NAB 2026: Software-Defined, AI-Powered Workflow Tells the Story of the New FOR-A

For the first time since its first NAB exhibition in 1980, FOR-A's NAB Show will focus entirely on software-defined, AI-driven solutions – marking a dramatic shift from the company’s hardware-centric foundation. FOR-A will exhibit in NAB Booth #C4920.

Reflecting FOR-A’s evolution into a provider of live production workflows spanning cloud, IP, IT infrastructure, and edge-based intelligence, the FOR-A booth will feature all solutions as interactive demos, accessible via touch screen at any kiosk. Visitors will be able to view demonstrations and drive operations from the kiosks. Video demonstrations will also be showcased on partner company, Alfalite’s, LED wall for a more immersive viewing experience. Team members will be on hand to discuss how FOR-A’s new solutions help overcome today’s most pressing live video production challenges.

“This will be a momentous NAB for FOR-A,” said FOR-A America President and COO Satoshi Kanemura. “This year’s offerings demonstrate our commitment to developing the best future-facing tools that enable software-defined and AI-driven live production workflows across a range of budgets and applications. Our 9:16 real-time auto cropping and tracking AI tool can instantly unlock revenue streams with mobile phone viewers while reducing current workload and cost. AI-powered, visual-based, mix and effects creation with automatic system diagram generation enhance creativity while dramatically improving operational efficiency. We can’t wait to show off what we’ve been up to.”

One of the most notable developments is the expansion of viztrick AiDi – an on-device AI solution developed by Nippon TV and delivered globally by FOR-A. In live broadcast, every frame matters. While current competing solutions introduce a delay of five to ten seconds, this AI-powered technology operates at true broadcast speed, enabling near-real-time processing. Powered by NVIDIA’s high-performance GPUs, it enables true live streaming, ensuring that audiences experience every moment as it happens and that broadcasters maintain the immediacy demanded by live production.

GoVertical! AiDi delivers 9:16 autocropping for immediate live streaming to mobile platforms. It also tracks objects – including players and the ball. It is in heavy use by NBC Sports, marking its first commercial deployment and signaling a broader expansion into AI-enhanced live-production markets worldwide.

GoVertical! AiDi is ideal not only for live sports, but also for events such as red-carpet premieres, scripted and unscripted shows, movie trailers, conferences, and news – anywhere 9:16 streaming is in demand.

In addition, AiDi is planned to work seamlessly with partner company ClassX graphics software solutions, enabling rich and expressive graphic presentations.

The software-defined FOR-A IMPULSE® live production platform is another highlight of this year’s FOR-A NAB booth. Best described as a “studio in a box,” FOR-A IMPULSE consolidates all software tools necessary for broadcast incorporated on servers with high-speed GPU processing. It features signal processing, multi-view, switching, graphics, audio mix, and media player as software functions. Operators create production pipelines within the platform’s highly intuitive graph editor. Because it’s a software-based solution, it’s easy to reconfigure the pipelines depending on the application. Configurations can be manipulated manually or with AI guidance, which is planned for future implementation. With this upcoming AI capability, the system diagram is automatically generated and drawn while the user creates mix/effects visually. FOR-A IMPULSE can be used on-premise, with cloud operation in the future, and hybrid workflows also planned for the future.

Available for immediate delivery, the award-winning, MixBoard®, powered by ClassX, is a software-based switcher that enables users to create complex compositions with unlimited layers. It empowers switching between cameras, presentations and multimedia sources, using professional 2D/3D transition effects. Key innovations of the MixBoard include new video input types such as the Media Engine for seamless playout of video clips, stills, playlists; and the Compositor for creating complex layouts and transitions with greater control during live productions. The MixBoard is ideal for corporate events, live presentations, and hybrid production environments.

Also available for immediate delivery is FOR-A’s HVS-Q12 video switcher. The 2 M/E HVS-Q12 is a powerful 3G switcher that is software upgradable to 12G and provides 3 M/E equivalent operation with MELite™ technology. Designed for broadcast control rooms and live event production, it is a compact 4RU, but provides up to 60 inputs and 30 outputs in 3G mode and up to 42 inputs and 21 outputs in 12G. Up to 8 keyers are available per M/E at HD/3G. Four keyers are available for 12G transmission. The HVS-Q12 has an IP interface for both Dante® and NDI® support.

FOR-A will host a “FOR-A Connect” event on Saturday, April 18th from 4-5pm in the LVCC’s West Hall, Level 2, Room W220-W221. During the event, FOR-A will unveil new solutions for NAB 2026 and feature several industry leaders sharing real-world use cases and experiences.

Satoshi Kanemura, President & COO, FOR-A America will moderate a panel session titled “Software-Defined Powered by AI Equals Fluidity for Broadcast Operations,” featuring former CBS VP of Engineering Robert Seidel, and Advanced Systems Group Chief Innovation Officer Claudia Souza during the NAB Show. The session will be held on Tuesday, April 21st at 11:30 PDT. Sign up here.