Viva Las Vegas! 5 insights from NAB 2024
NAB is always a great highlight in our product development and networking calendar. This year did not disappoint.
Given the new technology offering we are about to unleash on the European market, it was critical for us to check out any similar product or service offerings.
We are pleased to announce that nothing comes close. Get in touch any time for a chat to hear more. Our demo calendar/queue is growing fast!
In addition to R&D, we loved having some dedicated networking time, making new friends across the industry, and seeing old acquaintances alike, including our lovely partners in quality, cost-effective, flexible broadcast global domination plans over at BitFire.
Ready for your round-up of all things NAB?
#1 2024 Devoncroft Executive Summit
Delegates crowded in for the annual ‘state of the broadcast nation’ address from Devoncroft Principal Analyst, Josh Stinehour, who told a packed conference hall, “Nothing less than an intervention is needed in content production, [it’s broken].”
Josh continued on to demonstrate this assertion with a whistle-stop tour through the industry’s biggest trends and stories, including the consolidation of media giants and the gradual increase in overall levels of production (although still nowhere near pre-pandemic, pre-writers’ strike levels).
The great big takeaway from his fascinating session was that the industry is 10 years into the IP transition and is only just starting to see the benefits, with more innovative decision-making from budget-holders needed.
Here at Jackshoot we are proud to have been implementing IP broadcast workflows since the very beginning!
Photo credit: NAB
#2 SMPTE: Future of Cinema Presents: Behind the Screens of Sphere
JACKSHOOT’s joint MD, Abi Hemingway, was invited by SMPTE to chair a panel with the geniuses behind the ground-breaking film made especially for the Sphere, Darren Aronofsky’s ‘Postcard From Earth’.
Consider that it was a bespoke film made on a bespoke camera for a bespoke screen with bespoke audio and we think you’ll agree that there was nothing run-of-the-mill about the entire undertaking!
Talking with Andrew Shulkind, Josh Grow and Toby Gallo, was an absolute treat for Abi as she uncovered a story of innovation derived from a seemingly impossible challenge.
The sheer human endeavour, stamina, and perseverance needed to deliver the film ready for display as the screen and audio system were being completed has resulted in an era-defining invention of a new medium that has an incredible emotional impact and many technical firsts.
Do not visit Vegas without going to see a show at Sphere – and prepare to be blown away!
#3 Technical innovation
You don’t have to look very far at NAB to find technical innovation, although it also pays to look behind the headlines to ensure there is a genuine innovation, not an unfulfilled promise in some cases!
JACKSHOOT’s founder, Simon Haywood, spent happy hours walking miles through the exhibits to track down the very latest in reliable, cost-effective and genuinely innovative tech.
With exciting developments from our favourite tech brands, keep your eyes peeled for new kit the next time you’re on a broadcast with us.
#4 Fabulous people
It’s not just about tech and trends, so much of the value we get from attending trade shows is for the access to amazing people and NAB is no exception!
From playing (low stakes) Black Jack in stitches with tech partners, to watching the Bellagio fountains from our dinner table, we made some great new friends and enjoyed catching up with old acquaintances alike.
Thanks to our friends at Verizon, IBC, Deluxe, Fastly, BitFire and RISE among others for their generous hospitality and good times!
#5 The best of the rest
Definitely worth mentioning the legends of RISE, a global group for gender diversity, who had one of our favourite stands at NAB. It was great getting to meet more of the impressive team there and support them on their first ever NAB stand!
Thank you RISE for the goodie bag, and being a voice for the under-represented! If you haven’t joined, it’s free and the more voices the better – join now at RISE.
In conclusion…
We’re always excited by NAB and this year didn’t disappoint.
With IBC and MPTS hot on its heels, we’ll be sharing more updates and insights as we’ll be attending both.
Fancy a more detailed chat about our take on NAB?
Perhaps you’ve a burning question on another aspect of broadcast tech or you’d understandably like a demo of our cutting edge solutions that revolutionise your content delivery workflow?
We’re here to help. Book a chat.