IBC 2019: What to Expect at Europe's Most Influential Media, Entertainment and Technology Show
As IBC 2019 opens its doors in the coming weeks, it will showcase an array of cutting-edge technologies across the media, broadcast and digital entertainment content ecosystems. In the build up to the show, experts from Futuresource Consulting previews some of the hot topics and trends that they expect to emerge from this major event in the entertainment and technology professional calendar.
With more than 1,700 exhibitors and 55,000 attendees from 150 countries, Futuresource insights will help you navigate the IBC Show by highlighting the crucial technologies and translating these into actionable insights. And if you’d like any further guidance, the Futuresource team will be walking the show floor throughout the event, exploring the key innovations fuelling global media and entertainment ecosystems.
The Rise of E-sports
New to IBC this year is the esports showcase powered by ESL, EVS and Lagardere. According to the latest esports Report from Futuresource Consulting, esports revenues are expected to surpass $1 billion in 2020. So, in addition to the dedicated esports competition at the show, expect to see numerous esports demonstrations using existing products for this emerging sector.
The Move to Live IP
With the SMPTE 2110 standard in place, the transition to IP is gathering momentum. The technology is maturing and Futuresource expects to see a range of new products utilising the standard, as well as the release of equipment designed to take advantage of the benefits of IP, such as remote production.
NDI 4 Enabling Lower End IP Adoption
This year’s newly announced NewTek’s NDI 4 software is certainly expected to be part of many new products at this year’s IBC show. This enabling software makes it possible for ‘video-compatible’ products to communicate, deliver and receive broadcast quality video, in a high quality, low latency manner across standards-based IP networking infrastructure. It is also suitable for recording an unlimited number of video channels with full synchronisation switching, in a live production environment. NDI is gaining traction across market verticals, as well as being key for adoption of IP at the lower end of the market.
5G Maturing - Mainly Trials and Proof of Concept
Futuresource expects 5G vendors to continue to highlight its significant potential in broadcast, both in terms of the distribution of content and as an option for simplifying and reducing the costs associated with outside broadcast. However, the technology is still maturing, 5G networks are in their infancy, and Futuresource is keen to see the latest trials and proof of concepts at the show.
New Wireless Standard – Wi-Fi 6
The thirst for increased bandwidth and high reliability for 4K (and even 8K) video streaming means that networking standards must evolve to keep pace with broadcast innovation. Expect home gateways and set-top boxes (STBs) to harness mesh networking technology using the new IEEE 802.11ax standard, now being marketed as Wi-Fi 6. Higher throughout and increased efficiency, coupled with lower power consumption, makes Wi-Fi 6 a solid choice for the new generation of STBs, gateways and smart home devices.
4K Equipment is Ubiquitous – It’s Now About 8K
4K is now a mature technology, and at other major shows the 8K broadcast ecosystem is beginning to take shape. Whilst 8K is far from mass market, manufacturers are launching products to enable trials to take place around high profile events such, as the forthcoming Summer and Winter Olympic Games. The 8K broadcast camera is an emerging trend that is expected at the show, with brands following in the footsteps of Ikegami, Panasonic and Sony, who released cameras at NAB 2019.
Virtual Assistants Beginning to Penetrate
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is beginning to migrate from cloud to device. Silicon chips that can accomplish voice recognition at the edge are now becoming available, and the familiar “voice” assistant has been succeeded by the “virtual” assistant, with advanced conversational ability, improved natural language skills and some now adding visual recognition technology through smart cameras. Voice control effectively shortcuts complex user interfaces and presents a more intuitive method for consumers to interact, so we expect the new generation of media streamers and set-top boxes to harness the benefits.
Products Targeting Wider Addressable Markets
Furthermore, Futuresource expects diversification to be prevalent at IBC, with traditional “broadcast” manufacturers promoting their wares to a wider addressable market. This was apparent at NAB 2019, with products such as Avid’s new Media Composer that clearly targets both prosumer users with limited experience and more seasoned professionals.
IBC Content Everywhere Hub Sessions 2019
Futuresource analysts Simon Forrest and Carl Hibbert will be moderating two panels at the Content Everywhere Hub Sessions at IBC 2019 in Amsterdam. The panels will discuss different aspects of “Content Everywhere” and the explosive growth in the consumption of video, TV and media on IP-connected devices.
For more information please visit:
Simon Forrest, Principal Analyst - Technological Innovation in the Digital Domain
Carl Hibbert, Associate Director - An Introduction to App Development
All sessions recordings will be made available here after the event.
Contact the Pro Broadcast Team at IBC 2019
Futuresource often provides scene setting data for cross sector industry keynote speeches, expert opinion for major tradeshow ‘curtain raising’ articles or up to the minute commentary about the latest announcements. Please copy in nicola.finn@futuresource-hq.com to help facilitate any enquiry as quickly as possible. The full Futuresource analyst contact sheet together with areas of expertise are listed below:
Carl Hibbert, Associate Director – Consumer Media & Tech team, entertainment, content distribution and consumer electronics - carl.hibbert@futuresource-hq.com
Simon Forrest, Principal Analyst – Transformational technologies broadcast television and audio, digital radio, smart home, broadband, Wi-Fi and cellular communication technologies - simon.forrest@futuresource-hq.com
Adam Cox, Senior Market Analyst - PTZ cameras, system cameras, routers, multi-viewers, broadcast control, transition to IP - adam.cox@futuresource-hq.com
Chris Evans, Research Analyst - Pro camcorders, pro monitors, production switchers, immersive acquisition formats, adoption of 4K/8K/HDR - chris.evans@futuresource-hq.com
Cameron Meldrum, Information Analyst - Pro camcorders, pro monitors - cameron.meldrum@futuresource-hq.com
About the author
As Principal Technology Analyst for Futuresource Consulting, Simon is responsible for identifying and reporting on transformational technologies that have propensity to influence and disrupt market dynamics. A graduate in Computer Science from the University of York, his expertise extends across broadcast television and audio, digital radio, smart home, broadband, Wi-Fi and cellular communication technologies.
He has represented companies across standards groups, including the Audio Engineering Society, DLNA, WorldDAB digital radio, the Digital TV Group (DTG) and Home Gateway Initiative.
Prior to joining Futuresource, Simon held the position of Director of Segment Marketing at Imagination Technologies, promoting development in wireless home audio semiconductors, and Chief Technologist within Pace plc (now Commscope) responsible for technological advancement within the Pay TV industry.
About the author
Heading the Consumer Media & Technology Research team, with over 20 years industry analyst experience. Carl maintains & develops Futuresource's services across all forms of entertainment & consumer electronics, ensuring unrivaled insight & knowledge in sector dynamics and future industry direction. A regular presenter at industry conferences across USA, Europe and Asia and frequent contributor to press and trade journals.
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