HIVE launches revolutionary SDM-compatible media engine

HIVE launched the BeeBlade, a new product offering that is set to redefine the way media players are used across various applications. BeeBlade represents a game-changing approach to media playback, making it the most advanced and adaptable solution in today’s fast-moving media engine market.

I’m very excited about our new BeeBox and BeeBlade products, featuring our game changing BeeSync technology. Developed in partnership with Intel, this cutting-edge technology enables seamless frame-perfect synchronisation across devices without the need for separate reference sync cabling and expensive HDSDI hardware.

Trey Harrison, Co-Founder at HIVE

“The BeeBlade sits inside a projector or display and requires only an Ethernet connection. The simplicity this brings to synchronised blended multi-projector installations will set a new standard in our industry!” explains Trey Harrison, Co-Founder at HIVE.

BeeBlade sets itself apart with its ability to be deployed in three different formats. Firstly, it can be inserted directly into SDM-compatible projectors or displays, leveraging the advantages of the SDM format whilst simplifying installation and eliminating the need for expensive video distribution systems. Alternatively, BeeBlade can be deployed in a standalone box, a BeeBox, ideal for situations where display technology lacks an SDM slot, yet where users still want to harness the power of the distributed architecture. Lastly, for those seeking a high-density rack solution, multiple BeeBlade modules can be inserted into an accompanying product, the BeeHive, enabling an impressive 16 x 4k output from a single 5U rack, delivering the highest-density media playback solution on the market. This high level of scalability and versatility positions BeeBlade as the go-to solution for professional media playback across an unlimited range of use cases.

The new BeeBlade range incorporates HIVE’s proprietary BeeSync technology, achieving perfect synchronisation across multiple displays, with precise frame-accurate synchronisation of HDMI video outputs across all Ethernet-connected video players, wherever they are located. Comparable to more expensive genlocked systems, BeeSync revolutionises synchronisation capabilities, eliminating the need for extra hardware and cabling. HIVE’s flagship BeeBlade modules are fully compatible with all SDM-equipped Panasonic projectors and displays as part of an ongoing relationship between the brands.

“The flexibility this product offers the customer is disruptive – an industry first. Users can buy an SDM card from us which they can put directly into a projector or display negating the requirement for expensive, unreliable, and awkward-to-install distribution systems, or they can use the standalone box option when an SDM slot is not available, confirms Dave Green, Co-Founder at HIVE. “It’s a one-size-fits-all solution.”

Furthermore, BeeBlade’s modular design allows customers to purchase the exact number of outputs they need, offering a scalable solution that optimises costs. Unlike other manufacturers that may require the purchase of multiple systems to accommodate specific output requirements, BeeBlade and BeeHive empower customers to scale their systems precisely to their project needs. Green explains this concept further: “HIVE customers only need to buy the number of outputs that they need. If a project requires 11 4k outputs, they buy a BeeHive and populate it with 11 BeeBlades. The cost involved scales according to the requirement, offering a future-proofed solution. This is unlike anything else on the market.”

“BeeBlade offers the highest density of outputs, silky smooth playback and amazing scalability, all within the same great HIVE software ecosystem,” says Mark Calvert, Co-Founder at HIVE. “We believe the BeeBlade module and accompanying BeeBox and BeeHive products are disruptors in this market, and we look forward to seeing how our users deploy this technology over the upcoming months.”

BeeBlade and BeeBox are available now and are already being sold worldwide. HIVE expects the BeeHive product to ship in Q4 of 2023.

HIVE takes flight with brand relaunch

Known for its media control solutions, HIVE is a leading name in the media server market. The company is announcing the relaunch of its brand with a new look, a new website and the appointment of several new staff members. The relaunch comes at a significant time, as HIVE moves into a new 3500 square-foot office space in Horsham and expands its sales channels internationally.

Over the past few years, HIVE has established itself as a leading provider of video playback solutions, with a reputation built upon successful collaborations with industry giants such as Panasonic on projects such as Frameless London and the National Museum of Qatar.

“The re-brand reflects the new energies coming into HIVE, and our disruptive nature will become clear as we launch our most exciting product yet, which will be coming in the upcoming weeks,” confirms Mark Calvert, Co-Founder at HIVE.

We want our brand to reflect our values, and this relaunch is all about aligning on our shared vision for the future of the media control market.

Mark Calvert, Co-Founder at HIVE

“After years of experimentation with small video devices, we’ve crossed the threshold where the amount of video processing power available in these small form factors creates incredible value,” explains Trey Harrison, Co-Founder at HIVE. “We’ve brought on absolute top-tier talent to spread the word and help everyone transition to this new era of video control, and I’m very excited to be a part of it.”

The upgrade of HIVE HQ has been pivotal for the brand’s relaunch. The new office space spans 3500 square feet and occupies three floors, providing ample space for programming, assembly, sales, support, R&D, and projects. The new location in Horsham enables the HIVE team to expand its operations and offer better service to customers. 

 Furthermore, HIVE welcomes several new staff members to the team. James Belfield, appointed to the role of Head of Production, is responsible for all aspects of the assembly and production of HIVE products. “It is a great honour and truly exciting to be part of such an innovative, disruptive and forward-thinking team and company,” says Belfield. His extensive understanding and knowledge of the customer base, alongside his long-standing and well-respected career within the events and creative industries, will add enormous value to the HIVE team.  

 Sarah Cox, the Business Development Manager, has over a decade of experience in real-time media servers and real-time graphics. With her extensive knowledge of the entertainment technology industry and emerging technologies, Sarah’s expertise will empower business development at HIVE. “Every now and then, a technology enters the entertainment industry, that defines a whole new standard and its impact changes the game completely,” confirms Cox. “The best match for any business development professional is working with the right product, at exactly the right time for the market. The time is now for HIVE, and I am thrilled to be using my experience to help them on the exciting journey ahead.” 
 

Finally, Kane Sargent joins the HIVE team as Head of Support, “I feel grateful to be part of a company that places a high value on its employees, customers, and the environment,” he said. “It’s inspiring to work alongside a team that is not only passionate about creating a positive and collaborative work environment but also about minimising our environmental impact through proactive sustainability efforts.” 

HIVE’s relaunch marks a significant milestone in the company’s history, and the team is excited to embark on a new journey of growth and innovation. HIVE Co-founder, Dave Green confirms, “As our team expands to bring in new skills and new passion, I feel very fortunate to still wake up every morning eager to dig ever deeper into this project with such talented and inspiring friends, who make this journey such a wonderful ride.”  

HIVE enables flawless and flexible visual displays

Business Challenge

As the AV market demands increasingly higher resolutions, the cost and complexity of the media control systems have become unmanageable. That’s because driving multimedia displays typically requires huge racks of expensive, power-hungry hardware and complex signal-distribution systems. 

HIVE has developed a range of products to disrupt the traditional requirements of display technology. Using NVIDIA®Jetson™, their range of ultra-compact computers can be placed near—or even inside—display technology, for a fraction of the cost, energy consumption, and footprint

NVIDIA Solution

The HIVE Player 3 uses an NVIDIA Jetson AGX Xavier module in combination with the AJA Kona 5. Working with experts from both AJA and NVIDIA, HIVE has developed a powerful, accurately synchronized video playback solution. To ensure frame-accurate, visually lossless quality, HIVE players support the latest industry leading video codecs and an embedded Linux render engine delivers smooth, flawless video playback. This provides a significantly cheaper system that performs just as well as competing systems that cost up to 10X the price. It’s simple to use with a flexible in-browser interface and operable from a phone, tablet, or laptop.

Working with NVIDIA Jetson has enabled us to bring a radical product range to market in just a few years. The playback performance we can achieve in such a compact, low power package is simply unmatched by any other product in the market.

Dave Green, Technical Director, Hive Media Control

Business Results

HIVE’s media players have dramatically reduced the cost of media-playback systems without reducing the quality or performance. Their solutions have been featured in art installations, at music concerts, and even at major sporting events such as the Olympics.

Their latest London-based project, Frameless, brings art to life. Partnering with leading projection technology provider, Panasonic, HIVE’s media control capabilities allow art to seep into every inch of space. Visitors are included in the picture, with the visually stunning art in front, behind, above, and below them.