AJA IP25-R update enables 12G-SDI to SMPTE ST 2110 conversion
AJA announced the IP25-R v2.0 firmware update for its SMPTE ST 2110 Mini-Converter, adding a Tx (transmit) mode for 12G-SDI to ST 2110 or HDMI conversion. The update also increases supported video and audio channels in Rx (receive) mode from four to six streams. This enhancement allows for more flexible and cost-efficient baseband/ST 2110 conversion solutions.
Key Takeaways
- New Tx mode enables bi-directional conversion from 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 to ST 2110 IP networks.
- Rx mode capacity increased from four to six streams for ST 2110-20, -30, and -40 standards.
- Density supports up to 18 channels of ST 2110 conversion within a single 1RU space using three units.
- Integrated test signal generator added for network troubleshooting, providing four unique signals with tone.
- Firmware v2.0 is a free download for existing owners of the $3,995 IP25-R hardware.
Why It Matters
This update transitions the IP25-R from a dedicated receiver into a bi-directional gateway, addressing the industry's shift toward hybrid SDI/IP infrastructures. By doubling functionality through software without hardware changes, AJA provides a cost-effective bridge for 4K/UHD workflows that must maintain legacy compatibility. As broadcasters increasingly adopt 25GbE architectures for ST 2110, the ability to pack 12 to 18 channels of conversion into 1RU minimizes the footprint and power costs of IP migration. Watch for increased adoption in mobile production units (OB trucks) where space-optimized 4K signal routing is critical for live sporting events.
Additional Context
The IP25-R v2.0 release aligns with a broader industry push toward software-defined production observed at NAB Show 2026. Per TV Technology, March 2026, the shift toward hybrid live production combines on-premise IP video with cloud processing, making standards like SMPTE ST 2110 and SRT essential for unified signal control. This transition is further supported by the 2026 certification of IPMX (Internet Protocol Media Experience), which simplifies ST 2110 for smaller operators by removing the requirement for Precision Time Protocol (PTP) and natively supporting HDMI. Competitive solutions are also expanding to support this high-bandwidth environment. Per Imagine Communications, April 2026, the company's SNP-XS processing platform now supports 12G-SDI and ST 2110 in a compact footprint, with nearly 6,000 units across their Selenio range currently powering over 180,000 video streams globally. Simultaneously, AJA launched the BRIDGE LIVE IP gateway in April 2026, a 1RU device capable of handles bi-directional ST 2110 conversion for up to four UltraHDp60 channels. Technically, these hardware updates rely on Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) architecture, which allows manufacturers to remap physical processing pathways through code. According to HDTV Supply, May 2026, this 'digital brain remapping' is what allows the IP25-R to double its functional capability without physical hardware upgrades. This flexibility is critical as the industry explores more bandwidth-intensive formats; per Softron, April 2026, the demonstration of ProRes over ST 2110 now provides a visually lossless, reduced-bandwidth alternative to uncompressed data for immersive 4K and 8K workflows on 100GbE networks.
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