NAB 2026: The Future of NDI|HX, AI in Streaming, and Emerging Licensing Challenges

In this article by Anthony Burokas for StreamingMedia, key trends from NAB Show 2026 highlight a broadcast and streaming industry that has reached a new level of maturity—while still facing uncertainty beneath the surface.

Streaming Has Stabilized—But Innovation Feels Slower

One of the biggest takeaways from NAB 2026 is how far streaming technology has come. What was once unreliable—especially for large-scale live events—has now become dependable and widely accessible. Major organizations can confidently execute live sports and event productions without the technical failures that once plagued the industry.

However, this stability has also led to a sense that innovation has slowed. Much of the industry’s movement is now driven by corporate acquisitions, mergers, and financial restructuring rather than groundbreaking technological leaps. While this signals a mature market, it also raises questions about where the next wave of innovation will come from.

The Reality Behind “AI” in Broadcast Workflows

Artificial intelligence was everywhere at NAB 2026—but not always in meaningful ways. The “AI” label is increasingly applied to tools that have existed for years, particularly in camera automation and tracking systems.

For example, PTZ camera tracking—now often branded as AI-powered—has been around for decades. While improvements have been made, these systems are still not perfect and frequently make errors. As a result, skilled human operators remain essential for high-quality productions.

There is also a desire for more advanced, practical innovations. One example is the ability to use high-resolution 360° cameras to create multiple dynamic shots from a single source—similar to how modern consumer devices intelligently crop and frame subjects. While promising in theory, this type of workflow has yet to become a reality in professional production environments.

NDI at 10 Years: Accessibility vs. Complexity

As NDI reaches its 10-year milestone, it continues to play a crucial role in IP-based video production. While high-end broadcasters are increasingly adopting SMPTE ST 2110, that approach requires significant infrastructure and technical expertise.

NDI, on the other hand, remains because of its accessibility. With technologies like NDI|HX3 using H.265 compression, users can transmit high-quality 4K video over standard network environments. This makes it an ideal solution for schools, houses of worship, and smaller production teams that need cost-effective, flexible workflows without investing in enterprise-level infrastructure.

Licensing Changes from Via Licensing Alliance Could Disrupt the Market

Despite its advantages, the future of NDI|HX may be uncertain due to recent licensing changes. The Via Licensing Alliance has restructured its H.264/AVC licensing model, replacing a flat annual fee with a tiered system that could reach millions of dollars for large-scale implementations.

These changes extend beyond streaming platforms and into hardware manufacturing. In fact, companies like HP and Dell have already reacted by disabling HEVC support in some devices due to relatively small cost increases per unit. This highlights how sensitive the industry is to licensing fees—even minor ones.

What This Means for the Future of NDI|HX

Because many NDI|HX workflows rely on H.26x codecs, rising licensing costs could have a ripple effect across the industry. Hardware manufacturers may be forced to increase prices, limit features, or explore alternative solutions.

This puts pressure on companies like Vizrt to consider new strategies. One potential path forward could involve alternative codecs or partnerships with emerging technologies such as Open Media Transport. While these alternatives may not yet match the efficiency of H.26x compression, they could provide greater flexibility and reduce long-term risk.

Final Thoughts

NAB 2026 paints a picture of an industry at a crossroads. Streaming technology is stable and widely adopted, but innovation is becoming more incremental. At the same time, external factors like licensing changes are introducing new uncertainties—particularly for widely used technologies like NDI|HX.

As the industry moves forward, balancing cost, innovation, and flexibility will be critical. Whether through new codecs, evolving standards, or entirely new workflows, the next phase of broadcast and streaming will depend on how well companies adapt to these shifting dynamics.

Read the full article by Anthony Burokas for StreamingMedia HERE

Learn more about NDI HERE