MainConcept has launched the beta of its ST 2110 Client SDK, a software-based solution designed to receive ST 2110 video and audio streams. This development facilitates flexible, hardware-independent IP-based media workflows, marking a significant step in the broadcast industry's transition from SDI to IP. The SDK supports core ST 2110 specifications and NMOS protocol for stream discovery.
This release directly addresses the high entry cost of IP broadcast transitions by providing a software-only path for ingest and monitoring. For the streaming industry, it signals a deeper move toward virtualization, allowing developers to integrate professional-grade IP workflows into cloud and hybrid environments without the physical constraints of SDI cabling. By using standard IT infrastructure, organizations can significantly reduce hardware spend, though they must still navigate the precise timing requirements of the Precision Time Protocol (PTP). As broadcasters look to modernize legacy facilities, watch for whether software-only performance can reliably meet the sub-microsecond synchronization standards required for Tier-1 live production.
The transition from Serial Digital Interface (SDI) to SMPTE ST 2110 remains a slow-motion evolution. According to the 2026 Haivision Broadcast Transformation Report, while ST 2110 adoption is accelerating, SDI still serves as the primary production backbone for 82% of broadcast operations. Many organizations are opting for hybrid stacks, with 51% of surveyed professionals reporting a combined SDI and IP infrastructure. This staggered migration is largely driven by the high entry cost of uncompressed IP networking, which often requires a baseline investment of $50,000 to $200,000 for specialized switches and timing infrastructure before equipment is added, as reported by CraftWall in May 2026.
Interoperability and management remain the primary operational hurdles. Industry analysis from TvTechnology in April 2026 noted that nearly half of technical support issues in early IP deployments stem from Precision Time Protocol (PTP) configuration errors, which are critical for aligning separate video and audio streams. To mitigate these complexities, the industry is increasingly turning toward the NMOS protocol for automated device discovery. Furthermore, the introduction of compression standards like JPEG XS is making ST 2110 more viable for remote production. Per intoPIX at NAB 2026, JPEG XS now supports zero-latency workflows across LAN, WAN, and cloud environments, allowing 100Gbps networks to handle significantly higher stream densities than uncompressed formats allow.
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