At NAB Show 2026, arkona technologies will introduce a broad set of updates for its BLADE//runner platform.
The company will show the developments at Booth C1808. The new release focuses on usability and workflow flexibility. As a result, engineers get more direct ways to configure, control, and automate FPGA-based processing.
BLADE//runner has already been used for ultra-low-latency audio and video routing, processing, and compression through arkona’s FPGA-accelerated AT300 architecture. Now, the company is adding new tools for configuration, audio mixing, and control integration.
BLADE//planner for Visual Configuration
The main addition is BLADE//planner, a graphical configuration tool for designing and deploying workflows. It allows engineers to build complete system architectures offline with a visual overview of processing flows.
The tool also abstracts core functions. Therefore, operators can route signals and select services such as color correction, audio processing, and frame synchronization without going into low-level settings. At the same time, expert users still have access to more than one million controllable parameters. This supports large-scale automation while keeping manual blade-by-blade setup available when required.
arkona says BLADE//planner is built on a clear structure and an open API. Because of that, users can choose between third-party control systems, custom integrations, or the control options inside BLADE//planner itself.
New Control and Audio Features
arkona is also adding a new Video Switcher soft panel. This extends operational control through software.
In addition, the Audio Mixer now includes AutoMix for automated microphone management in live production environments. The company has also updated its EasyIP software. It now supports hardkey router panels and the SWP-08 protocol directly.
At the same time, arkona is working with technology partner manifold to enable direct PIP routing into the multiviewer. According to the company, this supports interoperability with established control surfaces and further simplifies the move from traditional router systems to IP-based workflows.
FrameSync and Video Identification
The update also adds dedicated HBM-based FrameSyncs for SDI inputs. These use high-bandwidth memory to improve buffering performance and provide deterministic synchronization for SDI signals entering IP workflows.
In addition, arkona has added Video ID insertion. This is intended to improve identification and traceability of video flows in large IP environments.
Executive Comment
Rainer Sturm, CEO of arkona technologies, said BLADE//runner has always combined strong processing performance with flexibility and scalability. He said the latest release focuses on making that processing power easier to access.
He also said NAB Show 2026 gives arkona the chance to demonstrate the new developments and discuss use cases from broadcast, enterprise, and esports.
