8 minute read
Okay, so I have checked my ESTA, sorted my flights, hotel, airport parking and everything else I can think of. That means it is now officially go time and that starts by putting my thoughts down for the annual RedShark guide to NAB for new and regular visits to the industry’s leading trade show in glorious Las Vegas, Nevada.
I took a year off in 2023 and re-reading last year’s pre NAB guide, I was clearly nostalgic for it. Hey, and for good reason! Meeting friends and family surrounded by the newest and most innovative technology is what makes NAB such a great show. Visitor numbers were down last year, no one knows what is going on with the floorplan/ layout (I sometimes look at the sky and smile at the simple memory of South Lower, South Upper, Central Halls with the North Hall being another world full of - who knows - what I can only assume were network cables, satellites and witchcraft), there is the looming potential of industry crippling tariffs (must not go into tariff rant, must not go into tariff rant, must not…) and other more political factors that will undoubtedly put off attendees from Europe and other parts of the world BUT if you can make it there is a lot of amazing things to see and do.
So let’s dive in. I’m really excited to see you guys again out in Vegas, the RedShark team is there and we want to hear from you. Add a comment below if you know of something we should see/ place we should go. For now here is my list of things to do and stands to check out:
1. Adobe (SL2210)
AI is going to be *the* hot topic (“virtual production, you are sooooo 2023”) and Adobe seems to have managed the impossible and walked the tightrope between accepting how it can be used to help creatives, and also do its best to ensure training data is being used in the most ethical way. Away from Firefly and other gen AI tools, Adobe has made major advancements with Substance 3D, a tool we are seeing used more and more in Universities and post houses by people that maybe thought it was a level above their skillset. 
Premiere is still the de facto paid NLE of choice for RedShark readers, especially if you need After Effects as well. NAB has seen major announcements around cool advancements like text based editing, filler word detection and enhance speech so this year look out for the feature updates. They are likely to be the things that really affect how you work and whilst in isolation it may not seem like a big deal, once you start using them they can make you a better, faster editor.
2. Streaming
Live streaming is really hard, we have first hand experience of it and there is a reason we don’t do it at NAB! However, if you get a chance check out the latest streaming technology as it has come on a huge way since we tried using a Tricaster Mini connected to a 3G mobile phone in the South Lower Hall back in 2015! 
A great example of this is at AJA’s booth (SL3310) as they demonstrate their brand new Dante 12 GAM is a high performance Audio over IP (AoIP) Converter, embedding and disembedding SDI audio to a Dante network and back to SDI from Dante audio. AJA has a wide range of industry standard streaming solutions and I/O you really should check out.
3. Try being in a Broadcast Studio
The “B” in NAB is for Broadcasters and the execs at the major TV networks do still drive the investment for the innovation we see every year. This year check out Matrox (SL4511 & 5823), Matrox also makes mission critical broadcast applications in this sector so go see them to check it out. 
Their built for broadcast Monarch Edge Encoders and Avio 2 series extenders mean you can share broadcast quality 4K content at the latest SMPTE standards at a price point that world for your budget. The Matrox team are amazing and Canadian so play your cards right and there will be a cold can of Labatts waiting for you!
4. Virtual production
If you're interested in virtual production technology, Zero Density's booth at NAB 2025 (SL4223) is a must-visit. They are pioneers in real-time graphics and virtual studio solutions, leveraging Unreal Engine 5 to power cutting-edge AR, XR, and broadcast graphics.
Their new Lino platform offers a template-based approach for on-air graphics, video walls, and motion design, streamlining production workflows. Visitors can also attend expert talks on topics like augmented reality in broadcasting and data-driven storytelling. More info: Zero Density at NAB 2025
5. Keynotes
Always a key (see what I did there) part of NAB is the incredible amount of keynote speakers (checkout the schedule here). NAB 2025 is set to feature an exciting lineup of speakers covering the biggest trends in media, technology, and entertainment. One of the must-see sessions includes Kenya Barris, the creator behind Black-ish and Entergalactic, who will discuss his journey as a disruptive force in Hollywood. We like disruption at RedShark! If you’re looking for insights on the evolving media landscape, don’t miss (the amazing) Stephen A. Smith’s fireside chat, where the ESPN star will share his (very) unfiltered views on sports entertainment and broadcasting’s future. I’m gonna try and make that! For those interested in the latest tech innovations, Microsoft’s Silvia Candiani will lead a session on AI and cloud computing’s role in media production. Meanwhile, the Broadcasters Survival Plan panel will explore how local content and smart tech are reshaping the industry. AI’s impact on content creation is of course a hot topic, with a dedicated session on generative AI featuring industry leaders. Learn something new.
6. ASUS (SL6823)
We saw at IBC 2024 a huge amount of interest in the new PA32UCDM a 4K, 1000 nit, 240hz, HDR QD-OLED display that comes in at under $2000 that has the industry buzzing. The QD-OLED feature is key here, go see it and you will know what I am talking about. It is genuinely incredible. 
There will be a range of monitors for every budget, top of the lot is the much talked about 8K PA32KCX. There will be the AI enhanced ProArt P series laptops, Zenbooks and their NUC mini PC’s. You may even get a glimpse of a RTX 50 series GPU if you look hard enough! The ASUS team is super helpful, go visit and see why so many production companies are switching to ProArt products.
7. Lighting
LED lighting has seen an explosion of technology in the past year. At NAB 2025, Godox (N2459) will showcase its latest KNOWLED Series in the North Hall (see, it really is worth going to the North Hall these days) featuring cutting-edge lighting solutions designed to redefine industry standards. The event marks the debut of the MG series, delivering illuminance comparable to a 6kW HMI, all while maintaining a remarkably lightweight design ≈28kg/61lb (with yolk). The highlight is the MG2400R, a full-color LED with 2650W output, offering unmatched brightness and rich, saturated colors. 
Attendees can also explore the MS/RS60 series, a viral sensation known for its versatility, alongside an extensive range of KNOWLED panel lights, including the P1200R Hard PRO and LED Mat. Additionally, Godox will unveil its Parallel Lighting System and Godox Optical System for enhanced creative control. Beyond the tech, Godox is hosting six expert-led speaking events (April 4-6), plus an exciting gear giveaway, giving visitors the chance to win the latest innovations. I’ll be visiting so I hope you will too.
8. Ergonomic furniture
Seriously, are you reading this sat in a crappy IKEA chair that is slowly breaking your back right now? Why?! If you're attending NAB 2025 and care about creating in comfort, you should visit Wavebone's booth (N3113). Specializing in ergonomic studio furniture designed for musicians, producers, and content creators, Wavebone offers high-quality desks and chairs that enhance workflow and reduce fatigue. 
The Star Rover Studio Desk is a compact workstation perfect for smaller studios, while the Starship Standing Desk allows seamless height adjustments for those who prefer switching between sitting and standing. For seating, the Voyager II and Viking chairs provide ergonomic support tailored for long editing and production sessions. wavebone.com. A well-designed studio setup can boost creativity and efficiency—so stop by the Wavebone booth and treat yourself to a workspace upgrade!
9. Industry heavyweights
If you are visiting because you just want to see cool stuff well you have a bunch of great options. Canon (N2103) always has a killer stand with an incredible amount of camera and lens combinations for you to try. They also dominate the PTZ market and $ wise that is absolutely massive. Sony (N439) is killing the camera space in our opinion right now, and their announcement of the baby Venice extension system being used by some of the leading DP’s in the world already. 
However I feel their main focus may be on virtual production so will be heading to C8201 to see what’s on show. However, every year the most popular stand is *always* Blackmagic Design (SL216). The camera selection will be incredible and I’m expecting updates to Resolve too (and we know just how popular that is becoming for you guys).
10. Networking
Get out there and meet people! Take a stack of business cards, wear comfortable shoes and introduce yourself. If after hours is more your thing a quick search on Eventbrite for events in Vegas with “NAB” in their title will give you opportunities to attend female-only events, drinks nights, workshops, mixers, and more.
11. Las Vegas
Okay, I know this is technically point 11 not 10 but here is my bit for the Las Vegas tourist board…Las Vegas is the perfect location for NAB. The city offers more hotel rooms than anywhere in the world, shows, bars, restaurants, events and opportunities to have fun 24/7. If you're in a position where your work/passion takes you to somewhere like Las Vegas for a week (even if it is your 28th show) remember how lucky you are, no doubt your friends and family like to remind you of this point every year when you wearily say you are “off to Vegas for work” again. Have fun and enjoy the trip!
Pic: NAB
12: Other cool things:
OK so I have added another section here and this I am going to riff along live (to a degree) as I am being sent cool/ interesting additions from industry friends or people in the comments here or on social media.
RED (N263). RED are not dead! OK so they are now part of Nikon which has got a lot of people talking. However it does mean they are back at NAB with a stand and a place you can check out what was/ is one of the industry's great innovators. I don't think RED has had a dedicated stand since maybe 2018, when they decided to call it a day at NAB and invest in Cinegear LA instead. I actually haven't had a chance to speak to the Irvine, CA team in a long time so will be heading there to see and hear what is new and how the partnership with Nikon is working out for the RED community.
Aputure (N2969). Now this is very interesting. Last year the coolest thing I attended at NAB was not actually at NAB itself, it was actually the "Virtually Everything" summit at Vu Networks (a large LED volume studio our by the airport), it was an incredible feat of logistics and testament to the network the view team had to put on such a brilliant collection of workshops and seminars in 1 place. this year Aputure has partnered with Vu and will be doing VIP demos at the Vu studio space. Aputure are laying on buses/ transport to and from Vu. If you want to go, head to the Aputure stand in the North Hall and ask them about it. If you have a contact at Vu ,aybe that's a cool way to get yourself in. Seriously I think if you are into lighting/ grip and it's place in technology you should check it out.
If QC is part of your workflow (and if you work with content that you plan on being broadcast/ streamed that is basically all of you) then you need a decent QC tool. This is still being done with "eyeball QC" and tools that are pretty ancient. Good news is that has changed, step forward the team at QSCAN (SL6405) who have a slick, easy to use and now with a real time player tool called Verify, I saw them at IBC and all the big networks/ streamers were interested in the Verify tool which I have been informed is now officially shipping. This is essential tech that has gotton faster, better and more affordable to use at scale.
I also want to make a case for your team to visit the guys at AMOVE (SL9823), AMOVE Click is a cloud connectivity app designed to make your cloud workflow flow better. Sharing, collaborating and storing your content in a beautiful UI. Now I happen to know some of the team at AMOVE and they are *super* smart and are hyped for this release wanting as many people as possible to demo' it.
Now I cannot talk about cloud workflows without mentioning the name everyone is talking about, Strada. Led my industry legend Michael Cioni they have attracted investment *and* a lot of buzz around their cloud based tool that simplifies and elevates cloud based workflows for analysing metadata, transcribing and organising your content. They have been teasing their "be your own cloud" solution pre NAB so watch this space (or just visit them at SL4807). Michael is speaking on a bunch of panels so try and catch him, he is *the* most effective communicator in the industry when it comes to explaining technology, trends and the future IMO.
Tags: Production NAB 2025
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