Appear’s X Platform now extends from compact edge deployments to multiple-site live contribution workflows to an SDI/IP gateway module supporting both JPEG 2000 and JPEG XS.
Appear ASA has expanded its X Platform further with the introduction of Appear XM, a new system-wide management solution, and taking advantage of NAB 2026 to highlight the general availability and early deployments of two recent developments – the Appear X5 device, and the SIx300 SDI/IP gateway module.
"Our customers are scaling live production and contribution workflows across more sites, more formats and more IP infrastructure, but cannot stretch to additional operational complexity," said Stephan Würmlin Stadler, Chief Product Officer, Appear.
"With X5 extending X Platform to compact edge deployments and the new Appear XM simplifying operations at scale, we're expanding X Platform to meet the realities of modern broadcast networks, without compromising performance, resilience or flexibility."
Secure, Centralised Interface
Appear XM serves as a management tool designed to simplify day-to-day operations across growing X Platform installations. It is deployed as a Docker container within the user’s environment, running as software infrastructure that the user hosts and controls.
As deployments scale from a few chassis to dozens or hundreds, broadcasters may be forced to rely on fragmented tools, manual processes and limited visibility between teams. Appear XM addresses that challenge with a secure, centralised interface giving operators and engineers a unified view of their deployment. It makes sure that all parts of the system works together consistently with the goal of reducing configuration errors, avoiding version mismatches, speeding up troubleshooting and lowering operational overhead..
X5 – One Operational Model Across High-End and Distributed Workflows
Now that the scaled-down X5 hardware is generally available, users can extend broadcast-grade contribution to deployments such as performance venues, flypacks, OB trucks, regional sites and pop-up studios. The X5 device is a simpler way to apply the same operational model to both high-end and distributed workflows.
X5 includes AVC and HEVC encoding and decoding, supporting edge contribution and local monitoring workflows, and TS and SRT I/O, with support for TSoIP, direct ST 2022-7 protection, and ST 2022-1 FEC for reliable transport. Critical audio processing options include Dolby D/D+ encode/decode, Dolby E decode, and a TCP API for SCTE-104 insertion.
Stephan Würmlin Stadler, Chief Product Officer, Appear
JPEG 2000 and JPEG XS on a Single Module
By continuing their investment in X Platform media processing, Appear brings higher-density capabilities to live production environments. One example is the new SIx300 SDI/IP gateway module, designed to support both JPEG 2000 and JPEG XS on a single reconfigurable module.
This flexibility gives rights holders, leagues, broadcasters and service providers a practical path to ultra-low-latency IP workflows but maintains compatibility with existing infrastructure and mixed operating environments. The X Platform is engineered for operational resilience and integration into modern broadcast workflows, and therefore includes a comprehensive API that supports remote management and integration with third-party environments such as the open-source Prometheus metrics.
Prometheus monitors cloud-based applications, systems and services and is able to collect, store and query various metrics for alerting, dashboarding and other use cases. Originally designed for cloud environments, Prometheus integrates with cloud and container managers such as Kubernetes, helping users to continuously discover and monitor services.
The SIx300 module supports up to eight HD channels or two UHD streams with sub-frame latency in JPEG XS mode. It also features SMPTE ST 2110, ST 2022-7 and NMOS IS-04/05, supporting development of resilient hybrid SDI/IP workflows with the density and performance required for demanding live production.
A Unified Foundation
Together, these additions reinforce X Platform as a unified foundation for live media transport and processing. The X Platform supports high-profile live events and customer workflows in over 100 countries, it is deployed at leading media organizations including NBCUniversal, PSSI, Corus Entertainment and beIN, among others.
Appear's continuing investment in the X Platform aligns to customer demand as deployments must meet higher expectations for live events globally. www.appear.net
