Riedel integrates Skaarhoj tactile panels into SimplyLive production suite
Riedel Communications has integrated Skaarhoj hardware control panels into its SimplyLive 2.1 production suite using a gRPC API. The update allows operators to utilize physical switchers for source control, transitions, and macros, while introducing a new Venue Gateway license for Production Suite Flex hardware.
Key Takeaways
- Integration via gRPC API enables low-latency communication between Skaarhoj panels and the SimplyLive ViBox application.
- Hardware support is optimized for Skaarhoj’s Master Key 48, though the system remains compatible with other Skaarhoj modular surfaces.
- New Venue Gateway license allows Production Suite Flex customers to run contribution applications on existing server hardware.
- Physical controls now cover source switching, transitions, keying, and graphics for SimplyLive users.
- Release 2.1 introduces curated starting configurations to simplify deployment for one-person production environments.
Why It Matters
The shift toward software-defined production often creates an ergonomic gap for operators accustomed to physical switchers. By natively supporting Skaarhoj hardware, Riedel is bridging software agility with traditional tactile reliability—a critical requirement for fast-paced live sports and news. This move signals a broader industry trend where tiered API access, such as gRPC, allows hardware-agnostic software suites to pick up specialty control layers. For the ecosystem, it reinforces the transition of COTS-based production from 'touchscreen-only' interfaces to professional-grade hybrid setups. Monitor further adoption of gRPC over legacy protocols in 3rd-party broadcast hardware integrations.
Additional Context
The integration follows a period of rapid expansion for Riedel’s live production segment. At NAB 2026, the company introduced several IP-native solutions, including the MediorNet HorizoN ST 2110 MultiViewer and the StageLink NSA-008A edge device, to support the transition toward decentralized broadcast architectures. Per Riedel (April 2026), these tools are designed to unify video, audio, and communications into a single networked fabric, reducing the need for 'isolated islands' of hardware. This strategy was further amplified by the acquisition of ARRI in early 2026, a move that provides Riedel with a specialized camera presence to complement its dominant infrastructure and intercom business. Skaarhoj’s Master Key 48 is part of a modular ecosystem designed for such hybrid environments. Per Skaarhoj product specifications (2026), the panel features 48 programmable NKK keys and individual OLED displays, utilizing the Blue Pill integration system to communicate across IP networks with multiple third-party platforms simultaneously. This modularity aligns with Riedel’s SimplyLive Flex licensing model launched in 2025, which, according to Digital Media World (September 2025), allows users to scale from small one-operator shows to large-scale events using pay-as-you-go or subscription models. This shift toward flexibility is driving the adoption of software-based tools like the Venue Gateway, which supports multi-channel SRT and SDI contribution for remote production workflows.
Read full article at tvbeurope.com
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