Cobalt Digital Won Two Best of Show Awards
The media hardware company received top honors for its Pacific line of compression products at IBC.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Television
Cobalt Digital secured two Future Best of Show awards at the recent IBC conference. The company was recognized for its Pacific compression product line, which helps broadcasters manage shifting spectral demands.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the industry's need for advanced hardware to navigate shrinking C-Band spectrum availability. These systems provide critical flexibility for broadcasters moving between satellite and internet-based signals.
Cobalt Digital earned two separate awards from TV Tech and TVB Europe for its Pacific 9992-ENC encoder and Pacific ULL-DEC decoder systems. These honors recognize the hardware's specific capabilities in processing satellite and IP-based broadcast signals.
The players
Cobalt Digital
This company specializes in the design and manufacturing of signal processing and compression equipment for the broadcast and professional video industries.
Future
This global media group operates the Best of Show program, which evaluates and rewards innovations in broadcast technology.
The details
The Pacific 9992-ENC-INDIGO encoder features a software-defined broadcast decoder with an ST 2110/IPMX output option. Its companion ULL-DEC-SAT-DEMOD unit enables the simultaneous decoding of satellite signals across both ASI and IP platforms using VSF TR-06-4 Part 7 standards.
Timeline
October 1, 2026: Official publication of the industry news.
Industry Dynamics
These awards reflect a wider move toward hybrid signal processing that accommodates the ongoing FCC C-Band spectrum reallocation. As broadcasters face reduced satellite bandwidth, they are increasingly relying on software-defined decoders that bridge traditional and IP-based infrastructures.
Broadcasters utilizing this new hardware can maintain higher signal quality while transitioning to IP-based delivery systems. This results in more reliable content distribution for end-viewers during the ongoing shift from traditional satellite to internet-based broadcast delivery.
The takeaway
Advancements in software-defined decoders are becoming essential for maintaining broadcast continuity during infrastructure shifts. Media companies should prioritize equipment that supports dual ASI and IP outputs to ensure long-term flexibility.
Further reading
Explore more developments in hardware and professional video standards at the Television section.
