NAB 2025’s top show trends and strategic insights unveiled in free Futuresource report

Explore the technologies, workflows and market shifts defining the future of broadcast, media and Pro AV.

NAB Show 2025 welcomed more than 55,000 delegates last month, with 53% of them attending for the first time, a clear signal that the broadcast, media and Pro AV sectors are attracting fresh talent and expanding their reach.

While total attendance and exhibitor numbers diminished slightly compared with 2024, the event maintained its status as an innovation hothouse. Leading brands, agile startups and strategic partnerships provided the excitement across the show floor, and hinted at significant industry momentum for the year ahead. As always, Futuresource Consulting deployed a team of analysts to uncover the technologies, conversations and product launches that will define the next phase of media production.

Now available as a free download, the Futuresource NAB 2025 Show Report presents key takeaways from the event. It spotlights the tools, strategies and trends that are reshaping the industry, from intelligent automation and IP workflows to the growing convergence between Pro AV and traditional broadcast.

Intelligent tools for leaner, smarter production

“This year’s show presented a market in transition,” says Helen Matthews, Senior Market Analyst at Futuresource Consulting. “What we saw at NAB 2025 was an industry recalibrating around new economic, technological and cultural realities.

“AI, in particular, has moved far beyond the suck-it-and-see phase. It’s no longer just a marketing checkbox. It’s a core enabler that’s helping content creators and broadcasters unlock workflow efficiencies, scale production with fewer resources, and strengthen creative execution. The shift has enormous implications for how teams are structured, how investments are made, and how content is delivered to increasingly fragmented audiences.”

Across the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Centre, AI asserted itself as a keystone, from Blackmagic’s DaVinci Resolve 20 to Adobe’s Generative Extend. Meanwhile, AWS, Vizrt and Amagi offered AI-driven tools for real-time highlights, automated graphics and intelligent ad scheduling, while NxVi’s THENA A1 edge processor revealed how AI can be retrofitted to existing workflows.

“This isn’t about replacing humans,” says Futuresource Consulting’s Associate Consultant, Shubham Kumar, “it’s about enabling and accelerating every team. Whether they’re operating in the field of sports, education or enterprise, people are being given access to tools that will help them produce broadcast-quality output with fewer resources.”

Pro AV and broadcast continue to converge

One of the clearest trends at NAB 2025 was the deepening synergy between traditional broadcast and Pro AV. Solutions once built for houses of worship, corporate events or esports are now being adopted by mainstream broadcasters, especially those facing tight budgets and fragmented audiences.

Vendors like Ross Video, Grass Valley and Sony showcased scalable production systems built for solo operators and hybrid teams. At the same time, PTZ camera innovations from Atomos, BirdDog and Obsbot signalled a shift toward remote-controlled, AI-enhanced video capture for both studio and field use.

Cloud and AVoIP bring strategic evolution, not revolution

Cloud and IP-based workflows stayed in the foreground, though the conversation has shifted from idealism to realism. With mounting economic pressures and lingering interoperability issues, broadcasters are adopting hybrid cloud and AVoIP strategies that blend innovation with existing infrastructure.

A number of demonstrations across the show floor illustrated how bridging tools are enabling smoother transitions from SDI to IP and from on-prem to cloud. These solutions are allowing content creators to scale operations without abandoning legacy systems.

Creators, cameras and the rise of vertical video

With younger audiences shifting to mobile platforms and vertical formats, NAB 2025 also highlighted tools built for the content creator economy. Whether it was DJI’s RS 4 Mini, Insta360’s X5, or Fujinon’s GFX Eterna, manufacturers are designing hardware with flexibility, portability and platform compatibility in mind.

As Joyce Wang, Lead Analyst with Futuresource Consulting, explains, “This year’s show confirmed what we’ve been tracking in our research. The boundary line between professional production values and creator content is eroding fast. Whether you’re streaming on Twitch or broadcasting on TV, the goal is the same. Everyone’s looking for high-quality, engaging video with a rapid turnaround.”

For anyone operating in broadcast, media or Pro AV sectors, the Futuresource NAB 2025 Show Report offers crucial insights and market intelligence. Download your free copy today and gain access to expert commentary, technology breakdowns and strategic analysis to help your business stay ahead in a constantly shifting landscape: Download the full NAB 2025 report

About Futuresource Consulting
Futuresource Consulting, established in the 1980s, is a leading research and consulting firm specialising in global market analysis, forecasts and strategic insights. With a deep understanding of emerging trends and technologies, Futuresource helps businesses navigate complex markets and make informed decisions.

Press Contact: Nicola Finn, Marketing Manager, Futuresource Consulting, nicola.finn@futuresource-hq.com