NEP Australia Launches Software-First OB Unit for Live Broadcast Production
Event summary
- NEP Australia has launched HG 31, an outside broadcast (OB) unit built entirely around a hybrid software-hardware environment, with software handling all video and audio processing.
- The unit uses just three racks of IT and networking equipment, marking a significant departure from traditional OB infrastructure.
- Production operations are managed remotely through NEP’s connected hub ecosystem, including hubs in Melbourne, Sydney, and Auckland.
- HG 31 combines software-driven touchscreens with traditional hardware control surfaces, enabling flexible workflows for major event productions.
- NEP’s TFC platform, which began development nearly a decade ago, powers live productions across more than 120 NEP facilities and OBs worldwide.
The big picture
NEP’s launch of HG 31 reflects the broader industry shift towards hybrid workflows that combine software solutions with traditional hardware. This strategic move positions NEP at the forefront of delivering flexible, scalable media solutions, aligning with the evolving needs of broadcasters and rightsholders. The company’s 40-year history of innovation underscores its commitment to adapting to changing market dynamics, particularly in live sports and entertainment.
What we're watching
- Adoption Pace
- How quickly broadcasters and rightsholders will embrace software-first OB units for top-tier live productions.
- Scalability
- Whether NEP can sustain its strategy of delivering flexible, scalable, and software-defined media solutions.
- Industry Shift
- The pace at which the broadcast production industry transitions from traditional hardware-based to hybrid software-hardware workflows.
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