What problem does this solve?
Modern broadcast facilities moving from baseband to IP require consistent communication between devices. Without agreed standards, getting equipment from multiple vendors to register, discover each other, and interoperate can be a technical minefield. The transition to IP can easily become fragmented and inefficient without a shared framework.
What was the industry workaround before this?
Previously, facilities using baseband systems didn’t need the same level of control and coordination between devices. With IP systems, however, there was often a patchwork of proprietary or manual integrations, which were time-consuming, prone to error, and lacked scalability. Getting different equipment to ‘speak the same language’ required extensive custom engineering.
How does it help?
NMOS (Networked Media Open Specifications) solves this by providing a standardised set of specifications to ensure interoperability between devices in SMPTE ST 2110 environments. Developed collaboratively through AMWA working groups, NMOS includes specifications like IS-04 (registration and discovery) and IS-05 (connection management), which are now integral to IP-based broadcast setups. NMOS is also embedded in newer standards like IPMX, helping users design systems that just work—regardless of vendor.
Who would this appeal to?
Engineers, system integrators, and facility managers building or upgrading to 2110-compliant IP workflows will benefit most. NMOS is essential for anyone aiming to future-proof their operations with scalable, flexible systems. Broadcasters, vendors, and standards-driven organisations looking for true interoperability will find strong value in adopting and contributing to NMOS through AMWA.
For more details or to participate in ongoing specification work, visit www.amwa.tv. Watch the KitPlus video from NAB here
