START SQUEEZING YOUR SATELLITE INFRASTRUCTURE
Replace racks of IRDs with a unified demodulation platform.
Distribute feeds over IP—any network, full control.
Why migrate from satellite to IP?
Spectrum reduction pressure, RF talent shortages, and IP migration demands are forcing broadcasters to rethink distribution.
The winners are moving to IP — provided they can match satellite’s reliability and simplicity.
Relieve the spectrum pressure
Deliver contribution-grade feeds over managed WAN or public internet via SRT 2022-7.
Remove workflow bottlenecks
Enable inter-facility and affiliate workflows from a unified X Platform stack.
Automate the rest
Automate routing, bookings and failover using open JSON-RPC APIs (control ready).
Customer outcome
Powering NBCUniversal’s transition to IP and cloud
The award-winning project saw NBCUniversal transition from fragmented, hardware-heavy operations to a centralised, scalable, cloud-compatible satellite downlink ecosystem. By deploying Appear’s X Platform, NBCU achieved a 200% density improvement at edge sites, streamlined its infrastructure footprint, and laid the foundation for IP-based and cloud-native workflows. The system also features high-density demodulation, SRT-secured video delivery over WAN, and seamless integration with both legacy SDI and ST-2110 environments.
200%
density improvement at edge sites, streamlining its infrastructure footprint
Technical & workflow benefits
Centralised satellite competence
Support higher-density demodulators and IP-routed services from a single operational platform.
Secure SRT contribution
Deliver secure contribution over managed WAN or public internet using SRT with encryption options.
Broadcast-grade resilience
Apply ST 2022-7 and FEC protection to maintain service reliability across managed and unmanaged networks.
Integrated media firewall
Reduce attack surface with built-in trust boundary design for media interfaces.
Smooth path to cloud
Enable centralised routing, monitoring, and resilience with a clear migration path to cloud workflows.
Operational & business benefits
Massive footprint reduction
Consolidate legacy IRD stacks and RF routing into a centralised, high-density platform.
Lower energy and cooling costs
Reduce power and cooling requirements through industry-leading density and energy efficiency.
Faster onboarding of new affiliates and services
Accelerate deployments using templatised configurations and repeatable rollout patterns.
Simplified operations
Minimise specialist touchpoints and reduce the number of devices operators need to manage.
Modern automation and monitoring
Leverage open JSON-RPC APIs and Prometheus telemetry for automation and observability.
Can you squeeze more out of your broadcast infrastructure?
If satellite distribution is impacting cost, scale, and agility, it's time to migrate to IP
Answer eight questions about your current infrastructure, and we'll calculate your squeeze score to show you where IP migration can relieve the pressure. Starting today.
How many physical earth station locations are you currently maintaining across your network?
1-2 centralised locations
3-5 distributed sites
6-10 sites
10+ sites, each with dishes and RF infrastructure
How easy is it to find and retain RF/satellite engineers for your operations?
We have a stable, experienced team with succession planning in place
It's challenging but manageable – occasional gaps
Increasingly difficult - specialised skills are hard to find
Critical shortage - we're relying on ageing expertise with no clear pipeline
Not applicable - we don't rely on specialised RF/satellite engineers
How prepared is your current architecture for cloud-based operations?
Fully integrated: signals are IP-native and cloud-ready
Partially ready: some conversion required but manageable
Significant gaps: would require major re-architecture
Not ready at all: satellite signals terminate at SDI with no IP on-ramp
How much rack space does your current infrastructure consume?
Minimal: less than 10 RU per site
Moderate: 10-50 RU across IRDs, RF routers, and ancillary equipment
Significant: 50-100+ RU with cooling challenges
How fast can you provision a new contribution feed?
Days: we have templated API configurations
1-2 weeks: manual setup but well-documented processes
Several weeks: requires RF coordination, IRD provisioning, and site visits
What redundancy mechanisms protect your distribution feeds?
Sophisticated: ST 2022-7, N+M device redundancy, automated failover
Basic: main/backup paths with manual intervention
None: single satellite transponder or IRD per service with no automated failover
How often does your team deal with signal degradation requiring intervention (weather-related rain fade, 5G interference, or power boost requests)?
Rarely - less than once per quarter
Occasionally - monthly events requiring coordination with satellite operator
Frequently - weekly firefighting for Ku-band rain fade or C-band interference
Constantly - dedicated resources for signal management, unplanned filter costs, ongoing power boost requests
Not applicable - signal degradation is not a concern for our operations
When you calculate total cost of ownership for your ground segment, how significant are recurring maintenance costs (technician call-outs, hardware ageing, dish environmental wear)?
Minimal - maintenance is predictable and well-budgeted
Moderate - maintenance costs are noticeable but manageable within current CAPEX cycles
Significant - specialised technician costs and ageing hardware are major budget line items
Overwhelming - next CAPEX refresh is being delayed due to maintenance drain on budget
Not applicable - ground segment maintenance is not a factor for us
Your Squeeze Score
0%
Ready to squeeze more out of your infrastructure?
Get a detailed pressure breakdown and solutions brief to save space, energy, and money.