Frequently Asked Questions
What is SPX Graphics?🔗
SPX Graphics is a suite of HTML5 based graphics software, workflows and services for real-time graphics playout in live events, live broadcasts, streaming and other live productions.
Is SPX Graphics cloud-based?🔗
It is "browser based", but not necessarily "cloud based".
The backbone of the SPX Graphics system is the SPX Server software for all major operating systems; Windows, Mac, Linux as well as Docker containers. Server can run locally on-premise without an internet connection or it can be deployed in the cloud for remote production workflows also known as cloud graphics.
All SPX Graphics user interfaces are browser based and graphic templates are HTML5 based and rendering and playout is done using a browser.
Is it free or commercial?🔗
Yes.
SPX Graphics started out as a free, open-source project, but it has since evolved into a collection of software products with additional features and support options.
You can get the SPX Solo source code for free on GitHub and use it for your projects. See software page for more details on the different products and their pricing.
Who is SPX Graphics for?🔗
SPX Graphics is designed for a wide range of users, from individual content creators to large broadcasting companies. It provides tools and workflows suitable for various production scales and needs.
Does SPX have a graphics creation tool?🔗
We don't need one.
HTML is worlds most widely used file format and there are already many great tools, libraries and frameworks for creating browser based graphics. There is an ever growing alternatives for graphics creation, from simple HTML editors to complex visual design tools.
See our blog post for more information and some recommendations on graphics creation tools.
What is OGraf? Should I care?🔗
OGraf is an open HTML graphics file format specification by EBU - the European Broadcasting Union.
The main purpose of OGraf is to provide a standardized way to create and share HTML5 graphics across multiple platforms and applications provided by different vendors. It defines a set of rules and guidelines for creating compliant HTML5 graphics.
SPX Graphics is a founding member of the OGraf initiative and we already have a full support for OGraf files in all our products and workflows. We believe that OGraf will help to drive innovation and collaboration in the live graphics industry, and we encourage all of our users to learn more about it and consider adopting it for their own projects.
And yes, you should care. A lot of broadcasters are switching to HTML5 graphics and OGraf is becoming the standard for HTML5 graphics in broadcast industry.
MOS support?🔗
Yes.
SPX Broadcast supports newsroom workflows and integration with NRCS (Newsroom Computer Systems) both using API and MOS protocol via our dedicated MOS Gateway, Object Database and Template Filler plugins. There is also an NLE workflow for using HTML5 graphics in post production workflows.
Manual playout? Automated playout?🔗
Yes.
SPX Graphics supports both manual and automated playout workflows. You can trigger graphics manually using our user interfaces or you can automate the playout using our APIs, MOS protocol or by integrating with third party automation systems.