Middleman Software Debuts PhaseLock Technology

Middleman Software, a leading provider of signalling and synchronisation solutions for broadcast and streaming workflows, has announced it will unveil PhaseLock, a new core technology that analyses video content to automatically establish and maintain frame-accurate synchronisation between live streams - regardless of transport method, compression or latency - at the 2026 NAB Show (booth #W3535).

PhaseLock serves as the foundation for a new generation of Middleman solutions designed to improve SCTE 35 signalling accuracy, reduce operational complexity, and enhance both viewer experience and advertising revenue performance.

"Our industry has accepted that perfect timing is near impossible to achieve, and requires extensive trial and error through manual tuning processes," said James Heliker, CEO of Middleman Software. "PhaseLock changes that. It gives broadcasters and streaming teams a smarter, automated way to achieve frame-accurate alignment across their workflows so they can deliver better viewer experiences and ultimately better outcomes for advertisers."

At NAB 2026, Middleman will showcase five PhaseLock-powered product launches. Together, these solutions automate synchronisation at the content level rather than relying on manual offsets or tuning:

- AvailX, a new cloud service for frame-accurate remote SCTE 35 signalling with zero manual latency tuning, launching April 19 at https://availx.tv.

- AvailIQ, a new cloud service for 24x7 avail monitoring and verification. Launching May 18, it tracks the full lifecycle from intent through downstream execution.

- SCTE Buddy, a cross-platform tool for SCTE 35 analysis that uses PhaseLock to detect content boundaries and flag signal alignment issues.

- AdIT v3, now cross-platform, with a plugin architecture for playout automation integration, built-in AvailX Transmitter, and full rules engine auditing capability.

- BreakTime v2, now cross-platform, with a PhaseLock-powered Stream Injector and built-in AvailX Transmitter for remote signalling.

Middleman has a strong track record of improving ROI for advertising."Middleman delivers a SCTE timing solution that boosted our digital ad revenue by an extraordinary 3000%, while streamlining operations, enhancing overall efficiency," said Kenny Elcock, VP of Technology, New England Sports Network. "Their software integrates seamlessly with our encoding system, optimising SRT timing, driving significant growth and performance."

As part of its NAB presence, Middleman will host the AutoFoos Challenge at booth W3535, inviting show attendees to compete against 2025 Foosball World Champion Sullivan Rue.

The live-streamed foosball challenge doubles as a technology demonstration, showcasing BreakTime v2 and AvailX working together to deliver frame-accurate SCTE 35 messaging in the cloud, driven entirely by PhaseLock.

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