NAB show

2013 NAB Show recap

I recently returned from the 2013 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show, which is an annual trade show for broadcast, cinema and video production professionals to learn about the latest technology and innovations within the industry. Along with attending sessions lead by Hollywood and TV directors, cinematographers and producers, I got to learn about the latest trends in production and delivery technology on the show floor. This included the latest Ultra HD cameras, remote control helicopters, LED studio lighting, virtual sets, social media moderation for broadcast & digital signage, Steadi-Cams for iPhones, more powerful and efficient post-production software and much more. The following are three overall trends from this year's show.

Ultra HD/4K was everywhere
The hype of 3D at NAB 2012 has been replaced with Ultra HD (UHDTV) at this year's show. UHDTV is the general marketing term for 4K and 8K video resolution standards. This refers to video resolutions that are roughly four-eight times that of 1080p (full HD). You may be thinking, “my HDTV looks awesome, why would I need something better?” Take my word for it. It's noticeably better, especially on large displays. The best way I can describe it is that even close up, it looks like a fine photographic print. Although mainstream adoption of UHDTV is probably many years off (the display below costs around $20,000), eventually it will be adopted as a standard that replaces HD. That said, it does have some practical uses right now.

Sony's 84" 4K Ultra HD TV with added graphic comparing 4K to HD and other standards.

2012 NAB Show recap

I just got back from the 2012 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show in Las Vegas (actually, I'm starting this post on the flight back). The NAB Show is an annual event that spotlights anything and everything related to video production and broadcasting. More than 90,000 people attended the show this year. Exhibitors showcased their new products while attendees learned about new technologies and techniques from the show floor and educational sessions.

A lot of the buzz this year was around 4K (and 2K, 2.5K, 3K…)—which are formats larger than high definition (HD), meaning more pixels and higher resolution. Manufacturers are developing more affordable cameras, which makes them accessible to video producers who will start to adopt them quicker.
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