BCNEXXT Enables Live HLG-Based HDR Playout via Vipe Platform

BCNEXXT has officially launched live HLG-based HDR playout capabilities within its Vipe platform, a move designed to help broadcasters navigate the increasing demand for high-quality live sports content.

This new implementation allows for the integration of High Dynamic Range (HDR) into live production workflows without compromising existing Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) services. By supporting UHD 2160p BT.2100 HLG live ingest and playout, Vipe ensures that file-based content is rendered into HLG during pre-processing, maintaining a consistent visual experience across both programming and commercial breaks.

"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."

Designed for Mixed HDR and SDR Audiences
Live sports are increasingly originated 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:
• HDR content may require SDR down-conversion for legacy distribution paths.
• 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, customers provide a parallel SDR feed from the venue or production, eliminating unnecessary HDR-to-SDR conversion within the playout chain.

"That round-trip conversion is where risk lives," Sharp explained. "HDR implementation is all about the workflow and minimizing unnecessary format movement and cross conversion."

Customer-Led HDR Implementation
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 philosophy centers on:
• Supporting HDR where it delivers measurable production value
• Avoiding unnecessary cross-conversion steps
• Maintaining visual consistency across live programming and advertising
• Allowing HDR and SDR services to coexist without adding workflow strain

"Our approach is customer-led," Sharp added. "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 are providing practical, production-ready playout solutions.

"HDR looks incredible on screen," Sharp concluded. "Making it seamless in the real world requires a disciplined approach to workflows."

www.bcnexxt.com/