As we prepare to celebrate 100 years of NAB Show in Las Vegas next month, we spent 5 minutes with some of the Bitmovin team to get their thoughts on what they are most looking forward to and any tips and tricks they have for a successful show.
Say hello to Reinhard Grandl, who oversees Bitmovin’s product department, and develops the company’s product strategy and ensures it is optimized for customers.
Discover his insights into the big trends at NAB 2023 and how to enjoy the show.
This year will be the 100th year of NAB! What are your favourite memories from NAB?
My favorite memories always occur at the parties!
The video streaming industry has undergone significant changes in the last few years. Which trends do you expect to dominate discussions on the show floor?
The only constant in the industry is change. Macroeconomic factors have influenced the most recent changes, requiring companies to become more nimble and quickly respond to economic fluctuations. I expect this to be a dominant topic at the show.
Sustainability in video streaming will also generate a lot of discussions. The industry must take responsibility for its carbon footprint and collectively develop strategies to mitigate negative consequences for future generations.
Which Bitmovin innovations are a must-see for NAB attendees?
There are definitely some I wouldn’t want to miss. The first is Player Web X, our next-generation video player, which defines a new standard for playback performance, especially for more challenging platforms such as SmartTVs. Smart Chunking is a major advancement for our VOD Encoding, which significantly impacts video quality by optimizing chunk lengths and bitrate distribution, improving visual quality throughout the asset faster than before.
Last but not least is StreamLab. It’s a hugely exciting, innovative automated stream testing solution; it allows video developers to test and guarantee the quality of experience for their audience across more devices & platforms. In a world where more and more devices are entering the consumer market, StreamLab truly helps solve the issue of device fragmentation and ensures flawless playback on every device.
Bitmovin has been exhibiting at NAB Show since the company’s early days, what tips would you give to other startups looking to make the show a success?
For young companies, tradeshows are a great way to meet industry peers and develop a good understanding of the market and its dynamics. For most startups going to a big show like NAB means a major investment, even more so when having a booth. So, make sure you set up the right meetings on and off the show floor and book them well in advance to maximize your chances of success. Last but not least – have fun!
Describe NAB in three words.
Impressive. Technology. People.
