Broadcast technologies are continuously operating at multiple intersections. Different technologies and formats must be integrated, and technically complex solutions must be operated by both skilled technicians and sometimes laypeople. The most common example of the latter is found in audio contribution, where commentators, moderators and reporters must operate audio and contribution hardware. This is always a challenge, as they rarely share the technological affinity of their technician colleagues, so they require systems that are simple to operate and understand. The interfacing of different technologies is no less of a challenge in content contribution.
Fortunately, Ferncast now offers a solution that helps broadcasters overcome both challenges. The FernSLP Web Contribution Hub technology combines the advantages of Ferncast’s existing aixtream audio matrix software with SessionLinkPRO’s WebRTC-based connectivity, adding support for video transport. Unlike other audio contribution solutions, the contributor does not require any special hardware. They can join WebRTC sessions from anywhere in the world via a web browser and then use any audio hardware connected to their PC, tablet or smartphone to send and receive audio. No setup or additional logistics required! The in-browser controls are kept as simple as possible, allowing the contributor to focus on their task. When necessary, the technical crew can remotely control the audio settings for the contributor.
Connecting multiple commentators
On the other end, the central aixtream installation can use, process and route the return audio in any way desired — record it, process it for podcasting, stream for online radio, or timestamp it for muxing together with a video signal. The latter part is especially useful as both ends support video transport. This means an aixtream installation can provide the contributor with a video stream of an ongoing event in their browser window, allowing contributors to comment on a live event (such as a sports match or news event) without the need for additional screens or network paths. Any audio that needs to be delivered to the contributor, including event audio and talkback from the overseeing technician, can be input in any way the workflow demands, from analog and digital interfaces, over Ravenna and Dante to ST-2110. All return audio coming from the commentators can be output on the aixtream end with the same flexibility. Managing all connections on a single system also simplifies monitoring for the technicians, since all of aixtream’s monitoring features can be used to oversee these WebRTC sessions.
FernSLP is not limited to a single connection either. Multiple commentators can connect to the same feed to deliver separate commentaries of the same event, for example, to provide commentary in different languages or different versions, such as a commentary for the visually impaired. The technicians overseeing the contribution can even connect two commentators to enable co-commentary from two separate locations, with minimal latency thanks to the low-latency design of WebRTC communication.
Multiple WebRTC sessions can be hosted on the same aixtream installation, allowing broadcasters who need to manage contributions for different events simultaneously to have much greater flexibility while simplifying their workflows.
The author is product expert at Ferncast GmbH.
This story originally appeared in the RedTech special edition, Solutioneers 2025/2026. You can read or download this edition for free here.
You can view and download all RedTech magazines and special publications for free here.
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