When I saw that 2023 was the 100th Anniversary of the National Association of Broadcasters Show I knew that 2023 was going to be special. If you stop and think about it, 100 years of just about anything is really a big deal, right? So, no matter if this is your 1st NAB or your 25th NAB Show (or more) I can guarantee that there will be new technology or some cool product or service that will make you stop in your tracks and give you that “wow” moment. One of my many big wow moments? Go ahead and take a step back with me on the time machine. Out of nowhere comes the Video Toaster! Yes, that one. The original Video Toaster. You couldn’t get anywhere near the booth; it was wall to wall attendees five to ten deep. It was like so much digital techno marvel magic all in one box. Complete with those iconic KiKi effects as well!
Go ahead and laugh, but I am telling you the original Toaster was an absolute show stopper.
Enough about the past, let’s pull back the curtain on some of the technologies in the here and now that are sure to make you stop and say WOW at the 2023 NAB Show! And as a bonus, don’t forget to check out my tried-and-true Top Tips on how to Thrive and Survive at this year's show at the end of this post.
So Much Technology
Unless you have been living under that proverbial rock, production technologies in live content creation, post, and distribution continue to improve and accelerate with incredible speed. This is the technology that you and I use every day!
No visit to the Big Show would be complete without a long visit to SONY (C8101). As always SONY will bring some of their latest and greatest products to the show. Honestly, if you had the time (haha) you could spend half a day easily in the Sony booth. That said, I am leaning in to make sure I take a long hard look at The VENICE 2 Rialto 2, the FR7 Cinematic PTZ which is Netflix approved, and the FX30.
Sony VENICE Rialto 2
I know I also want to see Sony’s Virtual Production capabilities. They will be demonstrating Sony’s virtual production solutions, in tandem with Pixomondo. Sony will be hosting a series of panels that should be pretty interesting. As many of you already know, Virtual Production is here to stay and it goes without saying that the more one can learn about the technology, the more prepared you will be for future opportunities.
Panel One
One Sony Virtual Production – Sony will host a presentation on their Virtual Production portfolio beginning with Sony Electronics, then Sony Pictures and Pixomondo. So if you like having one end to end equipment solution this will be an important panel to attend. Sony will be highlighting how they are the only manufacturer that produces both high end digital cameras and high end LED Displays.
Panel Two
Gran Turismo – Featuring the filmmakers behind Sony Pictures’ Gran Turismo, including Playstation Productions Producer Carter Swan, and Director of Photography Jacques Jouffret. They will be discussing how they used the VENICE 2 Rialto 2 to capture dynamic racing footage live for video games.
Panel Three
Cinematic Multicam – Featuring the technical producers from this year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show, Executive Producer Jordy Wax and DP Micah Bickham from HBO’s The Weeknd Concert as they discuss the latest trends in live production, and the use of cinema cameras, such as VENICE 2 and FR7. If you have been watching professional and college sports productions, you have seen how the inclusion of cinematic cameras has dramatically increased the overall look and production values. If you are moving your productions in the cinematic direction, then this panel should provide a wealth of information.
Ok, we are moving on (I know) to another must see exhibitor in Marshall Electronics (C5520). Their POV cameras are used in high end professional sports or entertainment needs. Virtually indestructible these bad boys work in just about any harsh environment you can throw at them. Yes, I can even say that because in my last Marshall review, I actually dropped one. (But don’t tell the Marshall folks that!) Even though I stopped breathing for a few seconds, that camera was none the worse for wear. Of course, Marshall also has an amazing array of PTZ cameras and is part of the SRT NDI Alliance. Additionally, Marshall Electronics will have some new monitors that they will be showing off at the show. You owe it to yourself and your production team to get over there and check them out.
Marshall Electronics PTZ Camera
If you are cranking out a high volume of content that you want to backup and protect, a OWC (C2820) is one of those companies that you know their product is going to work, and work well. With today’s ever increasing storage needs, especially when shooting 4K or higher, OWC offers a ton of options like portable drives and customizable solutions that will grow as your production storage needs increase.
OWC Portable Drive
Everyone in the Productionverse (yes, my new word this year) knows that you must have the right tools for the production at hand, along with the ability to be versatile enough to go with the flow. Nobody knows that better than AJA (W2600).
Starting with small “connector” solutions like the AJA HD5DA 1x4 HD/SD-SDI Distribution Amplifier/Repeater with DWP all the way to the versatile BRIDGE LIVE: Real-Time Multi-channel H.264, H.265 and MPEG2 that allows for multiple streaming options that is a great fit for broadcasting or houses of worship.
AJA HD5DA 1x4 HD/SD-SDI Distribution Amplifier/Repeater
AJA continues to deliver reliable products with an incredible eye to detail and craftsmanship. I will want to take a good long sit down look at the Colorbox product in person that allows for color corrections to happen in real time and at several different points in the production and postproduction workflow.
Speaking of streaming LiveU (N3058) will be on hand at the show to talk about their latest lineup of streaming products designed for all levels of production. LiveU will demonstrate their complete suite of live video services – from contribution and production to distribution – as part of an enhanced live video production ecosystem. This is all built on LiveU’s field-proven LRT (LiveU Reliable Transport) protocol for low latency, high quality, and rock-solid resiliency.
LiveU Reliable Transport
At NAB2023, they’ll also be coming with a world-first production approach, leveraging LRT across the entire workflow. Putting the customer in control, LiveU’s on-demand subscription solutions encompass seamless cloud, on-prem and hybrid workflows – saving money by lowering costs, reducing time to air, increasing audience engagement, and simultaneously distributing to multiple channels. If you are new to streaming or even a seasoned streaming expert, LiveU needs to be on your list of must see exhibitors!
Lawo (C4111) will exhibit more than 10 new products and major updates to its existing audio, video, control, and monitoring portfolio. Lawo will introduce its next set of features for its HOME IP infrastructure management platform. Audio pros can also look forward to Lawo officially launching version 10.6 for its mc² and A__UHD Core platform, which delivers immersive audio mixing and advancements for multi-channel processing and downmixing.
LAWO MC² 56 Audio Production Console
Version 10.6 supports the new, optional, Pooling 8 license designed to share the 1,024 DSP channels of a A__UHD Core among up to eight independent mixing surfaces. Lawo’s line-up of on-air/radio solutions will be expanded with a new processing core, a new software version for its radio portfolio, an additional I/O card for the Power Core’s rear-panel bays, and an extension for its R3LAY radio software.
Next from Atomos (C4135) is the just announced Atomos Cloud Studio. Atomos’ cloud-based control room for live video production and remote collaboration. Atomos Cloud Studio is a suite of cloud-based video production services.
Atomos Cloud Studio
The suite comprises Atomos Capture to Cloud, Atomos Stream and Atomos Live Production*, and leverages the CONNECT range of network enabled monitor-recorder devices: ATOMOS CONNECT for Ninja V and Ninja V+, and Shogun CONNECT. Zato CONNECT supports Atomos Capture to Cloud and Atomos Stream. Live Production is available to use in a fully featured BETA. Atomos Capture to Cloud offers direct integration with Adobe Camera to Cloud, powered by Frame.io. This is an immediate way to share content from a camera with remote team members.
If you want to check out a really cool camera and other Panasonic gear like KAIROS and PTZ cameras you need to head over to Panasonic (C3308, N207LMR, N209LMR) Starting with the LUMIX S5II and S5IIX. These are the first LUMIX mirrorless cameras to utilize Phase Detection Auto-Focus (PDAF) thanks to a newly developed 24.2-megapixel 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor and a new imaging engine.
Panasonic KAIROS Switcher
To further the cameras’ PDAF capabilities and make them more dependable, Panasonic evolved the auto-focus system into Phase Hybrid Auto-Focus by increasing the AF points to 779 to significantly improve subject tracking. Once the S5II and S5IIX are locked on a subject, the auto-focus will continue to track the subject.
KAIROS is a live production platform developed with a CPU/GPU architecture and software to maximize video processing capacity and utilization with just one frame processing delay.
In addition to streaming workflows, KAIROS natively supports ST 2110 IP connectivity. This simplifies connections to Panasonic’s latest ST 2110 compatible cameras, the AW-UE160 PTZ and the AK-PLV100 Cinelive studio camera, allowing for streamlined multi-camera productions.
Blackmagic Design (N2601) Will be showing off its latest new solutions, including the ATEM Television Studio HD8 switcher and Studio Camera 6K Pro. Blackmagic Design is always a very crowded place on the show floor.
ATEM Television Studio
Starting off with the new ATEM Television Studio HD8 line of mixers, which combine professional tools with a portable design. These units have integrated control panels with advanced features that allow web streaming and recording of content, including signals from all sources in the ISO version, and support the connection of up to eight cameras remotely.
The ATEM Television Studio come with four advanced compositors for chrominance overlays. It comes in two versions: the standard version, called ATEM Television Studio HD, and the ATEM Television Studio HD ISO version, which offers live editing capabilities, adding full post-production dynamics with editing, color grading, visual effects and audio mixing tools. Another highlight of the ISO model is its ability to connect to the Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2, Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Pro G2 and Blackmagic Studio Camera 6K Pro cameras remotely. Lastly, Blackmagic Studio Camera 6K Pro is an advanced EF-mount solution with a larger 6K sensor, built in neutral density filters, and direct streaming.
Closing Thoughts
As they say- that is just the tip of the iceberg for the 100th Anniversary 2023 NAB Show! With over a thousand exhibitors, panels, presentations, and awards it’s shaping up to be a crazy busy week. But that is ok. I wouldn’t have it any other way. This is what you and I have been waiting for. A celebration of what makes our profession truly an exciting one. What a marriage of invention, determination, and the camaraderie that makes the NAB Show such a special time for us all. I will be back with more updates in Part Two of the 2023 NAB Preview as we get closer to the show.
Mark’s Top Tips for Thriving and Surviving 2023 NAB Show
- You need to make that plan! What is important to you? NAB has an excellent free show planner online. There is too much to see and do so, unless you make a good plan you will get overwhelmed!
- Get the best sneakers you can and break them in now! You might be walking 10 to 13 thousand steps a day. No time for cheap footwear.
- Schedule eating food and taking personal breaks. Go ahead and laugh… but when your stomach and body starts a rebellion don’t say I didn’t warn you.
- Drink lots of water. Before, during, and after the show. The dry desert air will dehydrate you quickly.
- Stop at some of the smaller booths along the way. There is a lot of cool technology on the floor if you will stop long enough to look around. A lot of the biggest companies that you see today started out with a folding table in a 10 x 10 booth.
- Say hello to old friends and make new ones! One of the biggest benefits of being at the show is being at the show! Make time for the people that make it all happen.
- Lastly, stop long enough to look around and soak it all in. NAB is like no other show. Pace yourself and savor the moment.
Hey! If you enjoyed my post and Top Tips on how to Thrive and Survive at NAB 2023, please make sure to keep checking for product announcements and industry insider updates on our very own NABHUB.com.
If you're at this year’s show, please stop by ProductionHUB’s booth (at C8332) and say hello!
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