Software Defined Broadcast (SDB) is a flexible, software-driven approach to managing broadcast infrastructures, replacing fixed hardware with reconfigurable media functions.
Software Defined Broadcast (SDB) is a paradigm shift in broadcasting where software replaces traditional, fixed-function hardware appliances. Instead of relying on dedicated devices for tasks such as encoding, multiplexing, or signal conversion, SDB leverages software-defined media functions running on general-purpose or specialized hardware platforms.
This approach mirrors the software-defined networking (SDN) revolution in IT. It enables broadcasters to dynamically reconfigure, update, and scale their infrastructures without costly hardware replacements. With SDB, resources can be allocated and optimized according to production demands, whether on-premises, in remote facilities, or in the cloud.
What Nevion Does
Nevion has been a pioneer in implementing Software Defined Broadcast principles in the media and broadcasting industries. Its flagship products embody the shift from hardware-centric systems to software-driven solutions:
- Nevion Virtuoso: A software-defined media node that supports multiple media functions—such as encoding/decoding, IP adaptation, audio/video processing, and protection switching. Functions can be added, updated, or reconfigured through software licenses, extending the lifespan of the physical node.
- VideoIPath Orchestration: Complements SDB by enabling the management, scaling, and orchestration of software-defined functions across on-premises and cloud infrastructures.
Future-Proofing: Nevion’s approach ensures broadcasters can adopt new standards (e.g., SMPTE ST 2110, JPEG XS) via software updates, rather than replacing equipment.