Broadcast DDR video server ·
4K record-while-play for live production.
DDR is Point Media Tech's broadcast video server recorder: it records and plays back on the same machine. It takes SDI / HDMI / IP (SMPTE ST 2110) inputs and 20+ broadcast formats (MXF / MP4 / MOV) for news slow-motion replay, sports VAR, and live production.
±0Latency on playback
20+Broadcast formats
4KUHD resolution
<1 frameGenlock sync error
Still recording on the left,
already replaying the same file on the right.
On the DDR record/play console, the playhead sits 77 seconds behind the record head, reading the same growing file. A mark becomes a playable clip the moment it is set — no transcode, no copy, no waiting for the file to close.
From separate record, transcode, and copy to record-while-play on one server,
a DDR removes three steps.
A broadcast DDR puts recording and playback on the same server, so playback reads the file while it is still being recorded. The traditional chain records first, transcodes, copies, then pushes to a separate playback rig — anchors miss the slow-mo, referees miss the VAR window. DDR handles 20+ formats natively, with no transcoding wait. It fits news, live sports, and studio production; for 24/7 multi-channel recording and archiving, see the broadcast ingest system.
Separate record/play, transcode, copy
Recording and playback servers are separate; assets must be transcoded, copied, and pushed to a playback rig; on-site slow-mo lags by 30 seconds; multi-channel sync requires multiple machines; Genlock alignment is hand-tuned.
Record-and-play together, zero latency, 4K UHD
Single server records and plays simultaneously; 20+ formats native, no transcode wait; ±0 latency live playback; Genlock < 1 frame; full 4K UHD; news slow-mo and sports VAR one click away.
Today · Record, transcode, copy, then play
- A live event does not come round twice
- A traditional recorder must finish before transcoding
- The file is then copied across to a playback machine
- The studio cannot wait for the slow-motion, nor the referee for VAR
After · Record and play on one machine
- Recording and playback on a single server
- Playback while still recording, with no delay
- 20+ broadcast formats supported natively
- No transcoding wait at all
Three capability layers, threaded into one
record-and-play production line.
Point Media Tech's DDR has three capability layers: real-time recording, real-time playback, and production integration. Each layer can be evaluated independently, licensed by channel count, and scaled later.
Real-time recording
SDI / HDMI / IP multi-source inputs; native MXF, MP4, MOV, MPEG-2, ProRes, XAVC — 20+ broadcast formats; 4 parallel recording channels; full 4K UHD / FHD / HD; Genlock sync < 1 frame.
- SDI / HDMI / IP (ST 2110)
- 20+ native broadcast formats
- 4 parallel channels
- 4K UHD / FHD / HD
Real-time playback
Record while playing, ±0 latency; slow-mo 0.1× to 4×; variable speed, reverse, jog/shuttle; EVS-compatible workflow; frame-accurate trim and out cue; sports VAR and news slow-mo one tap away.
- ±0 latency record-and-play
- 0.1× – 4× variable speed
- Frame-accurate trim
- EVS-compatible workflow
Production integration
Integrates with NRCS (ENPS / iNEWS); auto-archive to MAM; push to Playout schedule; REST API + standard broadcast protocols; production console one-touch take cue.
- ENPS / iNEWS integration
- Auto-archive to MAM
- Push to Playout
- REST API standard
Recording (continuous write)
Playback · slow-motion replay
Playback · caught up to live edge
Genlock / PTP lock
From live signal to on-air ·
single-server record-and-play production flow.
DDR sits between the sources and downstream playout: it records and plays back, then pushes clips to MAM for archiving and to Playout for air. Record, playback, archive, and on-air run through one server.
- SourcesSDI / HDMI / IP (ST 2110) multi-source
- Record20+ formats real-time · 4 parallel channels
- Playback±0 latency · slow-mo / VAR
- ArchiveAuto-archive to MAM · metadata preserved
- PlayoutDownstream playout · SDI / IP output
Engineering specifications.
Point Media Tech's DDR covers 4K UHD to HD, SDI / HDMI / SMPTE ST 2110 inputs, and 20+ recording formats. Full spec sheet and technical assessment available on request.
| Resolution | 4K UHD (2160p) · FHD (1080p/1080i) · HD (720p); mixed-resolution recording per server |
|---|---|
| Input formats | SDI (HD/3G/12G) · HDMI · IP (SMPTE ST 2110-20/-30/-40) · NDI · SRT |
| Recording formats | MXF · MP4 · MOV · MPEG-2 · ProRes · XAVC · DNxHD · H.264 / H.265 — 20+ broadcast formats |
| Synchronisation | Genlock (black burst / tri-level) · PTP (IP environments) · sync error < 1 frame |
| Playback | ±0 latency record-and-play; variable speed 0.1× – 4×; reverse / jog / shuttle; frame-accurate trim |
| Integration | NRCS (ENPS / iNEWS) · MAM webhook · Playout push · REST API · EVS workflow |
| Licensing | Per channel and feature module; from 2 channels up to large multi-channel deployments; perpetual + annual maintenance |
Three steps, from evaluation to go-live.
Request a trial
Submit the contact form. Our sales team responds within one business day and schedules a call with a solution architect.
Integration assessment
A solution architect reviews your existing production architecture and confirms NRCS / MAM / Playout integration requirements.
Deployment and go-live
After configuration we run acceptance testing (Genlock alignment, playback rehearsal, cross-system integration) and transition into production.
Frequently asked questions.
Which formats can a broadcast DDR record, and does it take SMPTE ST 2110 input?
Point Media Tech's DDR records 20+ broadcast formats in real time, including MXF, MP4, MOV, MPEG-2, ProRes, and XAVC, from SDI, HDMI, or SMPTE ST 2110 inputs. It locks to Genlock (black burst / tri-level) or PTP with sync error under one frame.
What does a DDR change in news and live sports production?
DDR plays back directly from the file it is still recording, so news slow-mo and sports replays skip the finish, transcode, and copy steps. Record and playback run on one server, and the playhead can reach the newest recorded frame — what the spec sheet lists as ±0 latency record-and-play.
Can DDR integrate with our existing NRCS, MAM, and playout systems?
Yes. Point Media Tech's DDR connects to NRCS (ENPS / iNEWS), MAM (Media Asset Management), and Playout systems. Clips can auto-archive to MAM or be pushed to the playout schedule over REST API, MAM webhook, and standard broadcast protocols.
How is DDR licensed?
DDR is licensed per channel and per feature module, starting at 2 channels and scaling to large multi-channel deployments. Licensing is perpetual plus annual maintenance; contact sales for a quote based on your production requirements.
What hardware and operating system does DDR need?
DDR runs on broadcast-grade workstations or servers under Windows or Linux. Exact sizing depends on channel count, formats, and resolution, and a solution architect will help specify the configuration.
What is the first step to evaluate DDR?
The first step is to submit the contact form; our sales team responds within one business day. A solution architect then assesses your production environment and plans a trial that fits your workflow.
Ready to stop
waiting on transcodes?
Book a demo and run DDR record-while-play and slow-motion replay on your own news or sports feed.