Live Trends in 2024 Recap : Auto-Tracking, SMPTE 2110, NDI and Remote Operations

Here are the standout trends making waves:

1. Auto-Tracking Studio and PTZ Cameras

Cameras are getting smarter, and the implications for live production are profound. The integration of AI-powered face and body detection has elevated studio cameras and PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) systems to new heights. PTZ cameras, in particular, are leading the charge with their cost-effectiveness, starting as low as $1,400 for models like the JVC PTZ, while high-end studio camera systems, such as Ross Video’s Studio Control, can reach up to $100,000.

AI automation is enabling more precise tracking and framing, eliminating the need for constant operator intervention. This is especially beneficial for environments like classrooms, corporate meetings, and worship spaces, where manpower might be limited. Beyond cameras, AI has crept into areas like instant replay, offering multi-angle analysis with just a click—a feature previously reserved for major sports broadcasters but now accessible to smaller production teams.

2. The Evolution of IP-Based Workflows

IP has become the backbone of modern broadcast workflows, with SMPTE ST 2110 and NDI 6 taking center stage. SMPTE 2110 is seeing broader adoption across sectors like news and sports, with its uncompressed video and audio capabilities enabling unparalleled quality. Key products driving this shift include NETGEAR’s M4350 switches and Blackmagic Design’s extensive lineup of SMPTE 2110-enabled solutions introduced at NAB 2024, complete with PTP (Precision Time Protocol) for seamless synchronization.

On the other hand, NDI 6, launched in April, is pushing boundaries with 10-bit HDR support and its NDI Bridge utility, which facilitates secure, encrypted WAN streaming. This innovation is particularly significant for schools, government agencies, and smaller corporate setups that need cost-efficient, remote-ready solutions. Products like TriCaster Vizion, Quicklink’s new NDI switchers, and Ross’s Carbonite series are making these workflows more accessible than ever before.

3. Remote Operations and Flypacks Are Everywhere

Remote productions (REMI) have evolved from a necessity during the pandemic to a preferred approach in 2024. The advancements in 5G, Starlink satellite internet, and cloud-based tools are enabling high-quality, low-latency broadcasts with reduced on-site infrastructure. Camera capture, remote control, and even intercom systems are now “REMI-ready,” simplifying logistics for global and regional productions alike.

Flypacks, powered by 5G networks, are also becoming more sophisticated, packing powerful production capabilities into portable kits. For smaller events or geographically dispersed teams, these solutions are cutting costs while maintaining professional-grade quality.

4. Paris 2024: A Blueprint for Future Broadcasts

The Paris 2024 Olympics was more than a global sporting spectacle—it was a showcase of cutting-edge broadcast technology. AI-powered replay systems provided instant, multi-angle highlights, enhancing viewer engagement like never before. Meanwhile, immersive Dolby Atmos audio created a 360-degree sound experience, pulling audiences deeper into the action.

5G-enabled workflows allowed broadcasters to deploy remote production setups with ultra-low latency, while cloud-based tools facilitated real-time graphics and data overlays. Niche sports coverage also benefited from AI-automated cameras, allowing smaller teams to produce professional-grade content. These innovations set a new standard, offering a glimpse into the future of live production.

Top Trends in Post-Production for 2024: Efficiency, Creativity, and Collaboration

Post-production continues to evolve in 2024, fueled by technological advancements that are reshaping workflows and raising the creative bar across the industry. From AI-driven tools to cloud-based collaboration platforms, the innovations this year are empowering smaller, more agile teams to achieve results that once required entire post houses. Here are the most significant trends shaping post-production in 2024:

1. AI Revolutionizing Video Editing Workflows

Artificial intelligence has become an integral part of video editing software, unlocking new levels of efficiency and creativity. Across major non-linear editing (NLE) platforms, AI is doing more than automating tedious tasks—it’s augmenting the editor’s creative toolbox.

• Adobe Premiere Pro launched its Firefly for Video suite, offering groundbreaking text-based effects generation for motion graphics, animations, and even scene extensions. Combined with built-in Enhanced Speech tools for real-time audio cleanup, these updates are empowering editors to produce polished content faster.
• DaVinci Resolve continues to push boundaries with its Neural Engine AI, delivering advanced noise reduction, intelligent audio classification, and facial recognition for seamless editing.
• Avid Media Composer integrated AI-driven transcription features alongside enhanced Titler+ tools, streamlining workflows for film and TV editors while improving accessibility for global teams.

For TV, film, reality programming, and corporate marketing, these AI-assisted tools are a game-changer, enabling post teams to meet tight deadlines without sacrificing quality.

2. AI in Media Management: Transforming Content Workflows

Media management is entering a new era, with AI at the forefront of change. While adoption is still in its early stages, forward-thinking production teams are investing in AI-powered solutions to streamline asset organization and retrieval.

• Perifery A.I. and Wasabi AiR (formerly Curio by Greymeta) are leading the charge with scalable cloud-based AI solutions that automate metadata tagging, search, and asset management.
• Scale Logic’s Carone AI Content Search is another standout, enabling rapid and precise searches within vast media libraries—a critical capability for teams managing terabytes of footage.

Though these technologies are still emerging, their potential is immense, offering significant time savings and greater precision in media workflows. Teams equipped with AI-enhanced media management tools can focus on storytelling rather than hunting for assets.

3. The Growth of Remote Editing and Cloud-Based Workflows

Remote editing and cloud-based post-production have evolved from experimental to essential in 2024. Distributed teams, whether across cities or continents, are now collaborating in real time with the same efficiency as in-house teams.

• LucidLink continues to set the standard for cloud-native storage, offering real-time file access and seamless editing of large media files without the need for lengthy downloads.
• On the remote desktop front, tools like Jump Desktop and HP Anywhere have advanced VPN-free workflows, delivering low-latency, high-performance remote editing experiences that rival on-prem setups.
• Shared storage providers like SNS, Editshare and Facilis developed secure solutions for remote access to on-prem storage, further streamlining workflows.

4. Media & Entertainment Struggles

The post-production industry is undergoing a structural transformation, with smaller teams running more agile facilities. These lean operations are becoming the norm, driven by a slow rebound from the strike and globalization of production.

At the same time, international productions are reshaping the landscape. Tax incentives and subsidies in global markets are attracting more projects abroad, making post-production a truly global industry. For smaller teams, this trend underscores the importance of flexibility, with technology enabling them to handle increased workloads and tighter deadlines without compromising on quality.