Ferncast „FernSLP – Web Contribution Hub“
Ferncast, a provider of 24/7 audio logistics solutions, will unveil its groundbreaking "FernSLP – Web Contribution Hub" at IBC 2025 (Stand 8.F83, Hall 8). This innovative solution represents a strategic collaboration between Ferncast's aixtream platform and SessionLinkPRO technology, delivering a software-based WebRTC hub that fundamentally transforms how radio broadcasters manage audio and audio-video contributions in their Master Control Rooms.
The FernSLP Web Contribution Hub directly addresses the growing complexity audio engineers face when coordinating multiple remote contributors. Traditional setups require separate hardware connections and individual browser windows for each WebRTC peer-to-peer connection, creating operational bottlenecks and increased maintenance overhead in MCRs. "Audio engineers are telling us they're drowning in hardware complexity when managing multiple reporters, commentators, and international contributors," explains Tobias Dornbusch, Product Expert at Ferncast. "Our FernSLP solution consolidates all these WebRTC connections into a single, centralized hub, dramatically simplifying workflows while maintaining quality audio standards."
Beyond traditional contribution scenarios, FernSLP introduces a game-changing workflow for international sports events. The system enables MCRs to distribute video feeds to multiple language-specific commentators while simultaneously receiving their high-quality audio commentary back through the WebRTC hub. This eliminates the need for separate hardware setups for each commentator, regardless of their global location. "This multilingual sports broadcasting capability represents exactly what the industry has been demanding," notes Tim Proegler, CEO of SessionLinkPRO. "Radio broadcasters can now coordinate dozens of international commentators from a single software interface, with each contributor simply joining via a browser link – no technical expertise required."
The FernSLP Web Contribution Hub exemplifies the broader industry shift toward software-defined broadcasting solutions that reduce hardware dependencies and enable cloud deployment flexibility. Built on Ferncast's proven aixtream platform, the solution integrates professional audio processing, OPUS- and Linear-codec quality, and Far-End Recording capabilities within a single software package. "We're witnessing a fundamental transition where radio broadcasters prioritize software flexibility over hardware appliances," explains Detlef Wiese, CEO of Ferncast. "FernSLP delivers this software-first approach while actually simplifying operations – radio broadcasters get more capability with less complexity."
Visitors to Stand 8.F83 in Hall 8 can experience live demonstrations of the FernSLP Web Contribution Hub throughout IBC 2025. The Ferncast team, including Tobias Dornbusch, Thomas Schlien, Bernd Geiser, Florian Wickert, Virginie Davin-Danker, and Detlef Wiese, will showcase real-time multilingual sports commentary scenarios and traditional reporter contribution workflows.
In addition to the new FernSLP technology, Ferncast will also showcase other recent innovations and upcoming developments. These include Ferncast’s online cloud platform, which will enable customers to take advantage of many aixtream features ad-hoc as a cloud service. The services offered also include file-based loudness processing, using Ferncast’s own „next-generation Loudness Control“ (ngLC) algorithm, which has been further refined since its introduction last year. Lastly, Ferncast continues to champion immersive audio broadcasting, including Dolby Atmos content, and will present some of its recent successes in that area.
Visit Ferncast’s IBC 2025 Landing page to learn more: https://ibc2025.ferncast.de