Macnica and Softron Released M|8IP Broadcast Bundle
The hardware-software package enables high-bandwidth media workflows on macOS by integrating SmartNIC technology.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Software
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Macnica and Softron Media Services have released the M|8IP, a commercial bundle that combines a 100GbE SmartNIC with eight MovieRecorder 5 licenses. This platform is now available as a finished product following its initial technology demonstration in 2025.
Why it matters
The integration simplifies the deployment of high-density IP media networks on macOS by offloading processing from the host CPU. This move shifts professional broadcast infrastructure closer to standard workstation hardware architectures.
The system utilizes a 100GbE MEP100 SmartNIC to manage high-volume data traffic, providing dual 100GbE interfaces and support for SMPTE ST 2110-20 and ST 2110-22 standards. The platform supports 8K resolution and maintains PTP timing along with NMOS IS-04 and IS-05 control protocols.
The players
Macnica
A developer of specialized semiconductor and network hardware, including high-bandwidth SmartNICs for broadcast and data center applications.
Softron Media Services
A provider of macOS-based video capture and playout software used in professional broadcast environments.
The details
The M|8IP bundle operates by installing a Macnica MEP100 SmartNIC—a network interface card with onboard processing capabilities—directly into a Mac Studio. This card offloads real-time media movement and data packet handling from the host CPU, allowing the system to manage up to 32 uncompressed HD streams simultaneously. It supports ST 2022-7 for hitless merge redundancy and ST 2110-22 workflows with Apple ProRes compression, integrating I/O drivers with Softron's broadcast software.
Timeline
2025: The underlying technology was first demonstrated at the IBC conference.
September 22, 2026: The M|8IP bundle was officially released at IBC2026.
The Tech Race
This release marks a shift in the race to migrate professional broadcast infrastructure from bulky, custom server racks to high-performance, compact workstations. It follows the industry-wide push to standardize SMPTE ST 2110 operations on Apple-based platforms.
Broadcast engineers and studio technicians can now utilize standard Mac Studio hardware to manage complex, multi-stream IP video workflows. The system requires physical integration of the MEP100 card into the workstation, streamlining production pipelines that previously relied on more complex integration hardware.
The takeaway
The M|8IP indicates that broadcast-grade IP workflows are becoming increasingly accessible through workstation-level hardware configurations. Watch for the next major industry update at the upcoming NAB Show to see how competing vendors adapt their PCIe-based capture solutions.
Further reading
For more on the ecosystem of tools changing modern broadcast production, explore our coverage in Software.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Radio & Television Business Report.
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