At NAB Show 2025 (Las Vegas, April 5–9, Booth: W2042), Appear, the global leader in live production technology, is unveiling the X5, a powerful and cost-efficient extension of its award-winning X Platform, designed to provide unparalleled flexibility and performance for broadcasters, streaming platforms, and media operators. Alongside the X5 launch, Appear is introducing significant advancements across the entire X Platform family (X5, X10, and X20), enabling higher capacity, greater scalability, and seamless IP media transport to support live production workflows of any size.
The X5 is engineered for high-value, smaller-scale live productions, delivering ultra-low latency, high-quality compression, and superior IP media transport in a compact, cost-effective solution. Whether capturing a global sporting event, breaking news, or premium entertainment, the X5 ensures that even the most agile operations benefit from the same cutting-edge technology that powers the world’s leading broadcasters.
“With competition in live production at an all-time high, customers need solutions that are cost-effective, scalable, and uncompromising in performance,” said Andy Rayner, CTO at Appear. “With its compact design and powerful processing, the X5 is ideal for streamlined remote production, on-location sports coverage, and for live broadcasters who have a lower channel count but who expect premium performance.”
Key customer benefits of the X5 include:
- Scalability – Ideal for live production workflows that require fewer channels while maintaining top-tier performance.
- Seamless Integration – Works effortlessly within both SDI and IP-based infrastructures, ensuring a future-proofed investment.
- Superior Resilience – Supports SMPTE 2022-7, SRT, and IP-FEC, guaranteeing uninterrupted signal reliability.
- Portable & Versatile – A compact and lightweight design makes the X5 ideal for remote production setups and flight-case deployments.
- Advanced Encoding/Decoding – Supports AVC, HEVC, 12G, and UHD workflows, offering unmatched flexibility and efficiency.
Expanding Capabilities Across the X Platform Family
To further empower media operators with higher performance and operational efficiency, Appear is also introducing major enhancements across its X Platform lineup, reinforcing its position as a leader in high-performance, future-ready media processing. These upgrades include:
- 100G Switch Module – Expands network capacity for high-throughput media transport, compliant with SMPTE RP2129 Trust Boundary.
- Increased JPEG XS SDI Density – Doubled from 4 to 8 channels per module, maximising density and enabling more efficient live contribution workflows.
These new capabilities ensure broadcasters, streaming services, and live event producers can scale operations, enhance content quality, and optimize cost-efficiency without disruption.
“At Appear, we are committed to driving innovation that directly benefits our customers,” said Thomas Bostrøm Jørgensen, CEO at Appear. “Whether it’s the high-capacity power of the X20, the flexibility of the X10, or the agility of the X5, we now ensure that every media company can have access to best-in-class solutions that make live production more efficient and future-proofed.”
