Key Takeaways from IBC 2024: AI, Cloud, 5G, and the Future of Media Technology

From September 13 to 16, we attended one of the largest and most significant media and broadcasting exhibitions in the world—IBC 2024 in Amsterdam. Our main goal was to meet with clients and partners, strengthen our relationships, and discuss future plans.

IBC has always been a platform for networking, and this year was no exception. We had productive meetings with our current partners, discussed ongoing projects, and outlined new directions for our work. These events not only provide an opportunity to showcase ourselves but also help us better understand how we can adapt our products to meet the changing needs of the market.

This year's exhibition focused on key topics shaping the future of the media industry: artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, 5G, OTT, and streaming. We were particularly impressed by the new AI Tech Zone, where industry leaders presented innovations transforming media production. We attended presentations from leading experts discussing the future of automation and machine learning in content production. These technologies are already starting to change the rules of the game, and we need to consider this in our developments.

Among the new products that caught our attention were the Blackmagic URSA 12K and Teradek's mobile broadcasting solutions. These technologies promise to make streaming video even more accessible and high-quality, which is especially important for our clients in the broadcasting sector. We also saw solutions for enhancing HDR, KVM, and audio from Apantac, which will undoubtedly improve the user experience.

The exhibition also featured initiatives aimed at industry development. For example, the IBC Talent Programme and Accelerator Programme help support the growth of the media industry in an environment of constant change and challenges. These initiatives play a crucial role in creating new opportunities for young professionals and companies looking for innovative solutions to real industry problems.

The main trends highlighted at IBC 2024 include:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI took center stage at the exhibition, particularly in the AI Tech Zone. We see how AI helps improve video production, analyze data, and increase workflow efficiency. Solutions from companies like Google Cloud and AWS offer new opportunities for automating media production processes, helping us stay competitive in the future.
2. Cloud Technologies and 5G: These technologies continue to revolutionize media delivery, especially in the context of streaming and mobile broadcasting. Tools from Microsoft Azure and AWS Elemental showcased at the exhibition demonstrated how cloud and 5G can improve the quality of broadcasts and video content, which can have a direct impact on clients. Additionally, we introduced our cross-platform solution for transcoding and transwrapping, xMediaNode, which is designed to work seamlessly in the cloud.
3. Immersive Technologies (AR/VR): AR and VR continue to draw attention due to their ability to create engaging and interactive media experiences. Solutions from Sony and Stype, presented at the exhibition, open up new possibilities for using these technologies in sports broadcasting and advertising campaigns.
4. Sustainability and Social Responsibility: IBC 2024 placed significant emphasis on sustainable production and the use of technologies that reduce carbon footprints. This is an important topic that is becoming increasingly relevant in our industry, and we are already thinking about how we can contribute to these changes.

Returning from IBC 2024, we are full of inspiration and new ideas. We have a lot of work ahead of us to adapt these technologies into our products, to continue offering our clients cutting-edge solutions. But most importantly, our interactions with clients and partners help us move forward and make our products even better.