NAB 2026: Manifold Technologies to Join NEP Platform as Deployable Application

Why It Matters

The integration gives broadcasters instant, on‑demand access to high‑performance FPGA processing without dedicated hardware, driving cost efficiency and workflow agility across the industry.

Key Takeaways

• Manifold CLOUD becomes deployable app on NEP Platform
• FPGA acceleration enables real‑time multiviewer and graphics
• Uses shared COTS compute, reducing hardware costs
• Automatic scaling and telemetry improve operational efficiency
• Global NEP fleet gains software‑defined production capabilities

Pulse Analysis

The broadcast ecosystem is accelerating its migration from rack‑mounted hardware to cloud‑native, software‑defined production. At this year’s NAB Show, NEP Group unveiled its NEP Platform, a cloud‑based orchestration layer that abstracts third‑party broadcast applications onto shared commercial‑off‑the‑shelf (COTS) compute. By automating deployment, scaling, and health monitoring, the platform promises to cut capital expenditures while delivering the agility required for live events, remote productions, and OTT streams. Industry observers view the platform as a cornerstone for the next wave of virtualized media workflows.

Manifold Technologies’ entry as a deployable application amplifies the platform’s value proposition. Manifold CLOUD brings FPGA‑accelerated multiviewer, UDX conversion, and graphics insertion to NEP’s global fleet of mobile units, fly‑packs, and facilities. The FPGA layer delivers deterministic, low‑latency processing that software alone cannot match, yet it runs on the same COTS servers managed by NEP Platform. This hybrid approach lets broadcasters spin up high‑performance graphics pipelines on demand, pay only for compute time, and retain the flexibility to re‑configure pipelines for each production.

For broadcasters and production houses, the integration signals a shift toward fully programmable, on‑premise‑free workflows. Reduced hardware footprints lower both CAPEX and OPEX, while real‑time telemetry provides actionable insights for capacity planning. Competitors such as Imagine Communications and Grass Valley are racing to embed similar acceleration modules, but Manifold’s early partnership with NEP gives it a first‑mover advantage in the rapidly expanding market for cloud‑native live production. As more events move to hybrid or virtual formats, the ability to deploy FPGA‑powered services at scale will become a decisive factor in winning contracts.