Wheatstone has introduced two redundancy features for its fourth-generation Blade architecture designed to help keep studios on the air during equipment failures. The company says the additions address scenarios such as the loss of a network switch or mix engine during a live broadcast.
For the Blade 4 I/O access units that form part of the WheatNet IP audio network, Wheatstone has introduced hitless path redundancy. The feature uses dual Ethernet ports that carry data simultaneously over two paths. If one path fails, the system continues operating over the remaining path without interruption or packet loss, according to the company.
Wheatstone has also introduced an automatic failover option for the Blade 4 mix engines used with its LXE console and Strata console surfaces. The system uses dual mix engines synchronized in real time. Wheatstone says a high-frequency “heartbeat” signal between mirrored primary and backup mix engines monitors system status and triggers an automatic failover if a fault is detected.
Because the backup engine mirrors the primary unit in real time, the company says the failover occurs in less than half a second, allowing the system to recover rapidly without noticeable disruption.
Wheatstone says the redundancy features are designed to help WheatNet IP facilities remain operational during failures that could otherwise interrupt broadcasts. The company plans to demonstrate Blade 4 I/O hitless path redundancy and console mix engine failover redundancy during the 2026 NAB Show at booth C1051.
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Wheatstone adds hitless failover redundancy to WheatNet IP networks
