by NAB Show 2026: Cobalt Digital blueCORE Processors Deliver Compact, Flexible Signal Processing for Seamless Integration of SDI, ST 2110, and IPMX Workflows
Broadcasters balancing traditional SDI infrastructures with new ST 2110 and IPMX systems face a key challenge: how to obtain advanced, adaptable signal processing without consuming valuable rack space, introducing complexity, or requiring disruptive infrastructure changes. Addressing this need is at the heart of blueCORE’s value.
At NAB Show 2026, VidOvation discussed blueCORE with Suzana Brady, SVP of Worldwide Sales & Marketing at Cobalt Digital. The compact, standalone blueCORE processors consolidate video and audio processing, format conversion, color correction, frame synchronization, HDR, and IP connectivity for facilities navigating SDI-to-IP transitions.
This launch represents an evolution for Cobalt Digital, which draws on its years of modular processing expertise. By consolidating essential functions into a standalone, upgradable platform, blueCORE provides engineers, managers, and decision-makers a single, flexible solution that reduces complexity and supports future growth, delivering the main value broadcasters need as live production demands evolve.
Why Signal Processing Complexity Continues to Grow
Modern broadcast infrastructures rarely operate within a single technology environment. A production facility may have SDI routers, ST 2110 networks, fiber transport systems, HDR workflows, embedded audio requirements, multichannel audio processing, and multiple video formats operating simultaneously. Mobile production trucks and flypacks face additional constraints because space, power consumption, weight, and deployment speed all become critical operational considerations.
As facilities transition to IP-based production, the challenge becomes even more complex. Many organizations cannot simply replace their entire infrastructure at once. Instead, they must support hybrid workflows where SDI and IP systems coexist for years.
This creates a growing need for flexible signal processing platforms capable of supporting:
- SDI workflows
- Fiber-based transport
- ST 2110 environments
- IPMX deployments
- HDR production
- Audio processing
- Frame synchronization
- Format conversion
- Audio embedding and de-embedding
- Color correction
- Remote and local control
Previously, meeting all these requirements meant deploying multiple discrete devices, increasing rack space, power, and failure points. blueCORE’s value lies in consolidating these needs into a single, flexible, upgradeable platform, reducing both equipment count and operational overhead.
Bringing Two Decades of openGear Experience into a Standalone Platform
For twenty years, Cobalt Digital has developed signal processing solutions for the openGear ecosystem. Over that time, broadcasters adopted Cobalt products for everything from frame synchronization and format conversion to audio processing and color correction. According to Brady, customers increasingly requested a standalone solution that could deliver many of those same capabilities without requiring a traditional openGear frame. The result is the blueCORE family.
Moving from fixed facilities to mobile units, blueCORE adapts by combining numerous video and audio processing functions into a compact 1RU platform. This design specifically addresses environments with limited rack space and changing requirements. For production teams supporting multiple events, venues, and workflow configurations, that flexibility can significantly simplify deployment and operations.
A Scalable Family Designed to Grow with Production Requirements
One of the most interesting aspects of the blueCORE architecture is its modular and upgradeable design philosophy. Instead of forcing customers to purchase maximum functionality on day one, Cobalt created five models so users can start with a basic configuration and expand capabilities as requirements evolve.
The blueCORE family includes:
- blueCORE-1
- blueCORE-2
- blueCORE-3
- blueCORE-4
- blueCORE-5
Customers can begin with a lower-cost entry configuration and add capabilities through software licensing or hardware options as production needs grow. This approach helps production teams preserve existing investments while maintaining a clear upgrade path. Organizations that support multiple clients, seasonal productions, rental inventories, or rapidly changing technical requirements can scale functionality without replacing hardware, simplifying long-term planning.
Consolidating Video Processing Functions into a Single Platform
At its core, blueCORE is a comprehensive signal-processing engine. The platform supports a broad range of video processing functions commonly required in live production environments, including:
- Up conversion
- Down conversion
- Cross conversion
- Frame synchronization
- Frame rate conversion
- HDR processing
- RGB color correction
- 3D LUT processing
- Logo insertion
- SCTE-104 insertion
Color correction is a particularly noteworthy capability. Operators can perform real-time RGB color correction directly from the unit’s front-panel controls, via remote control systems, or via the web interface. This provides flexibility for mobile production crews and engineering teams who need rapid adjustments during live events.
Consolidating multiple processing functions into a single platform lowers equipment counts and simplifies system design. As a result, production engineers working in space-constrained environments enjoy simpler cabling, easier troubleshooting, and faster system deployment.
Advanced Audio Processing for Modern Broadcast Workflows
Video processing is only part of the equation. Today’s productions require increasingly sophisticated audio workflows, especially as broadcasters support surround sound, loudness compliance, multilingual programming, remote production, and hybrid transport architectures.
blueCORE includes extensive audio capabilities, including:
- Audio routing
- Audio shuffling
- Audio mixing
- Audio embedding
- Audio de-embedding
- AES audio support
- MADI audio support
The platform can also be expanded with optional DSP capabilities supporting advanced processing functions such as:
- Dolby encoding
- Dolby decoding
- Dolby Digital Plus processing
- Loudness processing
- Upmixing
Facilities managing both audio and video workflows integrate these capabilities into a single platform, further reducing the need for additional standalone audio processors and improving operational efficiency.
Bridging the Gap Between SDI and IP Production
Perhaps the most important aspect of blueCORE is its support for organizations transitioning from SDI to IP. While many broadcasters recognize the long-term advantages of IP-based production, most facilities cannot transition overnight. Consequently, many organizations now operate hybrid environments.
blueCORE was specifically designed to operate across:
- SDI infrastructures
- Fiber-based workflows
- ST 2110 networks
- IPMX environments
blueCORE supports SDI input and output over both copper and fiber, as well as direct access to ST 2110 and IPMX. This lets broadcasters integrate blueCORE into current facilities and phase in IP workflows at their own pace. Serving as a bridge between legacy and emerging technologies, blueCORE enables seamless migration—a central value for broadcasters navigating the transition to IP.
Designed for OB Trucks, Flypacks, and Space-Constrained Environments
Live production environments place unique demands on equipment. OB trucks, flypacks, REMI systems, and temporary event facilities often operate under severe space limitations. Equipment must be compact, reliable, easy to configure, and capable of supporting multiple production scenarios.
The blueCORE family addresses those requirements through:
- 1RU form factor
- Less than 10 inches of depth
- Low power consumption
- Integrated processing functions
- Front-panel control
- Remote management
Brady noted that many customers specifically requested a compact solution that delivers extensive signal processing capabilities without requiring multiple rack units or large modular frames.
That demand is especially common among:
- Sports broadcasters
- Mobile production companies
- Event production teams
- Flypack integrators
- REMI production operators
In these environments, the system often values rack space as one of its most important resources.
Flexible Control Options for Modern Operations
Operational flexibility extends beyond signal processing itself. blueCORE provides multiple control methods depending on workflow requirements.
Users can configure and manage the system through:
- Integrated 7-inch touchscreen display
- Front-panel illuminated rotary controls.
- Dedicated Cobalt control panels
- Web-based user interface
The large front-panel touchscreen enables local operation without requiring a separate computer. This capability can be particularly valuable during live productions where rapid adjustments are necessary and external control systems may not be immediately available. For centralized operations, the web-based interface provides remote access and management capabilities that fit naturally into modern distributed production environments.
Supporting HDR, 4K, and Future Production Requirements
As broadcasters continue adopting higher-resolution and HDR workflows, signal processing platforms must remain adaptable.
blueCORE provides optional support for:
- 12G-SDI
- 4K UHD workflows
- HDR processing
- 3D LUT processing
This allows organizations to deploy a platform capable of supporting both current production requirements and future workflow expansion. The platform’s upgradeable architecture helps facilities avoid premature hardware replacement while maintaining flexibility for emerging production standards.
Beyond blueCORE: Cobalt’s Broader Vision for Hybrid Infrastructure
The blueCORE launch also reflects a broader strategy from Cobalt Digital. Throughout NAB Show 2026, the company emphasized technologies that help organizations manage hybrid SDI and IP environments while reducing operational complexity.
That philosophy extends across Cobalt’s growing ecosystem of:
- ST 2110 solutions
- IPMX products
- Compression platforms
- Audio monitoring systems
- Multiviewers
- IP gateways
- Conversion products
The goal is not to force a particular migration timeline. Instead, Cobalt is providing tools that allow customers to transition at their own pace while preserving investments in existing infrastructure. For many broadcasters, that practical approach closely aligns with the realities of modern facility planning.
Where blueCORE Fits in Real-World Production Workflows
The flexibility of the blueCORE platform makes it applicable across a wide range of production environments.
Common use cases include:
Live Sports Production
Sports broadcasters often require extensive signal processing capabilities within mobile production trucks and temporary venue deployments. The compact form factor and multi-function architecture make blueCORE well-suited for these environments.
REMI and Remote Production
As remote production continues expanding, facilities increasingly require flexible signal processing at both venue and centralized production locations.
Flypacks and Portable Production Systems
Organizations deploying portable production systems frequently need equipment that can adapt to changing venue requirements while minimizing rack space.
News and Contribution Workflows
Signal conversion, audio processing, synchronization, and format management remain critical requirements throughout contribution and distribution chains.
Hybrid SDI/IP Facilities
Broadcasters transitioning toward ST 2110 and IPMX infrastructures can use blueCORE as a bridge between legacy and emerging technologies.
Helping Broadcasters Evaluate the Right Processing Architecture
Signal processing infrastructure decisions have become increasingly complex. Organizations must balance current operational requirements against future technology roadmaps while managing budgets, rack space, power consumption, workflow flexibility, and integration requirements. That is where VidOvation provides value beyond product fulfillment.
VidOvation works with broadcasters, production companies, sports networks, live event organizations, and enterprise media teams to evaluate workflow requirements and identify the technologies best suited for each application. Whether the goal is upgrading an OB truck, building a new REMI workflow, integrating ST 2110 infrastructure, deploying IPMX technology, or simplifying signal processing architecture, VidOvation helps customers evaluate available options based on real-world operational requirements.
Services may include:
- Workflow assessment
- Product evaluation
- System design
- Proof-of-concept testing
- Rental programs
- Purchase guidance
- Deployment planning
- Integration support
By combining engineering expertise with access to leading broadcast technology providers, VidOvation helps organizations make informed decisions as production requirements continue to evolve.
Simplifying Signal Processing for the Next Phase of Broadcast Evolution
The broadcast industry’s transition to hybrid, IP-based workflows is creating new demands on infrastructure design. Facilities need flexible platforms that support both current and future requirements without increasing complexity. Cobalt Digital’s blueCORE family addresses that challenge by combining extensive video processing, audio processing, SDI connectivity, ST 2110 support, IPMX integration, HDR capabilities, and scalable architecture within a compact 1RU platform. For broadcasters, mobile production operators, flypack integrators, and facilities navigating the path from SDI to IP, blueCORE offers a practical solution that delivers significant functionality while preserving flexibility for future growth.
As production workflows continue evolving, platforms that simplify deployment, reduce equipment counts, and support multiple infrastructure models will play an increasingly important role in broadcast operations. For organizations evaluating Cobalt Digital blueCORE processors or other signal processing solutions for live production, remote production, ST 2110, or IPMX workflows, VidOvation can help identify the right architecture and deployment strategy for your specific operational requirements.
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