Riedel integrates Skaarhoj tactile panels into SimplyLive production suite

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.

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.