If you think you know ProAV… think again – September 2025 StreamGeeks Newsletter

Hey StreamGeeks family,

This year’s IBC show was a whirlwind — AI everywhere, open-source collaboration on the rise, and a clear message: the future of professional live streaming and broadcast production belongs to the lifelong learner.

📚 The Power of Professional Development

I recently wrapped up my NDI certification, and next on my list of professional development… Netgear training. Why? Because the pace of change in our industry is relentless. If you think you’ve “mastered” ProAV, get comfortable with change and think again. The real skill today isn’t just knowing how to connect the gear or the particular piece of the workflow your company specializes in— it’s the ability to solve workflow problems that blend hardware, software, and creativity.

After years in this space, I’ve seen countless customers approach with a single piece of gear in mind — thinking it may just solve all there problems. Smart ProAV integrators and hardware manufacturers realize the world is moving faster than ever and customers need guidance building a fully integrated workflow. The best professionals in this field aren’t just installers or technicians; they’re systems integrators who can bridge IT, AV, and cloud-based production environments.

So, whether you’re diving into IP video, cloud workflows, or networked audio — keep learning. Take courses to continue your professional development. Stay curious.

🤖 AI at IBC 2024: Promise and Potential

AI dominated the show floor at IBC. There was a sea of startups, but a few stood out for their real-world usefulness:

• Magnifi.ai — An impressive AI platform for sports production, capable of live ingest via RTMP or SRT and automated highlight generation.
  
• Axle.ai — A tool for content management and discovery that helps users find moments in massive video libraries (imagine easily pulling sermon clips, educational moments, or historical footage).
  

Beyond commercial products, open-source tools are quietly transforming video workflows. From automatic captioning and scene detection to generative video enhancements, these community-driven projects are unlocking innovation at every level.

🌍 Open Standards and Interoperability

One of the most interesting developments at IBC came from the open-source and standards community. vMix unveiled their new Open Media Transport (OMT) protocol, signaling another evolution in IP-based media transport.

While NDI remains the dominant player, its recent licensing changes could create space for more open standards to thrive. SRT, already widely adopted, is gaining new features and community support — and ONVIF, traditionally known in the security world, is showing promise for broader interoperability in IP video systems.

This shift toward open standards means more flexibility, fewer vendor lock-ins, and new creative possibilities for content creators and integrators alike.

💡 Final Thought

Attending an industry tradeshow is professional development in my opinion. Chatting with co-workers and peers in the industry is a great way to kindle creativity. I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who came out to say “Hi” at IBC.

We’re entering an era where professional development, openness, and adaptability will define success in live streaming and broadcast. The tools are evolving fast — AI, IP video, and hybrid workflows are converging. The question is: are you evolving with them?

As always, stay curious, stay creative, and keep streaming forward.

— Paul Richards
StreamGeeks