BCNEXXT deployed live HLG-based HDR playout within the Vipe platform, supporting High Dynamic Range integration into live production workflows alongside parallel SDR services.
BCNEXXT has deployed live HLG-based HDR playout capabilities within its Vipe platform, enabling broadcasters to integrate High Dynamic Range into live production workflows while maintaining parallel SDR services. The Vipe playout system assembles and creates content ready for linear broadcast and streaming. Vipe simplifies workflows to speed up the deployment of fully automated, free-advertising-supported-TV (FAST) channels.
The implementation is focused on practical broadcast environments where HDR and SDR audiences must coexist, particularly in live sports production, where HDR origination – occurring at the point when content is prepared for final delivery and streamed into delivery networks – is accelerating.
BCNEXXT's Vipe now supports UHD 2160p BT.2100 HLG live ingest and playout, with file-based content rendered into HLG during pre-processing to maintain visual consistency across programming and commercial insertion.
Rather than promoting universal HDR feature support, BCNEXXT's approach prioritises workflow architecture and controlled deployment. "In classic broadcasting fashion, we've adopted four different HDR standards," said Graham Sharp, VP of Sales and Marketing at BCNEXXT. "The formats themselves are relatively easy to understand. The real complexity comes from cross-conversion and managing HDR and SDR simultaneously."
Mixed HDR and SDR Viewing
It is now becoming more typical to originate Live sports in HDR, particularly the Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) version, which was developed specifically for live broadcast environments. However, most broadcasters must continue serving SDR households, creating a practical challenge. First, HDR content may require SDR down-conversion for legacy distribution paths, and second, SDR-originated commercials must be up-converted to avoid visible quality shifts during ad breaks.
BCNEXXT's current deployments focus on receiving and playing out live HLG feeds directly, while rendering file-based content into HLG before playout. In many cases, the customer supplies a parallel SDR feed from the venue or production, voiding unnecessary HDR-to-SDR conversion within the playout chain. "That round-trip conversion is where risk lives," Graham said.
"HDR implementation is all about the workflow and minimising unnecessary format movement and cross conversion."
Custom Configuration
Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all HDR strategy, Vipe is configured based on each broadcaster's operational model, distribution endpoints and commercial requirements.
The company's implementation approach centres on supporting HDR where it delivers measurable production value, and especially avoids unnecessary cross-conversion steps. In order to avoid disruption, Vipe seeks to maintain maintain visual consistency between live programming and advertising is also important, and to allow HDR and SDR services to coexist without adding workflow strain.
"Our approach is customer-led," said Graham. "To simply claim universal HDR support misses the point. Every broadcaster's environment is different. The implementation must reflect that." As HDR adoption continues, BCNEXXT's deployments serve as practical, production-ready playout solutions.
"HDR looks incredible on screen. Incorporating it invisibly into the real world requires a disciplined approach to workflows." www.bcnexxt.com
To learn more about BCNEXXT's HDR implementation strategy, see HDR Is a Workflow Decision.
