NMOS

NMOS (Networked Media Open Specifications) is a set of open standards developed by the Advanced Media Workflow Association (AMWA) to simplify the deployment, management, and interoperability of IP-based media networks using the SMPTE ST 2110 standard. As the broadcast industry shifts from SDI (Serial Digital Interface) systems to IP-based workflows, NMOS is playing a key role in ensuring that devices from various manufacturers can communicate efficiently and without proprietary constraints.

NMOS is integrated with the SMPTE ST 2110 standard to transmit professional media, including video, audio, and metadata, over IP networks. SMPTE ST 2110 focuses on real-time, uncompressed media streaming and NMOS adds value by making the setup and control of these streams more straightforward. NMOS specifications, such as IS-04 for device discovery and registration, automate how devices within an IP network find and register themselves, simplifying what would otherwise be a complex and manual process. Meanwhile, IS-05 facilitates connection management, allowing for precise routing and control of media streams between devices without interrupting workflows.

In practice, NMOS and SMPTE ST 2110 work together to streamline everything from live broadcast production to remote workflows in newsrooms and studios. This combination not only improves flexibility and scalability but also supports future innovations in media technology. By eliminating the need for traditional SDI cabling and offering software-driven infrastructure, broadcasters can reduce operational costs, improve system scalability, and deploy new services faster. NMOS provides an essential framework for managing the increasingly complex media environments of today while ensuring compatibility with the evolving technologies of tomorrow.