Riedel Communications has integrated SKAARHOJ hardware control panels into its SimplyLive 2.1 production suite via a new gRPC API. This update allows live production operators to use tactile hardware switchers alongside the software's existing touchscreen interfaces.
This integration bridges the gap between software-defined production and the physical reliability required for high-stakes live broadcasts. By adopting a gRPC-based control layer, Riedel provides the sub-millisecond responsiveness that touchscreen interfaces often lack in fast-paced switching scenarios. For the broader ecosystem, it signals a shift toward vendor-agnostic hardware control for cloud-native production suites, moving away from closed proprietary ecosystems. Digital-first and remote production teams can now maintain tactile confidence without the overhead of traditional SDI-based hardware switchers. Watch for increasing adoption of gRPC over REST for real-time control in distributed streaming workflows.
The integration follows Riedel’s strategic acquisition of SimplyLive in September 2022, a move intended to shift the company from a hardware-centric video transport provider to a software-driven live production leader. Per TVBEurope (September 2022), the acquisition added cloud-native replay and all-in-one production capabilities to Riedel’s established intercom and MediorNet portfolios. This latest software release fulfills the long-term roadmap of integrating specialized hardware with SimplyLive's software stack to satisfy legacy broadcast operators accustomed to physical consoles.
In August 2025, Riedel introduced the SimplyLive Production Suite Flex, which moved the platform toward a modular licensing model. Per Panorama Audiovisual (August 2025), this allowed users to toggle between on-premises, remote, and cloud deployment types while using COTS hardware. The addition of the Venue Gateway license in the 2.1 update further expands this modularity, enabling multi-channel contribution (SRT/NDI) on the same hardware used for replay and switching.
Technologically, the shift to a gRPC API is significant for the industry. While REST APIs remain standard for management and configuration, gRPC is increasingly favored for real-time control due to its use of Protocol Buffers and HTTP/2. Per industry reporting (July 2026), gRPC reduces serialization overhead compared to JSON-over-HTTP, making it the preferred choice for low-latency microservices and high-action live production where tactile feedback must be instantaneous.
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