Harmonic Unveils Spectrum X Plus To Double Channel Density And Cut Playout Costs

Harmonic has introduced Spectrum X Plus, the latest iteration of its Spectrum X media server, promising double the channel density of earlier models and a significant reduction in cost per channel.

Aimed at broadcasters and content owners seeking to streamline ingest and playout, the platform supports deployment on premises, in the cloud via Harmonic’s VOS360 Media SaaS, or in hybrid configurations.

"As broadcasters face growing cost pressures and increasingly complex workflows, Spectrum X Plus provides the flexibility, performance and future-ready architecture they need to modernize ingest, production and playout operations," said Stephane Cloirec, vice president, video appliance and software product management at Harmonic. "With Spectrum X Plus, we're responding to customer demand for higher channel density and lower cost per channel without compromising the outstanding quality and reliability that Harmonic solutions are known for. The next-generation media server also paves the way for future integration of AI-based applications such as Harmonic’s AI orchestration service."

Designed for efficiency, Spectrum X Plus delivers up to eight HD channels or two UHD channels per server, helping reduce rack space, power use and operating costs. It supports multi-channel ingest, studio and newsroom production, channel-in-a-box, and integrated playout workflows.

For enhanced playout, the system integrates onboard graphics, audio loudness control, MCR switching and subtitle insertion. It also caters to next-generation production needs, including UHD workflows with 3D LUT-based HDR conversions, immersive audio such as Dolby Atmos and MPEG-H, and a wide range of resolutions, frame rates and codec formats.

Built on a flexible, software-based design, Spectrum X Plus boosts performance in SMPTE ST 2110 environments and supports SDI, SMPTE ST 2110 IP I/O, or hybrid setups. This enables a smooth transition from traditional SDI infrastructures to fully IP-based operations.

To simplify cloud expansion, Spectrum X Plus shares file and graphics formats with VOS360 Media and can be managed by the same automation and traffic systems. Broadcasters can extend any Spectrum X deployment with cloud playout resources to maintain service continuity and rapidly launch pop-up channels.

The platform is also AI-ready, offering GPU acceleration for AI-driven workflows such as automated captioning and translation, further streamlining operations and reducing costs.

Harmonic will showcase Spectrum X Plus at the 2026 NAB Show in Las Vegas from 19–22 April at stand W2831.

harmonicinc.com