Members of the Vantage team met in New York City for the annual National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) NY show to see the latest in hardware, software, and services for the broadcast industry. Among the 260 exhibitors, they saw trends from the latest in AI assistance to new tools for production; from the changing landscape of traditional media to incredible new equipment. Here are some of the most exciting things our team encountered at the conference.
AI Continues Expanding its Reach
AI continues expanding its reach into producing content. Some of the greatest impacts today are in:
- Workflow automation – tools designed to automate repetitive tasks in production and editing
- Data-driven storytelling – delivering hyper-personalized content to specific audiences
- Creativity – new applications for creating content and AI camera tracking tools
Content Creators and Influence
Content creators continue to influence the industry and are forcing traditional media to adapt to new formats and platforms:
- Collaborative applications, such as a live-shopping stream, to demonstrate brand collaboration and selling through social media
- “Prosumer” products offering simplicity and affordability with high-quality results
- Tools and products to assist broadcasters in producing shorter, more focused content for social media and digital platforms
Cloud Services and Remote Production
Cloud services and remote production tools are becoming more and more advanced:
- There were many solutions geared towards a hybrid cloud model allowing users to balance the flexibility of the cloud with the reliability of on-prem infrastructure.
- The industry is moving toward interoperability and open APIs, rather than single-vendor solutions. This allows for more customized and flexible workflows.
- Remote editing solutions and real-time, multi-location coordination of camera control and tracking speed up and enable more seamless processes.
- New IP and cloud transport solutions for live content production and distribution bring audiences into events as they unfold.
Live Sports and Fan Engagement
In the live sports arena, technology continues to innovate to meet audience demands and increase fan engagement:
- The latest in live streaming and real-time analytics provide fans insights to build a stronger connection to the game
- Private 5G networks and network slicing were highlighted as solutions for managing the high bandwidth and low latency required for live event coverage, providing more camera angles and opportunities for AR/VR experiences and remote production.
- Immersive technologies like augmented reality (AR) and immersive filmmaking techniques help fans experience the game in an entirely new way.
Technologies
Obviously, new equipment was a major focus, showcasing tools for efficiency and creativity for all types of productions. Some of the many product technologies and features shown:
Video and Cameras
- 12K camera sensors
- Cameras that meet Netflix capture requirements and have been approved for use on Netflix productions.
- 4K cameras with SDI and IP (ST 2110) outputs
- Portable video switchers supporting remote control and NDI high-bandwidth and NDI HX2, with options for integrated or separate control panels.
Networking and IP
- IPMX/ST 2110 IP KVM transceivers, up to 4K/60 4:4:4 over fiber or copper
- SMPTE 2110 and IPMX IP signal conversion to and from HDMI, HDBaseT™, or SDI, supporting uncompressed and compressed AV over IP signals.
- hybrid solution that combines satellite transmission with Internet recovery
Audio
- Wireless intercom system with 5G filtering to reduce RF interference, and supporting ST 2110/AES67 networks.
- Server-based processing and loudness control for broadcasters
- Remote control solutions for IP consoles.
Virtual production and workflows
- Marker-free camera tracking for virtual production and AR, and providing real-time metadata
- Cloud-based platform for coordinating remote and hybrid productions, compatible with multiple manufacturer camera models.
- Software-defined switchers with hundreds of I/O’s for almost any hybrid and IP environment
- OpenGear cards that condense the features and functionality of existing standalone hardware products
As technology continues to evolve, how audiences consume and connect with content evolve as well. From the expanding role of AI to the growing influence of content creators and the continued evolution of cloud and remote production, the NAB NY show highlighted how technology is reshaping how stories are told and delivered. At Vantage, we’re excited to be part of this transformation and helping our partners leverage new tools and workflows.
This post was authored by Associate Principal Michael Pincus, who has more than 35 years of experience planning and designing AV, IT, security, and low-voltage systems. He works closely with his clients so they understand the full operational, financial, procurement, and implementation requirements that are part of any technology roadmap.
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