Lawo has released Home 4.0, the latest version of its IP-native management platform, bringing ‘significant architectural improvements, a streamlined licencing model and greater operational flexibility’ to broadcasters and media professionals working in infrastructures of any scale.
Home is Lawo’s software platform for managing and securing IP-based media infrastructures. Built on cloud-native, containerised microservices, it allows users to connect, configure, and control all Home-native devices from Lawo and its ecosystem partners, as well as NMOS-compliant third-party equipment. Whether on-premise, across multiple locations, or in the cloud, Home offers a unified solution for device discovery, parameter control, stream routing, and intuitive system operation within a secure and standards-based environment.
With native support for SMPTE ST2110, AES67, NMOS IS-04/05, IEEE 802.1x, Radius and others, Home serves as the central control layer for modern IP-based workflows. It integrates with Lawo’s portfolio of hardware and software, including its Home Apps for signal processing, monitoring, commentary, transcoding and other media functions.
A key innovation in Home 4.0 is the introduction of Home Passes, which replace all previous Home Core licences. With this update, one Home Pass is required per actively managed device, or Home App in the platform’s inventory. This transparent and scalable licensing model enables precise planning and cost control. It is particularly beneficial in dynamic infrastructures, where system size may fluctuate, resulting in the need for fewer physical devices and lowering licensing costs. As infrastructures grow, additional devices can be licensed easily and on demand.
Home Passes are available both as permanent licenses and via Lawo’s Flex subscription model using credits. The credit-based approach is ideally suited for projects with temporary or variable device counts, enabling maximum flexibility while maintaining full access to Home’s functionality.
Another feature of the 4.0 release is the redefinition of platform access: the Home software itself is now available at no cost. This allows users to deploy Home even in smaller or temporary environments without any initial licensing investment, supporting agile project planning and faster deployment.
To further streamline onboarding, all newly purchased Lawo devices and Home Apps based on Home 4.0 or higher now include the required Home Passes. This simplifies the setup process and ensures immediate compatibility within a Home-managed IP infrastructure. An upgrade path is in place for existing users who wish to transition to the new version.
‘Home 4.0 continues Lawo’s vision of flexible, scalable, and secure IP infrastructure management,’ the company states. ‘With a refined software architecture, open standards compliance, and a licensing model tailored to modern production realities, Home offers broadcasters and media organi’ations a future-ready platform that adapts to both current needs and long-term evolution.’
Home is already widely used in production facilities, OB trucks, remote workflows, and cloud-based operations worldwide. With version 4.0, Lawo reinforces its position as a trusted partner for the global broadcast community.
More information about Home 4.0 and Home Passes is available via Lawo’s Knowledge Base, Home 4.0 updates can be requested via the Lawo Customer Portal.
More: www.lawo.com