Panasonic Kairos Core 1000 boosts IP live production capacity
Panasonic has introduced the Kairos Core 1000 mainframe, an enhancement to its KAIROS IT/IP live video production platform. This update significantly boosts video processing, composition performance, and streaming capabilities, while supporting a variety of IP and baseband signals including ST 2110, NDI, and SRT. The platform aims to provide flexible, software-based live video production with low latency and extensive input/output options for various resolutions up to 4K.
Key Takeaways
- Supports simultaneous processing of up to 32 HD inputs or 8 4K inputs on a single mainframe
- Integrates diverse IP protocols including ST 2110, NDI, and SRT alongside native 12G-SDI baseband support
- Removes traditional ME limits by using GPU-based 'Canvas' processing for custom resolutions up to 8K
- Provides 64GB of RAM player storage, capable of approximately 170 seconds of HD or 42 seconds of 4K uncompressed video
Why It Matters
The shift toward software-defined production architectures allows broadcasters to bypass the rigid constraints of hardware-fixed switchers. By utilizing GPU-centric processing, the Core 1000 enables complex multi-layer compositing and non-standard aspect ratios required for modern live events and specialized social media streaming. As the industry transitions fully to ST 2110 and NDI-based workflows, this platform serves as a critical bridge between legacy SDI infrastructure and cloud-ready IP environments. Watch for how competitors like Grass Valley and Sony respond with their own software-defined switching updates in the lead-up to the next major broadcast trade cycles.
Additional Context
The expansion of the Kairos ecosystem reflects a broader industry trend toward software-defined broadcast (SDB) architectures. Per TV Tech in April 2026, the adoption of ST 2110 standards has accelerated as tier-one broadcasters move to eliminate proprietary hardware silos in favor of flexible, COTS-based (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) processing. This shift is particularly evident in the rise of remote production, where platforms like Kairos allow operators to control live feeds from centralized hubs, reducing on-site staffing requirements and carbon footprints. Panasonic's focus on internal GPU processing specifically addresses the high-bandwidth demands of 10-bit 4K HDR workflows that traditional CPU-only software switchers often struggle to manage without increased latency. Competitive pressure is mounting from cloud-native production suites such as Vizrt’s Viz Vectar Plus and Grabyo. According to a June 2026 report from Sports Video Group, major sports leagues are increasingly testing hybrid models that blend on-premises hardware like the Core 1000 with cloud-based orchestration for overflow capacity. This hybrid approach is also being fueled by the expansion of NDI 6, which per NDI.video in late 2025, has enhanced 10-bit color support and improved security protocols, making IP-based production more viable for high-end cinematic and live broadcast applications. Panasonic’s integration of the SRT protocol further caters to this demand by ensuring stable contribution over unpredictable public internet links.
Read full article at na.panasonic.ca
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