News

ARCTEK Separates From Competition with Sencore’s AFN Platform

SIOUX FALLS, SD – Feb. 18 2026

ARCTEK Satellite Productions operates at the highest level of live sports broadcast. From MLB Playoffs and the Stanley Cup Final to the Super Bowl, their satellite trucks deliver mission-critical feeds where seconds matter and failure is not an option. As broadcast workflows evolved toward 1080p HDR, HEVC compression, multi-service MUX, and simultaneous SRT delivery, ARCTEK needed a transmission platform that could keep pace without increasing complexity. The Sencore AFN platform became the foundation of their fleet modernization strategy. With a compact 1RU chassis, high encoder density, built-in redundancy, and support for both satellite and IP workflows, AFN enables ARCTEK to deliver reliable transmission while staying agile as standards evolve.

“It separated us from our competition.”

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The Challenge

Broadcast transmission requirements have shifted rapidly. Networks transitioned from 720p and 1080i to 1080p HDR. HEVC compression moved from early adoption to active deployment. Clients began requesting simultaneous satellite and IP distribution. Inside a mobile satellite truck, space is limited. Power and weight matter. Engineers must respond immediately when issues arise. Redundancy is essential.

ARCTEK needed a solution that could:

  • Deliver high encoder density in minimal rack space

  • Support modern HDR and HEVC workflows

  • Enable multi-service mux deployments

  • Combine satellite uplink and SRT output

  • Adapt quickly as client standards change

Most importantly, it had to be simple to operate under pressure.

The Solution

ARCTEK standardized on the Sencore AFN platform. Owner, Brian Stanley, first saw the AFN chassis concept at NAB and immediately recognized its potential.

“I instantly fell in love with it. I bought it 18 months before we got it.”

After deploying the first unit, ARCTEK quickly expanded. “We bought two more right away.” AFN’s 1RU chassis design allowed ARCTEK to consolidate significant encoder capability into a compact footprint. This was critical in Sprinter-based satellite trucks where rack space and weight directly impact operations.

The platform enabled:

  • HEVC compression

  • 1080p HDR workflows

  • Multi-service mux deployments

  • Satellite uplink

  • Simultaneous multi-destination SRT feeds

During a recent international event, ARCTEK delivered satellite uplink while simultaneously transmitting three SRT feeds to three separate receive sites from the same AFN unit. “That separated us from our competition.” The simplified user interface was equally important. Engineers can configure complex workflows without navigating unnecessary settings. Nick Hendrickson, Chief Engineer at ARCTEK, describes the system as a “Goldilocks zone.” Enough power. Enough flexibility. No excess complexity.

“It’s small. It’s modular. It’s a little powerhouse in a one RU chassis.”

The Results

Competitive Differentiation

ARCTEK can now deliver primary, backup, and backup-for-backup transmission paths from a single platform. The ability to combine satellite uplink with simultaneous SRT distribution expands service offerings and strengthens client confidence.

Operational Confidence

Redundancy is built into every ARCTEK deployment. Engineers can respond immediately if issues arise. Configuration is fast. Training is approachable. “The learning curve isn’t Mount Everest.”

Future-Ready Investment

Broadcast standards evolve quickly. ARCTEK has transitioned from 720p and 1080i to 1080p HDR. HEVC adoption is now active across their fleet. AFN allows rapid upgrades when network standards change. “I’m not buying something that’s obsolete in 18 months.” This flexibility gives ARCTEK confidence that their investment will scale with the industry.

“Working with Sencore has been phenomenal.”

For ARCTEK, the decision was clear. Invest in a platform that supports elite broadcast performance while remaining simple, flexible, and future-ready.

Ready to Elevate Your Transmission Workflow?

If you are modernizing your fleet, expanding into HDR or HEVC, or looking to simplify complex satellite and IP workflows, the Sencore AFN platform delivers the flexibility and confidence required for today’s broadcast environment. Let’s build your next video delivery solution.

Contact Sencore to learn how AFN can support your operation.

About Sencore

Sencore, the gateway to better video delivery, is a rapidly growing technology company that provides a broad range of innovative products and services enabling efficient, high-quality video delivery. Sencore continues to meet the needs of modern media with a cutting-edge product portfolio, backed by best-in-industry support. Sencore works in close collaboration with customers to provide solutions for the content delivery challenges of today and tomorrow, enabling them to deliver high-quality content throughout their networks.