The world of video production is constantly evolving, and one of the latest advancements is the SMPTE ST 2110 suite of standards. It has the potential to transform the way media is transmitted and processed in the whole industry. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages ST 2110 provides and its influence on the industry’s development.
The Evolution of ST 2110
The ST 2110 standard was introduced in 2017. At that time, its implementation was challenging and financially unfeasible for most studios, with the exception of major ones. However, with the advancement of electronics and software, as well as the contributions of companies like Blackmagic Design, ST 2110 is now poised to become a breakthrough in media transmission technology for video production.
The Revolutionary Benefits of ST 2110
The ST 2110 standard addresses the shortcomings of the previous SMPTE standards and introduces a new level of efficiency, reliability and comfort in video production.
One of the primary advantages is the need for considerably fewer connections. Also, instead of point-to-point connections, IP technologies are used, allowing multiple streams to be transmitted over TCP/IP.
Here are some specific benefits of using ST 2110:
- Reduced number of connections: ST 2110 requires a significantly smaller number of connections. This simplifies the infrastructure and makes it more affordable.
- Smaller equipment: the standard allows for a reduction in the size of servers and equipment panels, enabling the creation of more compact devices.
- Flexibility in media data exchange: ST 2110 offers unparalleled flexibility in handling media data. For example, a single 100 Gb connector can be configured to work with either 8 UHD channels or 32 HD channels, and it can handle combined streams, providing previously unattainable flexibility.
- Simplified cable management: with ST 2110, a single SFP cable can handle 32 3G or 8 UHD connections. This not only simplifies cable management but also reduces the physical space required for connections.
- High-Resolution Applications: Working with UHD resolution previously required a large number of cables. With ST 2110, simply reconfiguring the devices (server, router, graphics equipment, multiviewer) is sufficient to change the resolution of the received signal. This flexibility makes ST 2110 a powerful tool for modern video production.
By optimizing infrastructure, decreasing the number of connections needed, and shrinking the footprint of required equipment, ST 2110 can significantly reduce the overall cost of video production and provide unparalleled flexibility.
The Role of Blackmagic Design
Blackmagic Design has played a crucial role in making ST 2110 accessible to a wider audience. Two years ago, BMD released a range of equipment for working with ST 2110, lowering the entry barrier for this standard. The BMD devices such as Blackmagic 2110 IP Converters have enabled television companies of all levels to adopt this technology.
At NAB 2025, BMD introduces the DeckLink IP 100 Gb card, which allows manufacturers of servers, multiviewers and graphics systems to move into the top tiers of broadcasting. This card uses 100 Gb connection technology and has two separate ports, which is a mandatory part of the broadcast workflow.
To ensure reliability, «red» and «blue» subnetworks are used. This enables the device to function even if there are issues with one of the subnetworks.
SLOMO.TV's new Arrow 2110 Server
Based on the BMD DeckLink IP 100 Gb card, SLOMO.TV has developed the Arrow 2110 server. Traditionally, Arrow series servers are known for their compact size and extensive capabilities, and now it also can support high-level broadcast video production using ST 2110.
Arrow 2110 has all the features of its predecessors:
- The world's fastest User-Native interface
- Dedicated control panel Control ZR2
- Slomo.tv Launcher software for server configuration
- High-speed 10GbE interface
- 3 built-in DMR™ racks for HDDs/SSDs
- Remote workplace option for optimized production regardless of physical distance
- Multi-PGM option for using PGM + PVW as well as a separate PGM playlist on one replay server
The server also supports "red" and "blue" subnets, can work with 4K and UHD, and is the most accessible broadcast-class server compatible with ST 2110 standards. Hardware and software redundancy ensures reliable operation at any level of responsibility. In the future, the server will support 8K resolution as well.
