IBC is a valuable platform for connecting with customers, partners, and innovators in the broadcast industry. This year, I focused on sports production and analysis. There was no shortage of innovation in sports coverage, from large studios created for the EUROs and the Olympics to the increased engagement in additional feeds and digital channels.
While we witnessed creative advancements using technology, we also recognized the need for cost-effective and efficient sports productions. Here are some key takeaways from my discussions at IBC.
AI is a prevalent topic, but its application in sports production isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. I found most conversations centered on implementing AI in media asset management (MAM) systems. A modern MAM system is essential for managing the ever-growing archive of content and extracting its value.
AI can help automate tasks like metadata entry by identifying scenes, such as goals, red cards, and penalties. This allows production teams to focus on creating content and minimizing search times. AI can also potentially simplify and speed up editing, generate sequences from archived content, upscale older footage, and provide transcription and summarization capabilities within the MAM system.
However, it's important to remember that AI is not 100% accurate, and teams should carefully consider its integration into workflows.
Automation is another key trend, particularly in the form of “production assistants” that automate repetitive tasks. This not only improves workflow but also allows production teams to focus on more creative and challenging tasks. Automation also contributes to sustainability by reducing energy consumption.
From a sports perspective, automating workflows saves costs, improves production quality, and allows for more innovation. It also enables better allocation of resources for content creation.
Data visualization continues to be a core element of sports production, with AR graphics and telestration used to enhance viewer understanding. The future of telestration involves creating immersive 3D environments with avatars, offering viewers the ability to see the game from a player's perspective.
Cloud production is becoming increasingly popular for its versatility and scalability. It provides a centralized platform for large broadcasters and leagues to create additional feeds and engage audiences with personalized content. For smaller production teams and niche sports, the cloud offers a cost-effective way to produce high-quality content.
The combination of cloud adoption and evolving needs of sports coverage is creating interesting workflow changes. Some customers are shifting their entire production to the cloud, while others are opting for a hybrid model.
Overall, the industry is moving toward more efficient and innovative sports production, leveraging AI, automation, cloud, and data visualization to enhance the viewer experience. Broadcasters will need to adapt their workflows and invest in technologies that deliver the best results.