Reinforcing the company’s commitment to the "Evolution of the Software-Defined IP Solution," FOR-A showcases significant updates to its SOAR-A platform at the 2024 NAB Show. Channel Expansion, New Codecs, Compression and Transport Technology Among Latest Updates.
   

The SOAR-A, Software Optimized Appliance Revolutionized by FOR-A, lineup includes SOAR-A EDGE, an IP transport appliance; SOAR-A IPTV, an IPTV distribution service; SOAR-A GRAPHICS - a CG and graphics engine; SOAR-A SWITCH - a fully software-based switcher; and SOAR-A PLAY– a software-based media server.

"We are firmly committed to the development and evolution of our software-based technology," said Satoshi Kanemura, President, FOR-A Americas. "Our SOAR-A platform is a huge part of that, and its expansion demonstrates our belief in the future success of SOAR-A for a variety of live video applications. Adding new functionality through software means the customer can configure the system to their needs, without additional hardware investment. And hybrid production, using a variety of signal formats, is easily accomplished. This kind of agile solution that quickly benefits our customers is what drives FOR-A innovation."

Powered by SipRadius, the SOAR-A EDGE workflow 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). At NAB, SOAR-A EDGE will include the ability to incorporate two new codeces – JPEG XS and AV1.

SOAR-A PLAY, powered by Odyssey, is a versatile software-based media server, which is designed for use by broadcasters, corporate A/V departments, and video production companies. At NAB, the SOAR-A PLAY line up evolves to include up to 8 channel-capability for NDI, 3G, and SMPTE ST 2110. The SOAR-A PLAY NDI server is compliant with all flavors, including NDI HX, NDI high bandwidth, and the newly announced NDI 6. The SOAR-A Play ST 2110 server will feature a JPEG XS option.

SOAR-A GRAPHICS, powered by ClassX, is a production graphics engine. FOR-A will demonstrate the evolution of SOAR-A GRAPHICS with its support of the MOS protocol for communications between newsroom computer systems and newsroom equipment, such as video servers, still stores, and character generators. The XR version of SOAR-A GRAPHICS is a cost-effective AR/VR/XR platform for corporate A/V producers and broadcasters.

SOAR-A SWITCH, powered by ClassX, is a fully software-based switcher. Thanks to the deep graphics experience of ClassX, there are a wide range of artistic options available for all effects, including transitions and effects. "When a graphic company designs a switcher, the wipes and all the effects are far superior to what you’ve seen before," added Kanemura. In addition to an easy-to-use GUI, SOAR-A SWITCH also has an optional FOR-A switcher physical panel.