Despite the prevalence of artificial intelligence and machine learning at the Amsterdam broadcasting technology show – which some fear could see people replaced by machines in the industry – the panellists were optimistic about what they saw.

Peter Owen, a part-time consultant for IBC, offered a brief history of the trade fair, from humble beginnings at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel in 1967 with just 32 exhibitors and 500 delegates, to today’s behemoth of 1,600 exhibitors with 55,000 delegates from 170 countries.

The market for hardware may be shrinking but that for software is expanding, leading to many opportunities for new service providers.

But Boxer Systems chief technology officer Marc Risby and Cinegy product manager Lewis Kilkaldie advised caution when adopting IP systems. The duo argued that it is important to choose appropriate technology to solve a problem and not choose IP because it is the current fashion.

Peter Weitzel from the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers – one of six bodies, including the RTS, which run IBC – spoke about his organisation’s successful release of the ST2110 standard.

He discussed its role in bridging the software hardware gap to guarantee reliable delivery of video and audio over IP networks.

NEP Bow Tie technical operator and industry newbie Dan Leedham spoke of his delight in seeing broadcasting giants openly sharing resources and collaborating.

Susan Pratt, course leader in TV and film production technology at Surrey University, offered a voice of caution in the IP cloud debate, however, arguing: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”