NAB 2024: Top picks from the showfloor

More than 60,000 visitors are estimated to have descended on the Las Vegas Convention Center over the three days of NAB 2024, bringing with them a collective buying power of $17bn and pumping $138m into southern Nevada’s economy.

Alongside a comprehensive conference programme, NAB played host to nearly 1,300 exhibitors from 41 countries, showcasing a plethora of advanced technologies for cloud-based workflows, edge computing, OTT and streaming, asset management, live, remote and virtual production, and of course, AI, which featured in around 150 sessions and was rolled out by more than 180 exhibitors.

Picking our way through the thousands of fantastic cutting-edge products and technologies on show, IBC365 has selected a handful of standout innovations that caught our eye.

Blackmagic Design

Blackmagic went big at NAB, unveiling a whole raft of new products including the Blackmagic Media Player, DaVinci Resolve 19, the DaVinci Resolve Micro Color Panel, Ethernet Switch 360P, Cloud Store Max, 2110 IP Converters, SmartView 4K G3, Audio Monitor 12G G3, ATEM Constellation 4K Switchers, Videohub 120x120 12G Router, and a new lower price for Blackmagic Video Assist.

Taking centre stage however was the launch of the URSA Cine 12K and highly-anticipated box-bodied PYXIS 6K, available from resellers at around $15k and $3k respectively.

The Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K boasts a new large format RGBW 36 x 24mm sensor with larger photo-sites for 16 stops of dynamic range, interchangeable PL, LPL and EF lens mounts, and industry-standard Lemo and Fischer connections. It comes with 8TB of storage built in and also includes high-speed networking for media upload and syncing to Blackmagic Cloud.

Designed to meet the demands of high-end productions, the camera body has been built using a robust magnesium alloy chassis and lightweight carbon fibre polycarbonate composite skin.

The full sensor area provides users with a 3:2 open gate image enabling them to reframe their shots in post production, or alternatively they can shoot anamorphic and deliver in a range of aspect ratios with 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.66, 1.8 and 2x de-squeeze factors. Operators can also shoot in 4K, 8K or 12K using the entire sensor without cropping, retaining the full field of view of their lenses. There are even 9K Super 35 4-perf, 3-perf and 2-perf modes for full compatibility with classic cinema lenses. The URSA Cine also features an interchangeable lens mount, enabling the quick interchange between PL, LPL, EF and Hasselblad mounts.

According to Blackmagic, URSA Cine is the first digital film camera with ultra-fast high capability Cloud Store technology built in. The 8TB of storage also enables operators to record at the highest resolutions and frame rates for hours and access their files directly over high-speed 10G Ethernet. Or customers can use the media they already own with the optional Blackmagic Media Module CF, which has dual CFexpress slots.

Grant Petty, CEO, Blackmagic Design, said: “We wanted to build our dream high-end camera that had everything we had ever wanted. Blackmagic URSA Cine is the realization of that dream with a completely new generation of image sensor, a body with industry-standard features and connections, and seamless integration into high-end workflows. There’s been no expense spared in designing this camera and we think it will truly revolutionize all stages of production from capture to post.”

PYXIS 6K

Long requested by Blackmagic customers, the cube-styled PYXIS 6K features a large 36 x 24mm 6K sensor with 13 stops of dynamic range and dual CFexpress media recorders, all in a customizable body. The Blackmagic PYXIS 6K is available in three models, with customers able to choose between L-Mount, PL or Locking EF lens mounts.

Saramonic

Answering the call of budget-conscious content creators, Saramonic, a subsidiary of Boya, launched the Blink500 B2+ wireless microphone with 4-in-1 connectivity, a single receiver that supports two different devices, and crystal-clear voice capture ability.

Retailing at around $130 on Amazon, the Blink500 B2+ easily connects with both Android and Apple smartphones via either the wireless USB-C or lightning connector, making it perfect for livestreaming scenarios. The device can also be connected with most digital cameras using the provided 3.5mm TRS cable.

the Blink500 B2 + also provides real-time and external playback monitoring, enabling users to control the recording to get the best sound. The OLED screen on the receiver makes it easy to fine-tune transmitter settings while providing a real-time visual overview. Each transmitter is equipped with a sturdy back clip and clip magnet for versatility.

Atamos

Attendees at NAB got the first glimpse of Atomos’s new Ninja Phone, a 10-bit video co-processor for smartphones and tablets that lets you record from professional HDMI cameras.

Designed for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the Ninja Phone encodes the camera’s HDMI signal to ProRes or H.265, which is then sent via Ninja Phone’s USB-C output to the iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max’s USB-C port. The iPhone’s A17 system-on-a-chip decodes the camera sensor image to display on the high-resolution iPhone screen.

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The display is a big improvement over typical built-in screens that come with most cameras, boasting a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio and supporting Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG. It can display 11 stops of dynamic range with a peak brightness of 1600 nits, perfect for HDR and outdoor viewing.

The Ninja Phone iPhone app, downloadable from the App Store, controls and coordinates the operation of both the Ninja Phone and the iPhone, making them feel like a single, responsive device. For social media creators who need to shoot in 9:16 portrait mode, the Ninja Phone app adjusts to horizontal or vertical video modes.

“We’ve added professional video and cinematic smarts to the world’s most advanced phone,” said Atomos CEO and Co-Founder Jeromy Young. “Ninja Phone is for the thousands of content creators who capture, store, and share video from their iPhone 15 Pro but aspire to work with professional cameras, lenses, and microphones. At the same time, the Ninja Phone is a perfect tool for longer-form professionals who want to adopt a cloud workflow without a complex and expensive technology footprint.”

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NBCUniversal

NBCUniversal launched personalised broadcast experiences through its NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) over-the-air channels on NBC- and Telemundo-owned stations in four markets.

The new product represents a significant milestone in realising NextGen TV’s full potential by introducing personalisation, hyper-localisation and enhanced content capabilities to broadcast television to improve the viewer experience and enable advanced engagement, advertising, and measurement opportunities.

The new experience – which automatically launches when viewers tune into a NextGen TV over-the-air channel – is now available on NBC- and Telemundo-owned stations in the New York (NBC 4 / WNBC and Telemundo 47 / WNJU), Los Angeles (NBC4 / KNBC), Philadelphia (NBC 5 / WCAU) and Miami (NBC6 / WTVJ and Telemundo 51 / WSCV) markets. Additional NBC- and Telemundo-owned stations, which are part of NBCUniversal Local, will soon deploy the new application in major media markets across the nation.

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NBCUniversal and its partners are demonstrating the new product at NAB 2024 in Las Vegas.

“The launch of this innovative experience is a considerable milestone for broadcast television and demonstrates the immense potential and possibilities NextGen TV has for viewers, programmers, stations and advertisers,” said Shawn Makhijani, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Strategy & NBC Spot On, NBCUniversal Advertising & Partnerships. “We are proud to further our leadership position in ATSC 3.0 by developing this innovative product with our partners and look forward to the continued evolution of its capabilities and benefits. We are truly excited to present these enhancements to our NBC and Telemundo viewers in several top markets, with more to come.”

Created in partnership with Fincons, Ease Live (an Evertz company) and Pearl TV, features of NBCUniversal’s new product are highlighted by the ability to restart programs when joined in progress; hyper-localised elements integrated into the TODAY show; and access to personalised weather information – including radar, forecasts and meteorologist reports – and severe weather alerts. The experience also provides expanded and enhanced access to content, including clips, full episodes and alternate programming from NBC and Telemundo’s local and national news, sports and entertainment shows and events.

NBCUniversal’s new experience also expands safety controls and access to public service notifications, while enabling near-real time viewer and program metrics. The data integration delivers rich public safety alerts from both the FEMA Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) and The Weather Channel (TWC) customised to viewers’ locations and specific households.

NextGen TV is a free, over-the-air digital broadcast technology that utilises the internet and digital applications powered by the ATSC 3.0 broadcast standard to present viewers with enhanced video, audio and interactive capabilities.

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Arri

Cinematic camera specialist Arri has demonstrated its commitment to the live event production space with the launch of the new Alexa 35 Live - Multicam System.

Unveiled at NAB 2024 in Las Vegas, the new camera brings the cinematic image quality of the company’s flagship Alexa 35 camera to the world of live productions.

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The system integrates into existing live production environments, providing the full functionality of a system camera while retaining the flexibility of a dockable camera setup. The Alexa 35 Live - Multicam System combines the Alexa 35 Live camera with a new live production system LPS-1 (comprising a fibre camera adapter and fibre base station), the Skaarhoj RCP, and a new range of bespoke accessories including the Arri Touchdown base and receiver plates, an adjustable monitor yoke, an extra-long camera handle, a tally light with camera ID display, a rain cover, and a new, quick-fit Arri Large Lens Adapter for rapid setup with box lenses.

Supporting the current trend in live productions, the Super 35-sized 4K sensor enables shallow depth of field. Capturing 17 stops of dynamic range, it handles extreme lighting situations for the best results in SDR and HDR.

Full-quality ProRes can be recorded in-camera during live productions, providing flexibility in post. The in-camera recording also permits stand-alone operation of the camera, without the Fiber Camera Adapter. The modular lens mount can be switched between LPL, PL, EF, and B4, facilitating a wide choice of lenses for different applications. Alexa 35 Live owners can even upgrade to full Alexa 35 functionality via an optional Cine License.

Alongside its live production shading controls, the Alexa 35 Live - Multicam System provides additional creative options including Arri Look Files, with 87 pre-made looks from the built-in Arri Look Library that can be activated at the push of a button, and Arri Textures, a unique method to modify grain and contrast. The camera includes five multicam and eight cine-style Arri Textures.

Marc Shipman-Mueller, Senior Product Manager, Arri, said, “This is a major commitment by Arri in the live entertainment sector. We’re taking big steps here and have thrown a lot of resources at this now and in the future. The goal is to deliver the cinematic Arri look to live productions, but we also realise that we have to integrate with the live production infrastructure and we’ve made sure we can do that now [with the Alexa 35 Live - Multicam System].”

L-Series Plus lighting

Arri also demonstrated its latest generation of LED Fresnels with the new L-Series Plus. The new model is up to 90% brighter than the original L-Series and features direct network data input and SkyPanel intuitive onboard control interface. It also retains features such as continuous focusability from spot to flood; a smooth, homogenous light field; and complete control over the colour and intensity of light.

The ARRI L-Series Plus fixtures come in two sizes: the L5-C Plus features a five-inch, while the L7-C Plus features a seven-inch Fresnel lens. Existing barndoors and all other L-Series accessories are fully compatible with the new Plus range. L5-C Plus and L7-C Plus fixtures will be available from June 2024 in blue and silver or sleek all-black, with either a manual or PO yoke. The existing L-Series (L5-C, L7-C, L10-C) will be discontinued upon the release of L-Series Plus.

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Neoti

LED display specialist Neoti’s new UHD Pro XF+ has become the world’s first LED display to be named Pantone Validated and Pantone SkinTone Validated for dvLED displays.

The UHD Pro XF+ features 26-bit colour depth and immersive 3D performance without viewing fatigue, and multi-image framesync.

Iain Pike, Senior Global Director of Product and Licensing at Pantone, said: “We are excited to announce Neoti as the world’s first partner to achieve Pantone Validated and Pantone SkinTone Validated for their dvLED UHD ProXF+ product. Our colour experts worked together with Neoti to test and validate their ability to authentically reproduce Pantone colours and skin tones. These are distinctive marks that Neoti can share with their customers to demonstrate they deliver true colour fidelity.”

Derek Myers, Neoti CEO, said, “It’s time the LED industry be held to higher colour standards, much like the print industry. No matter the content, it’s intended to be displayed with very specific colour fidelity, and to maintain this standard over time. Thanks to InfiniteColor technology, UHD Pro FX+ delivers true colour across every vertical.”

UHD Pro XF+ delivers genuine colour reproduction thanks to the sophisticated colour space engine. The technology achieves the purest black levels and gradients at extremely low brightness, making it versatile for even the most demanding ambient light environments.

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Evertz

Evertz is showcasing a whole host of new hardware and software innovations at NAB 2024 including updates to its DreamCatcher BRAVO Studio virtual production control suite.

Data-driven Metadata and Highlight Factory co-pilots provide the ability to automatically create clips, playlists and stories using AI with large language models (LLM), and deep machine learning (ML) technology. These clips and highlight packages enable content producers to enhance the production with more options. The new Motion+ feature gives production staff the almost instant ability to turn a single-phase camera to a multi-phase high-frame for super slow-motion replays, both on-premises or with the cloud.

Evertz also launched a range of hardware control panels for BRAVO Studio, including BRAVO-AIRFLY-PRO, BRAVO-WAVEBOARD, and BRAVO-WAVEBOARD-MINI, all of which are designed for operators looking for more tactile control surfaces. Additionally, Evertz has integrated Studer’s Vista digital mixing consoles into BRAVO Studio to create enhanced audio production. The introduction of Vista BRAVO adds a new dimension to the production platform by providing access to a full mixing console featuring enhanced audio capabilities.

DC-ONE

At NAB 2024, Evertz will introduce the new DC-ONE platforms (DC-ONE-SE and DC-ONE-LX) for entry level and mid-tier replay applications. The new 1RU platform is targeted at companies that are looking to replace older replay technologies and take advantage of the DreamCatcher platform. The DC-ONE provides users with key features that include support for 8 x 3G/HD I/O, continuous record, 16 channels of audio per input, slow motion replay, multi-angle clipping, playlist creation, a control panel and more.

Backblaze

Specialized cloud storage platform Backblaze has launched its new Event Notifications service at NAB 2024 which automatically notifies users and external cloud services whenever data changes in Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage, regardless of the platform.

The new release gives businesses the freedom to build automated workloads across the different best-of-breed cloud platforms they use or want to use, saving time and money and improving end-user experiences.

With Backblaze’s Event Notifications, data changes such as uploads, updates, or deletions can automatically trigger other actions including transcoding video files, sending reports to IT teams, spooling up data analytics, delivering finished assets to end users, and many others.

Prior to Backblaze’s new service, companies would settle for notification features that restricted them to one platform or tied them to legacy intermediary tools like AWS messaging services.

Gleb Budman, Backblaze CEO and Chairperson of the Board, said: “Companies increasingly want to leverage best-of-breed providers to grow their business, versus being locked into the traditional closed cloud providers. Our new Event Notifications service unlocks the freedom for our customers to build their cloud workflows in whatever way they prefer.”

The new service can send notifications to any external designated endpoint, eliminating unnecessary complexity and overhead through:

• Cloud services automation: Triggers services such as provisioning cloud resources or automating transcoding and compute instances in response to data changes.
• Accelerated deployment: Speeds up content delivery and responsiveness to customer demand with automated asset tracking and streamlined media production.
• Proactive security: Helps IT teams to monitor and respond to changes as they occur with real-time notifications, safeguarding critical assets.

Oleh Aleynik, Senior Software Engineer and Co-Founder at CloudSpot, added: “With Event Notifications, we can eliminate the final AWS component, Simple Queue Service (SQS), from our infrastructure. This completes our transition to a more streamlined and cost-effective tech stack. It’s not just about simplifying operations - it’s about achieving full independence from legacy systems and future-proofing our infrastructure.”

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