IBC: Imagine Communications To Showcase New XVR Features

Imagine Communications will demonstrate the latest version of its XVR high-density media server at IBC 2026 in Amsterdam, Sept. 11-14, in Stand 1.B73, adding real-time graphics, master control switching, newsroom integration and AI-augmented playout tools.

The company said the updates are designed to turn XVR into a more complete integrated channel engine for fast-turnaround broadcast workflows. Imagine said the platform is used in production, playout and news operations and can run on-premises or in the cloud.

Darren Gallipeau, Imagine senior product director, said the new capabilities build on the industry’s move to IP-based and cloud-based workflows. “We’re proud of the success XVR has achieved in the marketplace, building on the industry’s transition to IP-based workflows, including ST 2110 and the cloud. With the addition of real-time graphics, newsroom connectivity, and next-gen AI and MXL capabilities, XVR becomes a full-fledged integrated channel engine. Whether deployed on-premises or in the cloud, it is the fastest path to launching a new channel or refreshing an existing one.”

Imagine said the graphics update gives operators tools for channel branding, lower thirds, tickers and data-driven graphics. The company said the native graphics engine can render scenes using live external data, while HTML5 graphic planes support operations built around HTML5 workflows.

The latest XVR releases also integrate with newsroom computer systems through MOS and VDCP protocols, letting clips move into edit while ingest is still underway. Imagine said that connection is aimed at news, sports production and channel origination environments.

The company also highlighted a new assured ingest feature that buffers live recordings internally if external storage is interrupted. Imagine said the system can reassemble the recording once connectivity returns so live material is not lost to storage problems outside the playout engine.

At IBC, Imagine also plans to show AI-augmented playout management through its Aviator orchestration ecosystem and MCP-enabled tools. The company said operators will be able to use conversational AI for bulk updates, operational queries and gap-fill from the content pool while human oversight remains in place.

Imagine and Appear will also demonstrate JT-DMF MXL interoperability, connecting the Appear VX software platform as a live-input contribution to multiple XVR playout engines through the MXL protocol. The companies said the demonstration is meant to show how media applications from different vendors can work together in a common computing environment.

“Showcasing the JT-DMF MXL as an interface on the XVR engine in an interop with an industry partner is a critical link in the development and deployment of Dynamic Media Facilities (DMF),” said John Mailhot, Imagine SVP of product management. “Imagine has been building toward this vision for more than a decade, and our Aviator ecosystem and XVR engines are built around the principles DMF is designed to standardize.”

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