NETGEAR and Panasonic Collaborate for SMPTE ST 2110 Testing and Compatibility

In a recent announcement, NETGEAR, a top provider of networking products for businesses, has forged a partnership with Panasonic Connect, specifically for the KAIROS IT/IP Platform tailored for live production. This collaboration aims to enhance interoperability and testing capabilities within the SMPTE ST 2110 framework. The integration of NETGEAR’s M4350 series switches, equipped with ST 2110 support, aligns with NETGEAR’s ongoing commitment to developing AV-over-IP solutions for the broadcast and Pro AV sectors.

The KAIROS IT/IP Platform offers professionals in live production unparalleled control over delivering high-quality content for broadcast, large screen displays, and live streams. By incorporating ST 2110 alongside standard baseband and streaming connectivity, KAIROS enhances input/output flexibility, complementing the content creation capabilities provided by its GPU/CPU processing. Users will benefit from an intuitive layer-based interface, facilitating powerful content creation with minimal learning curve.

NETGEAR’s M4250, M4300, M4350, and M4500 series managed switches feature an innovative AV-oriented interface, distinct in the industry. Simplifying complex menus filled with technical jargon commonly found in IT networks, the NETGEAR AV OS™ adopts a template-based approach to switch configurations, tailored for AV applications. This streamlined workflow empowers broadcast and Pro AV integrators to swiftly embark on projects, confident in correct network settings, thus eliminating the complexities associated with network switch configurations.

Moreover, the M4350 series combines this user-friendly interface with enterprise-class hardware attributes such as redundant power supplies, Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities, ultra-quiet fans, and easy setup managed by the NETGEAR Engage™ Controller. The NETGEAR AV OS also includes pre-configured profiles for major audio, video, and lighting protocols, including AVB, Dante, AES67, and NDI, among others. Notably, SMPTE ST 2110 support is facilitated on specific M4350 models, enhancing compatibility and performance with 10G to 100G ports and PTP synchronization.

Marthesh Nagendra, Sales Director for India MEA South-East Asia Region at NETGEAR, emphasized the intuitive configuration process, enabling Broadcast Pro AV engineers to transition seamlessly to IP workflows with confidence. Kageyuki (Kenny) Fujimoto, lead manager of KAIROS Alliance Partners, expressed optimism regarding the collaboration, foreseeing expanded opportunities for SMPTE ST 2110 adoption in the video production market through the user-friendly design of the M4350 series.