Macnica and Softron Released M|8IP Hardware Bundle
The new professional IP networking platform supports up to 32 uncompressed HD video streams for Mac Studio users.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Software
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Macnica and Softron Media Services have launched the M|8IP, a hardware and software bundle designed for professional IP network workflows on macOS. The platform combines Macnica's MEP100 SmartNIC with eight MovieRecorder 5 licenses.
Why it matters
The bundle reduces the complex integration work previously required to pair media hardware with production software. This collaboration provides a ready-to-deploy system for professional IP networks.
The system utilizes dual 100GbE interfaces and supports SMPTE ST 2110-20 and ST 2110-22 standards with Apple ProRes compression. Users install the MEP100 SmartNIC into Mac Studio hardware to offload media movement from the CPU.
The players
Macnica
Macnica is a technology company that specializes in semiconductor distribution and network interface hardware solutions.
Softron Media Services
Softron Media Services is a software developer focused on professional video recording and playout tools for the broadcast industry.
The details
The M|8IP platform integrates media I/O hardware, drivers, and production software into one package. It supports various industry standards including PTP timing, NMOS IS-04, IS-05, and SMPTE ST 2022-7.
Timeline
The companies introduced the initial technology at the 2025 IBC conference.
Softron officially released the M|8IP bundle in September 2026.
The Tech Race
This release follows the industry trend of moving broadcast production from legacy hardware to high-performance desktop platforms. It directly challenges proprietary broadcast equipment by leveraging the modular power of standard Mac computing hardware.
Broadcasters and video editors can simplify their workflow by eliminating the need to manually calibrate drivers for separate media components. This bundle allows studios to scale up to 32 streams on a single Mac-based machine.
The takeaway
This platform allows studios to leverage high-bandwidth IP networking without requiring custom-built server racks. Professionals should verify that their specific production requirements align with the MEP100 SmartNIC compatibility before purchasing.
Further reading
For more information on the latest developments in broadcast tools, visit the Software section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Radio & Television Business Report.
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