As broadcasters face increasingly complex workflows, Spectrum X Plus modernises production and playout operations and controls costs with its adaptable, high-density architecture.
The new Harmonic Spectrum X Plus doubles the channel density of the company’s previous model, while reducing the cost per channel for broadcasters and content owners. To make this possible, the server handles up to eight HD channels or two UHD channels per unit, which cuts rack space, power consumption and operating costs.
In terms of flexibility, it supports multi-channel ingest, studio and news production, channel-in-a-box and integrated playout workflows, and can be deployed on premises, in the cloud via Harmonic's VOS360 Media software-as-a-service platform or across hybrid environments.
Higher Density, Lower Cost Per Channel
"As broadcasters face growing cost pressures and increasingly complex workflows, Spectrum X Plus operates with the flexibility, performance and adaptable architecture needed to modernise ingest, production and playout operations," said Stephane Cloirec, Vice President of Video Appliance and Software Product Management at Harmonic.
"We want to respond to demands for higher channel density and lower cost per channel without compromising the quality and reliability of Harmonic’s performance. The new media server also supports users’ intentions to integrate AI-based applications in the future, such as Harmonic's AI orchestration service."
The Spectrum X Plus device includes integrated onboard graphics hardware, audio loudness control, live MCR switching and subtitle insertion. It also supports UHD workflows including 3D LUT-based HDR conversions, immersive audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and MPEG-H as well as multiple resolutions, frame rates and codec formats.
Software-Driven Architecture
Built on a software-based architecture, the server supports SDI and SMPTE ST 2110 IP I/O and hybrid configurations, which means broadcasters can move from traditional SDI to fully IP-based workflows. Because Spectrum X Plus has the same file and graphics formats as VOS360 Media, it can be controlled by the same automation and traffic systems, making it straightforward for broadcasters to expand into cloud playout and launch pop-up channels without disrupting existing operations.
The server's software-driven architecture also enables GPU acceleration and deployment of AI-based capabilities including automated captioning, translation and other workflows that save users time for more valuable tasks.
Harmonic will demonstrate Spectrum X Plus at the 2026 NAB Show, 19-22 April in Las Vegas. http://www.harmonicinc.com/
