For broadcasters around the globe, NAB captures the latest trends in technology, as well as changes that impact the industry. Jim Jachetta of VidOvation Corporation provides key takeaways from the live broadcast production field in his NAB 2026 technology trends report.
In talking with manufacturers, engineers, and technology leaders at NAB, Jachetta discovered one overriding message: Live production is now more software-driven, connected over IP, cloud-based, and supported by AI. It is also much more flexible than traditional broadcast setups.
His key takeaways from the show are:
- Live production is becoming software-defined
- SMPTE ST 2110 is moving into everyday workflows
- AI is becoming operational, not just experimental
- Monitoring is now mission-critical
- Wireless, bonded cellular, private 5G, and SRT are expanding field contribution
Other trends include a shift toward cloud-based production, which was was seen as experimental just a few years ago. "Now, it has become a regular part of planning for many broadcasters... it ss clear that cloud infrastructure is now another key production resource, right alongside traditional control rooms," says Jachetta.
In terms of AI, he found that artificial intelligence was everywhere at the show, but manufacturers are so far depending on real, practical uses – monitoring, workflow optimization, metadata generation, production assistance, and media asset management – instead of just marketing buzz.
Mission-critical monitoring is a result of workflows that are now spread across IP networks, cloud platforms, bonded cellular, and remote systems, being able to see what’s happening is just as important as moving the content. That’s why monitoring is now essential.
Check out all 10 trends and the tools and products that make these industry advances reality in this NAB 2026 technology trends report.