At NAB 2026, Blackmagic Design introduced a comprehensive 100G SMPTE ST 2110 ecosystem for IP broadcast, designed to provide an end-to-end infrastructure for fully IP-based live productions, including switchers, storage systems, converters, encoders and audio mixing solutions. The platform has been developed to integrate acquisition, live production, signal conversion and data management within modern broadcast workflows, while maintaining a highly competitive positioning in the professional market.

After years of announcements primarily focused on sensor resolution and image processing performance, NAB 2026 marks a tangible shift in direction: the industry’s attention is increasingly converging on IP-based production workflows and the adoption of 100G SMPTE ST 2110, now widely regarded as the foundation of next-generation broadcast infrastructures. In this context, Blackmagic Design arrives in Las Vegas with a different level of technological maturity compared to previous years, placing growing emphasis on reliability, interoperability and operational continuity.

Following the development of its 12K architecture across the PYXIS and URSA camera platforms, the company is now steering its roadmap toward more pragmatic solutions focused on operational efficiency, integrated workflows and real-world on-set performance. Today’s productions are no longer driven solely by image quality, but increasingly by systems capable of ensuring continuity, predictability and seamless integration throughout the entire production workflow. At the same time, features such as advanced autofocus and intelligent data management are becoming increasingly important, even within high-end cinematic environments.

Within this scenario, Blackmagic Design continues to strengthen its ecosystem by enhancing the synergy between acquisition, live production and post-production. In many ways, NAB 2026 represented a proving ground: rather than focusing on the impact of a single flagship announcement, attention shifted toward the ability to address the practical requirements of modern productions, demonstrating that the Blackmagic platform can deliver innovation, reliability and readiness for complex operational environments.

Below is an overview of the newly announced products, grouped by category:

Ultra HD 100G Ethernet switchers, IP converters and network storage solutions based on native SMPTE ST 2110

ATEM 4 M/E Constellation IP and IP Plus

The most significant addition on the IP infrastructure side comes in the form of two native SMPTE ST 2110 switchers in a 19” 2/3 RU rack design, engineered to operate over 100G Ethernet connections. The range includes two models: the 4 M/E version featuring 32 inputs with built-in standards conversion and 32 outputs across four redundant 100G connections, and the 4 M/E IP Plus model, scalable up to 64 inputs and 64 outputs across eight 100G connection pairs.

Both models feature SMPTE ST 2022-7 redundancy with seamless protection switching, front-to-back cooling, redundant PTP clocking and dual AC power supplies.

Standards conversion on every input is one of the system’s most valuable features: in live production, sources rarely arrive in a single, uniform format, and integrating conversion directly within the switcher — rather than relying on external hardware — provides a significant operational advantage. The switcher automatically re-synchronizes signals with different formats, simplifying integration even in complex production environments.

Fairlight Live, which will be covered later in this article, connects directly via USB-C for complete audio mixing, with native Talkback bus routing and SMPTE ST 2110 audio management, creating a unified workflow between IP video and immersive audio.

For productions requiring physical controls, the new ATEM Monitoring Rack Panel 20 and 40 reintroduce front-panel illuminated buttons while adding local SMPTE ST 2110 to SDI/HDMI conversion, making them ideal for rack-based monitoring and compact control positions.

Blackmagic Ethernet Switch 820

Blackmagic Ethernet Switch 820 serves as the operational core of modern SMPTE ST 2110 networks. The system features 8 QSFP 100G ports and 2 10G ports, alongside a dedicated NMOS port and dual redundant PTP inputs that allow connection to a secondary grandmaster clock, maintaining synchronization even during maintenance operations or cable failures.

All connections are located on the rear panel in accordance with broadcast industry standards, while the front-to-back cooling system utilizes six redundant fans. Dual AC power supplies further ensure operational continuity in mission-critical environments.

An LCD display on the front panel, combined with video-router-style controls, enables straightforward IP 2110 routing configuration, reducing the complexity typically associated with broadcast IP infrastructures and making IP video routing as immediate and intuitive as traditional SDI workflows.

Blackmagic Media Dock Ultra

Functionally similar to Cloud Store Ultra thanks to its dual 100G Ethernet design, Blackmagic Media Dock Ultra distinguishes itself through its removable storage workflow. The docking station can host up to three Blackmagic Media Modules — the same media used in URSA Cine cameras — each based on four M.2 drives configured in RAID 0, with dynamic LED rings displaying real-time status and activity information.

The system is designed for workflows where media needs to be removed and delivered immediately, such as live productions, OB vans and environments requiring rapid transfers without waiting for local file copies.

Dual 100G QSFP28 ports allow direct connection to multiple editing workstations or managed switches up to 200G.

Like other systems in the same category, it features redundant dual AC power supplies, front-to-back cooling and integrated SDI/HDMI monitoring with throughput graphs, cloud sync status and hardware diagnostics displayed directly on the front panel. Management software is provided free of charge, while configuration can be performed via USB-C or Ethernet without additional hardware.

Blackmagic SDI Expander 8x12G

Blackmagic SDI Expander 8x12G provides an effective integration solution between traditional SDI infrastructures and SMPTE ST 2110 IP workflows. Within a single 19” 1RU rack unit, it simultaneously manages 8 channels from 12G-SDI to SMPTE ST 2110 and 8 channels from SMPTE ST 2110 to 12G-SDI, all operating independently.

Dual redundant 100G Ethernet ports ensure SMPTE ST 2022-7 protection, while the dedicated NMOS port simplifies IP source management and auto-discovery. Dual AC power supplies provide additional operational security for broadcast environments.

The expander enables cameras, monitors, routers and SDI-based equipment to be integrated into IP networks without replacing existing hardware, making it particularly valuable for facilities transitioning toward SMPTE ST 2110 infrastructures.

In addition, it extends the SDI connectivity of ATEM Constellation IP switchers, including Talkback, tally and camera return feeds, maintaining operational consistency between SDI and IP environments.

The StudioBridge 100G model extends the same concept into the 100G-to-100G domain, enabling cameras and 100G devices such as URSA Cine 12K 100G to connect directly to redundant SMPTE ST 2110 infrastructures. Both models also feature front-panel monitoring through an integrated LCD display, speaker and headphone output.

Blackmagic StudioBridge 10G PWR and 100G

Blackmagic StudioBridge 10G PWR and 100G are IP conversion solutions designed to connect 10G Ethernet devices to 100G SMPTE ST 2110 infrastructures, providing a scalable path toward high-end broadcast systems.

The StudioBridge 10G PWR model combines eight 10G SMPTE ST 2110 connections into a redundant 100G pair, allowing cameras, converters and 10G devices to integrate seamlessly into fully redundant 100G networks. Each 10G port also delivers 90 W of PoE++, enabling cameras and accessories to be powered through a single Ethernet cable.

One of the most compelling applications is the integration of eight Blackmagic Studio Cameras into a 100G IP system through a single bridge, using one cable per camera for signal transport, control, tally and power delivery.

SMPTE ST 2022-7 redundancy, a dedicated NMOS port, front-to-back cooling and dual AC power supplies ensure operational continuity and reliability aligned with the requirements of modern broadcast infrastructures.

Blackmagic UpDownCross 100G

Blackmagic UpDownCross 100G provides 8 simultaneous channels of up, down and cross conversion between SD, HD and Ultra HD formats up to 2160p60 through native SMPTE ST 2110 over 100G Ethernet.

A single 100G connection handles all 8 input and output channels, while a second port provides SMPTE ST 2022-7 redundancy for seamless protection switching. The system also integrates a dedicated NMOS port for IP routing and source auto-discovery, alongside PTP clocking for precise synchronization.

The 1RU design features front-to-back cooling, redundant dual AC power supplies and a front-panel LCD with integrated speaker and headphone output for immediate audio and video monitoring.

Its operational purpose is straightforward: managing signals with different standards inside IP infrastructures while maintaining continuity and simplified integration.

Blackmagic Cloud Store Ultra

Available in 24 TB and 48 TB configurations, Blackmagic Cloud Store Ultra is a high-performance network storage solution based on 12 M.2 NVMe drives operating in parallel RAID 0, designed to handle demanding video workflows with simultaneous multi-user access.

Its two fully independent 100G Ethernet ports allow operational workloads to be separated: one can be dedicated to HyperDeck acquisition, while the other serves editing workstations, preventing performance bottlenecks. For environments requiring enhanced data protection, RAID 5 operation is also supported.

Integrated HDMI and SDI monitoring outputs display real-time information including storage status, Ethernet connection speeds, NVMe drive activity, power supply status and Blackmagic Cloud synchronization.

The system supports synchronization with cloud services such as AWS S3 and integration with Proxy Generator, enabling hybrid local and remote workflows without subscription or licensing costs.

The 1RU design includes front-to-back cooling, redundant dual AC power supplies and management through a free macOS and Windows utility for configuration, monitoring and diagnostics, even in completely offline environments.

HyperDeck ISO Recorder 100G

HyperDeck ISO Recorder 100G delivers 8 simultaneous Ultra HD SMPTE ST 2110 channels over a single 100G connection, recording directly to network storage in Apple ProRes 422 HQ, 422 and LT.

The system features dual redundant 100G video ports, dual redundant 100G storage ports, redundant PTP and control connections, as well as dual AC power supplies, ensuring operational continuity even in mission-critical environments.

Cloud Store Ultra and Media Dock Ultra are ideal companions for this workflow thanks to their dual 100G connectivity: one connection can be dedicated to HyperDeck recording, while the second serves the editing network, preventing bottlenecks during recording and post-production.

One of the system’s most compelling capabilities is real-time playback: DaVinci Resolve can access and edit all 8 camera angles simultaneously directly from network storage without requiring local file copies.

The integrated hardware encoder manages simultaneous encoding of all eight Ultra HD streams while maintaining consistent image quality and minimal latency. Replay and editing operations can take place while recording is still in progress, with clips retaining matching timecode and multiview monitoring available through a dedicated display.

The unit also supports 8 × 12G-SDI expansion for integrating traditional SDI sources into SMPTE ST 2110 IP workflows and includes SDI and HDMI monitoring outputs for system supervision.

Advanced digital audio mixing solutions

Fairlight Live Audio Panel

Fairlight Live stands out as one of the most distinctive announcements within this product lineup: a live audio platform combining a software engine with dedicated control surfaces, designed to manage stereo, multichannel and fully immersive formats with scalability directly tied to the processing power of the host computer.

Each channel provides 6-band EQ, dynamics processing, advanced panning and support for up to 24 plug-ins per effects channel. Broadcast-oriented features include multiple Talkback channels, mix-minus for remote guests, Audio Follows Video for up to 100 cameras, virtual soundcheck, cue player functionality and snapshot management.

 

Native SMPTE ST 2110 integration includes PTP synchronization and direct USB-C connectivity to ATEM switchers.

The software supports Core Audio on macOS and ASIO/System Audio on Windows, allowing operation with USB and Thunderbolt audio interfaces. Completing the system are the Fairlight Live Audio Panel 10, 20 and 40 control surfaces, featuring motorized faders, dedicated touchscreens and comprehensive controls for layers, buses, aux sends, VCAs and studio functions.

The public beta version of the software is already available free of charge, allowing users to begin working even without dedicated hardware.

URSA 12K cameras and dedicated accessories

Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF 100G

Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF 100G has been developed to combine cinematic image quality with modern live production workflows. Built around a 36 × 24 mm 12K RGBW full-frame sensor with 16 stops of dynamic range, it inherits the URSA Cine platform while introducing 100G Ethernet connectivity, enabling SMPTE ST 2110 Live operation for real-time IP output up to 2160p60. The available bandwidth also supports extremely high frame rates, reaching up to 440 fps for sports replay applications, delivering a level of flexibility that previously required dedicated camera systems.

The same camera can therefore move seamlessly between cinematic productions and broadcast workflows without requiring separate systems, allowing productions to capture shallow depth-of-field shots and super slow motion footage directly within the main production environment.

The color pipeline is based on Generation 6 Color Science, with 3D LUTs applicable across multiple processing paths and an integrated color corrector derived from DaVinci Resolve. The optional B4 mode, combined with the dedicated adapter cable, also enables the use of servo-controlled broadcast lenses, while the central crop mode allows higher frame rates in Ultra HD while maintaining optimal optical performance.

The URSA Cine 12K LF 100G lineup is available in three configurations. The URSA Cine 12K LF 100G is the fully accessorized version, designed for premium productions requiring high image quality, advanced frame rates and direct integration into 100G infrastructures. Compared to the URSA Cine 12K LF 100G Body model, it includes a top handle, baseplate, power supply, battery plate and PL mount as standard.

The URSA Cine 12K LF 100G + EVF version further adds the high-resolution URSA Cine EVF, ideal for shoulder-mounted shooting and mobile productions while maintaining full operational control in live environments. The URSA Cine 12K LF 100G Body, meanwhile, represents the modular configuration intended for custom integrations, while retaining full compatibility with the dedicated professional accessory ecosystem.

Completing the system are the URSA Cine B4 Adapter Cable, which converts the 7-pin EXT connector into a 12-pin Hirose B4 interface for electronic control of broadcast lenses, the URSA Cine Mount B4 for adapting B4 lenses to the LF sensor with integrated optical management, and the URSA Cine Studio Viewfinder, a high-brightness display featuring touchscreen controls, overlays, tally and shading controls, designed for studio environments and OB van applications.

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