arkona’s new graphical configuration tool and feature updates bring a new approach to the way engineers design and deploy IP processing workflows across the BLADE//runner platform.
arkona technologies, IP core infrastructure developer for professional broadcast, will show updates to its BLADE//runner platform at NAB 2026. The new developments focus on usability and workflow flexibility, giving engineers more straightforward ways to configure, control and automate BLADE//runner’s FPGA-accelerated processing.
BLADE//runner is specialised for ultra-low latency audio/video (A/V) routing, A/V processing and compression through its FPGA-accelerated AT300 architecture. The updates give users more options for configuring systems visually offline, automating audio mixing and simplifying control integration. The AT300, arkona's FPGA Programmable Acceleration Card (PAC), runs on the Intel Stratix 10 MX FPGA, and includes two non-blocking native 100GE interfaces and high bandwidth memory.
BLADE//planner
One of the new releases is BLADE//planner, a graphical configuration tool with a new approach to the way engineers design and deploy processing workflows. BLADE//planner enables offline configuration of entire system architectures with visual overview and intuitive representation of processing flows. It abstracts functionality so operators can route what they need and select services – colour correction, audio processing, frame synchronisation – without diving into low-level parameters.
However, for operators with more expertise, it makes over one million controllable parameters accessible, enabling automation at scale while retaining the option for manual blade-by-blade configuration when needed. Built on a clear structure with an open API, this update means users can choose whether they work with an existing third-party control system, configure a custom solution to design into their existing systems and workflows, or use the flexible customisation features available within the BLADE//planner itself.
Alongside BLADE//planner, other developments easing the way users take advantage of BLADE//runner’s potential include a new Video Switcher soft panel, adding flexibility through software-based control. The Audio Mixer now features AutoMix, which can be set up to manage microphone automatically in dynamic live production settings.
Easy-IP and IP Migration
Furthermore, arkona have upgraded their EasyIP software so that it can now directly support hardware router panels and the SWP-08 router protocol, and are working with their technology partner manifold technologies to enable direct primary IP routing into the multiviewer. With this, the software now supports interoperability with established control surfaces and further simplifies migration from traditional router infrastructures, to fully IP-based systems.
Among the new capabilities are dedicated frame synchronisation for SDI inputs, which use high-bandwidth memory to improve buffering performance, and deterministic synchronisation for SDI sources entering IP workflows. This kind of synchronisation keeps multiple signals locked to the same timing reference so that alignment happens within a known tolerance each time, rather than depending on network conditions. As an added function, the ability to insert video identification helps to trace video flows across large-scale IP systems.
Rainer Sturm, CEO of arkona technologies, commented, “arkona’s software gives the BLADE//runner dedicated hardware its flexibility and scalability, while its FPGA architecture gives it performance that software alone can't match. With this release, we've focused on making that power more accessible.
“NAB gives us the opportunity to not only show off these developments first hand, but to talk through the important use cases we’ve seen this year – cases from across broadcast, enterprise and Esports that really highlight just how versatile FPGA-accelerated production tools can be.” arkonatech.com
