At Cobalt Digital, a simplified transition toward IP is shaping its comprehensive NAB 2026 lineup. The company is showcasing an end-to-end ecosystem that ranges from compact, multi-function processors and scalable openGear® cards to IP gateways, multiviewers, and audio monitoring solutions. Every solution in Booth N 1340 gives broadcasters the tools to transition to IP on their own terms at their own pace—without sacrificing performance, flexibility, or operational efficiency.
Introducing Cobalt blueCORE – multi-function processing in 1RU
Cobalt blueCORE family combines all the audio and video processing functions required for live production in a single 1RU device. Its compact form factor, ease of operation and low power requirements (less than 80W for the ST 2110 version) make the blueCORE family ideally suited for live production in trucks, OB-vans and other space constrained environments.
blueCORE’s self-contained form factor makes deployment fast and simple; power it up, connect the signals, and the device is ready to operate – with or without a computer. Support for both SDI inputs and outputs (copper and fiber), four channels of 3G processing – or one channel up to 12G, along with access to ST 2110/IPMX inputs and outputs make blueCORE a ‘must have’ for infrastructures transitioning to IP.
blueCORE units are fitted with a large touchscreen front panel for effortless, local configuration of all audio and video processing functions, an essential advantage in small OB vans, and fly packs where configuration changes from event to event. The unit can also be deployed in traditional fixed environments and be controlled remotely through a Web GUI, adding to its flexibility.
Capabilities include up/down/cross conversion, color correction, several flavors of HDR processing, audio routing and mixing, per-channel frame sync, frame rate conversion, audio embedding and de-embedding, SCTE-104 insertion as well as logo insertion – and many more base features, delivering extensive functionality in a single, compact unit.
According to Suzana Brady, SVP of worldwide sales and marketing, “blueCORE answers the need for a fully featured processor that fits into even the most compact spaces while delivering an exceptional range of capabilities. With support for both SDI and IP, it is especially attractive to those transitioning from SDI to IP – everything they need is contained in one small unit.”
Expanding Compression Platform with Satellite Support
The COBALT PACIFIC compression line will be presented with an ST 2110/IPMX output option for the COBALT PACIFIC ULL-DEC upgradeable software defined broadcast decoder. The enhancement allows decoded content to be available simultaneously over SDI and over ST 2110/IPMX, enabling support for both legacy and next-generation infrastructures. For ST 2110 operation, a built-in frame sync will emit a PTP-locked signal.
Cobalt is also introducing a DVB-S/S2 factory-installed demodulator option that allows decoding and pass-through of satellite signals, on ASI and over IP.
Evolving satellite regulations are reshaping spectrum availability, and the COBALT® PACIFIC compression line is ready. Support has been added for hybrid Satellite-Internet operation to comply with VSR TR-06-4 Part 7. In this mode, satellite provides bulk distribution, and the Internet is used to recover any lost packets, allowing the use of Ku and Ka bands for distribution.
New Entry-Level openGear Cards with Scalable Licensing
Cobalt is alsointroducing fixed-function openGear cards designed as cost-effective entry points with license-based expansion for scalability as workflows evolve.
The new 9925-FSx Frame Sync openGear card is an entry level single path 12G frame sync card that supports license upgrade options up to four paths per card and audio processing license upgrade for AES, MADI, and DANTE 64 support.
The new 9981-LUTx Color Processor openGear card offers entry level color processing card that supports license upgrades up to four paths per card along with options including: SCALER, BBC LUT, COLOR, 4K, LOGO and ANC.
End-to-end IPMX and ST 2110 workflows
COBALT ARIA Audio Line
The COBALT ARIA Audio series includes the only fully IPMX-compliant audio monitor on the market. Built for any environment migrating toward IP-based operations, ARIA features best-in-class sound monitoring and 16 SDI or 64 MADI metering from a compact rack-mount form-factor. Sound is produced by an efficient Class-D amplifier with DSP and specially selected speaker components. The easy-to-use and customizable touch display front panel is designed for simple and intuitive operation with eight individual volume controls for mixing. Control can also be achieved through a web interface.
Cobalt will also highlight the 9935-AUD4-DANTE, a quad-channel with up to 12G DANTE/AES/MADI/embed and de-embed functions with frame sync capabilities. The card features two gigabit Ethernet ports, a 64×64 configuration, and a full audio router mixer.
Multiviewing Across SDI and IP
The COBALT UltraBlue MV-SWmultiviewer family continues to evolve with expanded IPMX support. Availableas either a turnkey solution with four HDMI heads, or as a software package that runs on customer-supplied dedicated hardware, UltraBlue enables monitoring across multiple signal types, protocols and formats with very flexible audio routing, bringing a multitude of options to suit every application. Now with support for both ST 2110 and IPMX workflows, the platform provides a flexible monitoring solution for hybrid environments.
Compact Conversion for IP Integration
Multiple models in the COBALT SAPPHIRE mini converter family of IPMX-capable standalone mini-converters will also be featured. Available in a variety of configurations including single, dual, and quad channel, with some models capable of simultaneously transmitting and receiving, these SAPPHIRE units convert between IPMX compatible (and SMPTE ST 2110 compatible) signals and SDI/HDMI, with support for baseband video and JPEG-XS.
A Gateway Between SDI and IP
The COBALT® INDIGO gateway solutions provide a powerful on and off ramp between IP and SDI with support for IPMX and ST 2110. These versatile, high-performance solutions bridge the gap between traditional SDI workflows and modern IP-based infrastructures by simplifying interop, routing, and format translations while preserving image quality and latency performance—critical for transitioning to IP.
See it all Booth N 1340!
