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The transition to SMPTE ST 2110: An application note

Summary

The broadcast industry is undergoing a profound transformation as facilities shift away from traditional baseband infrastructures toward IP-based environments. This evolution is driven by the need for more flexible routing, increased scalability, and compatibility with distributed and virtualized networks. In this context, the SMPTE ST 2110 standard has emerged as a fundamental enabler of professional media transport over IP networks.

PROMAX ATLAS NG broadcast analyzer is supporting the migration from SDI to ST 2110 environments. It allows to analyze, monitor and troubleshoot the critical points in an ST 2110 network to ensure a fail-safe operation.

Unlike legacy systems where audio, video, and metadata travel together within a fixed-format signal, now the ST 2110 protocol introduces a more modular approach. It allows these components to be transmitted separately over standard IP networks, unlocking new efficiencies in system architecture. This separation improves signal management and simplifies integration with software-defined infrastructures, making real-time media handling more versatile than ever.

ST 2110 enables IP connectivity of all the elements in a media production network, bringing flexibility to the network but also with the caveat of ensuring proper configuration, flawless communication and precise time synchronization.

This document serves as a practical guide for understanding the ST 2110 protocol and its relevance to modern media networks. It outlines:

• The technical structure and goals of ST 2110.
• Deployment considerations for broadcasters and system integrators.
• Common use cases where the standard is already providing value.
• The critical role of measurement tools in validating and monitoring 2110 flows.
• How the ATLAS NG helps professionals ensure system performance in real-world conditions.

Whether your operation is in the early planning phase or already implementing IP-based workflows, having the right measurement platform is essential for long-term success. At PROMAX, we aim to make that transition simpler, safer, and more efficient.

PROMAX is a leading manufacturer of test and measurement systems, broadcast and TV signal distribution equipment. Our product lines include measuring instruments for cable TV, satellite TV, broadcast, wireless and fibre optics networks, FTTH and GPON analyzers. DVB-T modulators, IP streamers or IP converters (ASI, DVB-T) are among the company’s latest developments.