BCNEXXT Deploys Live HLG-Based HDR Playout Within Vipe Platform

Designed to Enable Seamless HDR and SDR Coexistence The Netherlands – February 25, 2026 – BCNEXXT has deployed live HLG-based HDR playout capabilities within its Vipe platform, enabling broadcasters to integrate High Dynamic Range into live production workflows while maintaining parallel SDR services. The implementation is focused on real-world broadcast environments where HDR and SDR audiences must coexist, particularly in live sports production, where HDR origination is accelerating. BCNEXXT’s Vipe now supports UHD 2160p BT.2100 HLG live ingest and playout, with file-based content rendered into HLG during pre-processing to ensure visual consistency across programming and commercial insertion. Rather than promoting universal HDR feature support, BCNEXXT’s approach prioritizes workflow architecture and controlled deployment. “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.” To learn more about BCNEXXT’s HDR implementation strategy, explore the latest blog: HDR Is a Workflow Decision.   For more information, contact: info@bcnexxt.com