NAB Show NY: FOR-A’s New Software Platform ‘SOAR-A’ Includes SMPTE ST 2110 Capability

With a combination of new and expanded partnerships and an emphasis on software-defined advances, FOR-A has created a live production ecosystem that it says works with all flavors of IP, supports 12G over 4K and addresses a cloud-based workflow. FOR-A will showcase its new approach at the 2022 NAB Show New York, Oct. 17-20 at the Javits Center in New York. The company will exhibit in booth 1024.

Taking center stage will be SOAR-A. SOAR-A stands for Software Optimized Appliance Revolutionized by FOR-A and marks the company’s direction toward a software-based strategy. The new product family was first introduced at IBC last month. Included in the IBC introductions were SOAR-A Edge, an IP transport appliance and SOAR-A IPTV, an IPTV distribution service.

At NAB New York, the SOAR-A line up will expand to include SOAR-A Graphics, a CG and graphics engine; SOAR-A Switch, a software-based switcher; and SOAR-A Play, a software-based media server. All modules within the SOAR-A line are SMPTE ST 2110 capable.

SOAR-A Edge enables highly secure REMI production and gateway-free streaming. It boasts an expandable IP-based architecture and supports the conversion and delivery of SD, HD, 4K and NDI to SMPTE ST 2110 signals. It is compatible with WebRTC and utilizes RIST (Reliable Internet Streaming Transport). The SOAR-A system serves content creators transitioning to IP, live event producers looking for a 12G 4K video production solution; as well as those looking for a workflow with low latency, software-based services.

The SOAR-A IPTV module is an ultra-low latency, web distribution service that provides streaming from one location via WebRTC to any number of remote browsers or set top boxes and is an ideal solution for a SMPTE ST 2110 suite.  It requires a single SOAR-A device at the main location with set-top boxes or PCs at remote locations for display. Viewers can watch the video on standard computers, tablets, and smart phones. Cameras can also be monitored via a low latency preview on the web browser without any custom software. And SOAR-A IPTV also enables 24/7 recording.

“A software-defined architecture is the perfect solution for a cost-effective migration from SDI to media-over-IP,” said Satoshi Kanemura, FOR-A president. “Adding new functionality through software means the customer can configure the system to their needs, without additional hardware investment. It also means that hybrid production, using a variety of signal formats, can be easily accomplished. This kind of agile solution is what drives FOR-A, and the kind of innovative thinking that powers all FOR-A products. We can’t wait to give our colleagues on the East Coast a hands-on look at what we’ve been up to.”