Most broadcast facilities are mid-transition from SDI to IP, running both at once. Here you'll find coverage of SMPTE ST 2110, remote and cloud production, bonded cellular contribution, camera-to-cloud workflows, and the switchers and gear keeping live shows on air.
A Nature Communications study introduces a scalable fabrication strategy for 3D achromatic metalenses, combining grayscale electron beam lithography and nanoimprint lithography. This innovation aims to enable lighter, thinner, and more scalable full-color virtual reality and augmented reality near-eye displays. The research focuses on overcoming chromatic blur in compact VR optics through a height-encoded nano-template strategy for precise nanoscale geometries.
Visual effects teams are leveraging extensive VFX shots and advanced techniques for various series vying for the 78th Primetime Emmys. This article details the visual effects work, shot counts, and vendor contributions for numerous episodic shows from Apple TV+, Netflix, and HBO, highlighting the increasing sophistication of visual effects in television production. Teams are pushing creative boundaries and utilizing technologies like virtual production and AI-based techniques to achieve cinematic experiences on the small screen for their episodic content.
OWC showcased new Thunderbolt 5 products at COMPUTEX 2026, focusing on high-density NVMe enclosures, networking docks, and local AI solutions. Among the new offerings are the compact Express 4M2 Ultra, the stackable StudioStack, and the twelve-bay ThunderBlade X12, all designed for professional streaming and media workflows. OWC also introduced Strada for storage management and Stack AI for localized AI workloads, leveraging Thunderbolt 5's high throughput capabilities.
Lucasfilm produced "The Mandalorian and Grogu" as a feature film, utilizing virtual production techniques such as Apple Vision Pro for set scouting and a comprehensive mix of CGI, miniatures, and stop-motion for visual effects targeting IMAX. The production aimed to elevate the visual effects beyond the established cinematic quality of the streaming series by taking a longer development time and integrating various generations of visual effects technology. Technologies employed included state-of-the-art CGI, motion-control miniatures, and computer-generated models to replace physical sets, demonstrating advancements in virtual and hybrid production workflows.
ZEISS has unveiled its new Horizon Anamorphic series of full-frame 2x cinema lenses, featuring integrated focus and iris motors and an interchangeable look-tuning back element. This new platform is designed to streamline production workflows by bundling motors, metadata, and ecosystem compatibility into the lens itself. The lenses aim to provide a neutral optical design suitable for VFX-intensive work, while offering creative flexibility through its unique swappable optical element.
The article discusses the growing convergence of the film/TV and video game industries, highlighting the adaptation of video game IPs into successful screen content. This trend is driven by the increasing use of real-time game engine technology, such as Unreal Engine, in virtual production workflows and visual effects (VFX) for film and television, creating new career paths and blurring traditional industry lines.
The article discusses the rise of the "Hybrid DP" in cinematography, who integrate virtual production tools like LED stages and Unreal Engine for planning, image-based lighting, and in-camera visual effects. This approach, exemplified by cinematographers on series like The Mandalorian and House of the Dragon, offers increased efficiency and creative options for streaming content creation. While virtual production tools are becoming more common, cinematographers primarily use them for pre-production and specific effects, balancing traditional filmmaking with new technologies.
Virtual production (VP) has become a critical technique in high-end TV and feature films, particularly for simulated travel, offering cost savings and efficiency over traditional methods. Despite initial high costs and a knowledge gap in crews, VP reduces risk and production time, making it increasingly essential for streaming industry professionals. The industry faces challenges in scaling due to a shortage of experienced VP technicians, specifically in areas like image processing, color pipelines, camera tracking, and system infrastructure.
ATM Virtual has launched a new Virtual AI division that combines artificial intelligence with LED screen technology to significantly reduce virtual production costs and accelerate turnaround times. This innovation aims to make advanced virtual production accessible to a broader market beyond large Hollywood studios and brands, even for medium-sized advertising budgets, music videos, or TV formats. The hybrid model leverages AI for dynamic backgrounds while ensuring authentic human performances, addressing industry bottlenecks related to talent availability and image rights.
Major studios like ILM and Framestore are extensively using real-time technology for virtual production in film and television, as seen in shows like "The Mandalorian" and "1899." This advancement in virtual production is driven by portability, flexibility, and affordability, impacting creative processes across film, TV, and live events, with machine learning poised to add further capabilities. Key vendors and technologies, including LED volumes and game engines, are enabling more agile and cost-effective production workflows.
Clear-Com's David MacKinnon discusses the trends shaping their presence at InfoComm 2026, highlighting the industry's shift towards IP and cloud, AV/IT convergence, and rising expectations for latency and reliability. The company is showcasing its FreeSpeak Cell private wireless intercom, which aims to provide deterministic, low-latency communication in challenging RF and Wi-Fi environments for broadcast-style production needs. Clear-Com is focusing on bringing production-grade comms to environments where broadcast, live events, and enterprise production are blurring, emphasizing practical deployment and operation within IP workflows.
Acer announced two new smart glasses: the AR Vision GR0, a tethered display device projecting a 172-inch virtual screen, and the GI0 AI glasses, which integrate Google Gemini for AI-driven assistance. Both products will launch globally in Q4 2026, with Australian availability in Q3 2026, targeting the growing wearable computing market.
NTT, NTT Docomo Business, and Japan Rugby League One will implement a remote television match official (TMO) system for the League One 2025-26 playoff final in Tokyo. This system utilizes NTT's IOWN networking technology to allow video review officials to operate remotely from a location outside the stadium. The initiative demonstrates advancements in remote production capabilities for live sports broadcasting.
wTVision partnered with DAZN Italy to create six Unreal Engine-based virtual studio environments for DAZN's exclusive Serie A and FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcasts. This collaboration leverages advanced virtual production techniques, including R³ Engine and Unreal, to enhance visual realism and provide creative control for live sports storytelling. The project aims to deliver an immersive and visually consistent on-air experience for DAZN Italy's premium sports coverage.
Solid State Logic (SSL) is preparing for InfoComm 2026 by showcasing its new compact TCA Tour audio production system. This portable system is designed to offer System T performance for various environments, including broadcast, touring, and live production. SSL will also display its Live L650 and L100 Plus consoles featuring the new Live V6.2 software update.
Accsoon has launched the CoMo II, a long-range 1.9GHz full-duplex DECT wireless intercom system designed for film and live production teams. The system offers up to 400m range, supports up to nine users, and features AI noise reduction for clear communication. The redesigned headsets are lighter and provide extended battery life.
Clear-Com has deployed its Arcadia Central Station and FreeSpeak II intercom solutions at the new Itaka Arena in Opole, Poland. The system provides reliable, full-coverage communication for live sports, concerts, and large-scale events, enhancing coordination for production and technical crews across all operational zones.
Riedel Communications expanded its presence at the 2026 NAB Show, showcasing its live production technologies, including the Bolero wireless intercom system, and spotlighting its recent acquisition of ARRI Cameras. The company's Commentary Control App also received a Product of the Year Award, underscoring its continued investment and innovation in the sector. Riedel utilized NAB Show to engage with a broad audience and build brand recognition through its booth and involvement in CineCentral.
ASUS unveiled its new ProArt P16 and P14 laptops and a ProArt Mini PC, all powered by NVIDIA's RTX Spark superchip at Computex 2026. These systems are designed for creative professionals, supporting advanced capabilities like 4K AI video generation, 12K video editing, and local large language models. The integration features NVIDIA AI and graphics technology, and up to 128GB of unified memory.
MadisonAV has expanded its distribution agreement with Audinate, becoming the exclusive Australian distributor for Audinate’s full range of Dante AV-over-IP hardware and software products. This includes Dante AVIO Adapters, Dante Domain Manager, and Dante Virtual Soundcard. The expansion provides a single, local source for integrators and production professionals managing AV-over-IP deployments in Australia.
Schneider Electric has unveiled an 800VDC "sidecar" power system designed to efficiently support NVIDIA's next-generation GPUs in AI data centers. This solution relocates power conversion equipment to improve energy efficiency and address the rising power demands of intensive AI workloads. The product, showcased at Computex 2026, aims to provide a complete solution for power distribution in future AI data centers.
NVIDIA's Spectrum-X Ethernet silicon photonics technology, based on co-packaged optics (CPO), has entered full-scale production. This advanced networking infrastructure offers a fivefold improvement in energy efficiency and AI uptime, and 1.3x faster deployment compared to traditional transceiver networks. The technology is crucial for scaling AI factories that support large-scale video processing and delivery, with companies like CoreWeave, Lambda, and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure already adopting it.
Lambda, backed by Microsoft, has showcased Nvidia's Quantum-X Q3450-LD co-packaged optic (CPO) switch, which is entering full production. This InfiniBand-based device offers 115.2 Tb/s capacity and boasts significant power savings by eliminating traditional transceivers. The CPO technology aims to boost bandwidth, improve connectivity in GPU clusters, and enhance network reliability by reducing failure points.
Higher education classrooms are evolving beyond traditional lecture capture, requiring AV system designs that support active learning and content creation. Integrators must plan for multi-point capture, flexible PTZ camera placement, and integrated display strategies to accommodate remote participants and dynamic instruction. The author emphasizes that educational institutions need AV systems that reflect current teaching models, where content is co-created and instruction moves throughout the room.
WyreStorm Technologies is showcasing new AV-over-IP and Node-RED based control solutions at InfoComm 2026, focusing on simplifying workflows for integrators and end-users. The company aims to address demand for easier deployment and management in spaces like hospitality and multi-site environments. A key highlight is their SYN-CTL-FL10 controller and SYN-TP10-B touch panel, which leverage open programming environments for faster integration and lower support overhead.
The article discusses the ongoing convergence of the broadcast and pro AV industries, driven by the shift from baseband to IP-based infrastructure. This integration leverages common network technologies and protocols such as SMPTE ST 2110, NDI, and Dante, creating new opportunities for content creation and delivery workflows.
Axis Communications has launched the new AXIS X1100 Explosion-Protected PTZ Camera, designed for hazardous environments. The camera features 4K image quality, 31x optical zoom, AV1 codec support, and is built on ARTPEC-9 for advanced edge analytics like object detection.
Sony Electronics is launching two new compact, lightweight 4K PTZ (Pan/Tilt/Zoom) cameras, the SRG-AS10 and SRG-XS10, expected to be available in late 2026. These cameras support 4K 60p, feature Sony's STARVIS image sensors for low-light performance, and offer enhanced pan and tilt functionality, along with IP streaming protocols like NDI HX2, RTSP, RTMP, and SRT. The SRG-AS10 model integrates proprietary AI for auto-framing and subject tracking, including a dedicated basketball mode, making them suitable for educational, corporate, and sports applications.
Focusrite has introduced the RedNet PCIeNX, a new audio interface designed for immersive formats like Dolby Atmos. This interface supports 128x128 channels at 192kHz with minimal latency and features AES67 and SMPTE ST 2110 compatibility, which is relevant for IP-based audio production in streaming environments. It is compatible with Windows and Mac, offering a single-cable connection for audio and network control.
Sony Electronics is set to launch two new compact, lightweight 4K PTZ cameras, the SRG-A40 and SRG-A12, at InfoComm 2024. These cameras feature 4K resolution, optical zoom capabilities (40x and 12x respectively), and support IP workflows via NDI|HX, SRT, and RTMP. They are designed to enhance professional imaging in corporate, education, healthcare, and government sectors.
Magewell will unveil its new Director Plus portable 4K production and presentation system at InfoComm 2026. This system features expanded HDMI and IP inputs, 4K/60FPS recording and streaming, and integrated 5G modem and 2.5Gbps Ethernet for enhanced network connectivity. The Director Plus aims to provide creators with flexible, high-quality end-to-end live video workflows.
The article highlights new broadcast-grade PTZ cameras from Sony, Panasonic, Canon, BirdDog, and PTZOptics, specifically designed to bridge the gap between ProAV and broadcast environments. It details the technical advancements in sensor size, signal infrastructure, and color science, creating new opportunities for ProAV integrators to offer higher-quality video solutions to clients.
Inogeni announced it will showcase its latest BYOM, multi-camera control, and hybrid collaboration solutions, including Camtrack, IP2USB, and Toggle Rooms XT, at InfoComm 2026. The demonstrations will highlight advancements in meeting equity and workflow automation for professional AV applications. The company has also partnered with Canon for Camtrack demonstrations and released updated firmware for Camtrack PRO for broader compatibility.
Systems integrator Tateside converted the former Granada Studios into luxury hospitality venues for Soho House and Mollie's. The installation includes BirdDog PTZ cameras and Blustream IP video distribution for streaming live performances to in-room televisions and public displays. This project highlights the use of professional-grade hardware for internal video distribution within a commercial venue.
CoolIT Systems showcased a 15 kW single-phase direct liquid cooling (DLC) cold plate design at Computex 2026, aiming to meet the thermal demands of future AI accelerators through 2030. This technology challenges the industry consensus that two-phase cooling would soon become mandatory for high-TDP chips like Nvidia's 2.3 kW Vera Rubin platform. CoolIT's innovation suggests extended viability for single-phase DLC in data centers supporting AI infrastructure.
Microsoft unveiled the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, an AI development system featuring NVIDIA RTX Spark silicon and 1 petaflop performance, designed for local execution of large AI models. The company also expanded Windows AI APIs and introduced Aion 1.0 Instruct and Aion 1.0 Plan, next-generation small language models for on-device AI workloads.
ASUS unveiled new ProArt P16, P14, and Mini PC creator systems at Computex 2026, leveraging NVIDIA's RTX Spark platform with Grace CPU and Blackwell RTX graphics. These systems deliver up to one petaflop of AI performance, designed for demanding creative workflows such as 12K video editing, 3D rendering, and local AI model processing. The focus is on providing workstation-level capabilities in compact, portable form factors.
ZEISS has introduced its new Horizon 2x Anamorphic FF smart lenses, designed with internal motors and factory-calibrated focus marks to streamline on-set production by eliminating external rigs. These LPL-mount, full-frame lenses integrate with Preston ALC systems, reducing equipment weight, complexity, and lens-change downtime. This innovation aims to improve accuracy and efficiency for focus pullers and production crews.
Planar has introduced its new Planar 21by9 Series of premium 5K resolution 21:9 LCD displays, available in 81, 94, and 105-inch sizes. These commercial-grade displays feature quantum dot Mini-LED backlight, up to 2,500 nits peak brightness, and VESA DisplayHDR 1400 certification. The series is designed for enterprise and cinema applications and will begin shipping in Q3, with a display at InfoComm 2026.
Vadzo Imaging launched its Vajra Series USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 UVC cameras, featuring 20 Gbps USB-C interfaces and Infineon's FX20 controller. This advancement enables higher resolutions and frame rates for applications like industrial automation, robotics, and edge AI, overcoming previous USB bandwidth limitations. The cameras are UVC compliant for plug-and-play operation across various operating systems.
Pebble, in collaboration with Ideal Systems, deployed a 10-channel playout system for Videoland in Taiwan, featuring ST 2110 IP infrastructure at a primary site and SDI-based disaster recovery at a secondary site. This hybrid architecture integrates Pebble Automation and HTML5 graphics to modernize broadcast operations for cable and satellite distribution, an effort which earned Pebble recognition at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting+ Awards 2026.
Pixitmedia has launched Harmony Data Bridge, a software solution designed to unify on-premises and cloud storage tiers within a single namespace. This product aims to help media companies manage storage without immediate hardware upgrades, deferring capital expenditures and navigating hardware supply constraints.
Videomaker reviewed the DPA 4061 CORE+ low-sensitivity omnidirectional lavalier microphone, highlighting its ability to capture high-volume dialogue without distortion for streaming and narrative production. The $595 microphone features high headroom, a compact IP58-rated capsule, and aims to provide clean and natural audio in challenging production environments while demanding careful accessorizing and a robust supporting audio chain.
FIFA has officially opened the 45,000-square-meter International Broadcast Centre (IBC) for the 2026 World Cup at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. This facility will serve as the global headquarters for Host Broadcast Services, video content production, and VAR operations. FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated it is the "most technologically advanced and top of the art international broadcast centre the world has ever seen," incorporating AI and various experts.
BCE provided end-to-end production and distribution services for the 2025–2026 Basketball Champions League season, managing 178 games. The workflow included its cloud-based remote commentary solution, Holovox, satellite acquisition via Luxembourg, and global content delivery to broadcasters using SRT streaming protocols. This supported a demanding live production environment and delivered content worldwide.
Beelink announced it is the first PC manufacturer to integrate 10GbE LAN ports into its entry-level mini PCs. This inclusion makes high-speed local data transfer more accessible for small businesses and home-lab enthusiasts, impacting virtualization and storage server applications.
Daktronics has announced its 2026 High School Video Summit, scheduled for June 23–24. The event will combine virtual learning sessions with in-person tours at US high schools, focusing on training educators and students in live event production through discussions and system demonstrations.
Marshall Electronics will exhibit a new lineup of 4K and HD compact POV cameras at InfoComm 2026. These cameras support integrated IP-based and traditional SDI/HDMI workflows for various environments like corporate, education, and live events. The lineup includes models with features like NDI|HX, PoE, and IP67-rated construction.
MultiDyne Video and Fiber Optic Systems will debut its new FiberSaver-10G wavelength-shifting multiplexer at InfoComm 2026, designed to transport multiple 10GbE and 1GbE networks over a single fiber strand while maintaining optical isolation. Additionally, MultiDyne will introduce new all-white frame options for its VersaBrix VB Series fiber transport platform. These products aim to reduce fiber infrastructure requirements and support IP-based workflows like ST 2110, NDI, and IPMX.
The Lighting Design Group (LDG) has completed Studio C at Yahoo's Manhattan headquarters, a new multi-purpose broadcast facility. This studio, featuring professional lighting infrastructure, began operations on April 24 with the Yahoo Sports show 'Football 301.' It is designed for use across various Yahoo brands.
