolution media transport.
Read full article at blog.mainconcept.com