Sony addresses connected creativity at IBC 2025

Sony presents at IBC 2025 a broad combination of hardware and software solutions, including camcorders, studio cameras, monitors, switches and storage, seamlessly integrated with the latest advances in cloud technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) and IP. Together, they form a dynamic, connected ecosystem designed to improve content creation and optimize workflows from direct to film production.

As content generated and manipulated by Artificial Intelligence becomes increasingly sophisticated, the need for reliable and verifiable images has never been greater, especially for media professionals. Sony is a member of the C2PA steering committee (Coalition for the Origin and Authenticity of Content) and participates in the organization's efforts to trace the provenance of content.

the camera PXW-Z300 It is a breakthrough in this field by incorporating digital signatures directly into the video files, in addition to having 1/2-inch Exmor R 4K 3-CMOS sensors, the latest BIONZ XR image processing engine and a dedicated AI processing unit. At IBC, Ci Media Cloud and the platform Media Backbone Hive Sony also introduces features that will help news organizations verify the provenance of images by displaying digital signature information in compliance with the C2PA standard. Media Backbone Hive has recently released its latest version, V2.3, which includes an advanced web editor and integration with AWS AI services. Hive Cloud now supports the Time-addressable Media Store (TAMS) API, enabling news agencies and broadcasters a fast and cost-effective workflow in the cloud.

More agile workflows

The new PXW-Z300 camcorder features a AI processing unit dedicated and a image processing engine. This enables highly accurate (human) subject recognition based on information about the face, eyes, skeletal structure and posture. It also features an auto-framing feature that automatically adjusts composition to keep human subjects centered in the frame.

The perfect complement to the PXW-Z300 is the new LiveU TX1 compact data transmitter, developed jointly with LiveU within the framework of a collaboration whose commercial launch is scheduled for 2026 and which will be exhibited for the first time at this IBC. Supports resilient bonded streaming for faster data transfers using multiple network connections and enables automatic file transfer by simply connecting the device to a camera via USB. These features streamline video production by allowing direct transmission of files from the field. In addition to USB connectivity, SDI support is also planned, allowing compatibility with a wide range of Sony camcorders. The manufacturer will continue to offer customers diverse video transmission workflows through products such as the 5G-compatible PDT-FP1 wireless communication device, which enables high-speed, low-latency video transmission, and through collaborations with various industry partners.

He 5G It is increasingly being used in news and live event workflows for broadcast, as evidenced by the numerous high-profile tests Sony has been involved in over the past 18 months. In July 2025, Sony, BT and SailGP tested roaming Full HD cameras over a high-capacity network, enabling global broadcasting. Some photographers also uploaded images in real time via Sony Alpha cameras and the PDT-FP1.

The ecosystem Creators’ Cloud de Sony sigue evolucionando, y en IBC 2025 se presentan las últimas versiones de las aplicaciones de Creators’ Cloud, tanto para particulares como para empresas, como Monitor & Control, Creators’ App for Enterprise, Catalyst Prepare y Catalyst Prepare Plugin, que dan soporte a los creadores. Ci Media Cloud LiveSession is now available as a MediaBox add-on, enabling live, high-resolution review and collaboration with guests via a shared link, without the need for a Ci account. A redesigned panel of Adobe Premiere Pro, which will allow editors to directly access Ci Workspaces, drag and drop assets, import comments as timeline markers, and relink proxies to source files more easily. At IBC you can see a prototype of the Premiere Pro Panel Plugin. Platform updates, including accelerated transcoding and live streaming optimization, increase the speed and reliability of Ci for media teams in 190 countries.

Open ecosystem and integration

The software defined streaming (SDB) reflects Sony's long-term vision for a future of interoperable, software-centric streaming. In line with the EBU's Dynamic Media Facility and Media Exchange Layer initiatives, the SDB aims to decouple multimedia applications from dedicated hardware, allowing them to operate as scalable services on a core computing infrastructure. Sony is actively integrating products such as M2L-X, HawkREPLAY and part of the Nevion portfolio into this shared memory framework, offering un high-efficiency media exchange without the limitations of traditional formats such as ST 2110. By showing real implementations of these technologies at IBC, Sony reinforces its commitment to open standards, multi-vendor collaboration and next-generation broadcast architectures.

As the industry moves from hardware-based to software-based content streams, the Software initiative Defined Broadcast Sony represents a pragmatic and applicable approach to modern live production. Based on proven components such as Global Event Manager (GEM), Stream Relay, M2L-X and Ci Media Cloud, today's Software Defined Broadcast capabilities enable intelligent orchestration and automation of complex workflows across multiple sites. A recent and ongoing major sports project in the UK demonstrates this in practice, delivering scalable, efficient and cost-effective production using cloud-native infrastructure. With dynamic provisioning, pay-as-you-go efficiency and remote collaboration capabilities, Sony is helping to redefine sports production. This marks the evolution from hardware-intensive deployments to agile, software-based ecosystems that can meet the demands of today's distributed production models, while opening the door to greater sustainability and scalability in live media processing and transport.

In line with SDB's broader vision, Hawk-Eye Innovations demonstrates in Amsterdam a complete broadcast ecosystem with HawkREPLAY, HawkNEST and Configure REPLAY. The system offers 4x UHD slow motion replays, advanced asset management and remote production capabilities. It integrates seamlessly with Sony technology, delivering a fully unified, cinema-quality workflow for live sports and event broadcasting. At IBC 2025, Hawk-Eye Innovations has announced the launch of HawkREPLAY in the cloud to 2026.

Sony Networked Live is a modular, partner-friendly and ever-expanding ecosystem designed to optimize live production workflows by leveraging IP networks for remote and distributed production.

As part of the Networked Live ecosystem, Nevion has announced support for hardware-accelerated SRT (Secure Reliable Transport) for its Virtuoso software-defined media node. This update, added to the existing low-latency HEVC compression functionality, allows broadcasters to take advantage of unmanaged networks, including the Internet, for applications such as backup connectivity or GCCG (ground-to-cloud-cloud-to-ground) transport. Nevion's version of VideoIPath released this month focuses on usability with a number of new features, including desktop simplification, multi-language support and single sign-on (SSO), designed to make it easier to manage workflow in live production.

In this sense, the next improvements of the CNA-2 will increase operability in broadcast environments. New features include uploading and downloading scene files via PC, an intuitive WEB-MSU control panel and GMCS support for the HDC-P50A. The update also introduces support for multiple 12 units via WEB-RCP and adds support for AM7 and FR7 cameras, streamlining multi-camera workflows and expanding system flexibility in live production environments.

As part of its version 2.4, scheduled for October 2025, the software-based platform MLS-X1 will introduce several new features and enhancements, leveraging the capabilities of its hybrid architecture to deliver greater flexibility, performance and operational efficiency. Enhanced capabilities include the addition of combined logic from Tally and XpT states for more dynamic workflows, through advanced conditional actions, but also expanded DME effects by utilizing the power of the GPU to deliver a wider range of effects. The V2.4 software will also offer greater flexibility in node combinations, for more versatile configurations of MLS-X1 capabilities and functions.

In parallel, there is a growing demand for space-saving solutions in sports broadcasts, and the recent HDC-P50A satisfies that need. The camera extension adapter HDCE-500 (expected March 2026) is compatible with HDC-5000, HDC-3000 and HDC-P50A system cameras. Located between the camera and the CCU, it powers the camera and supports transmissions of up to 10 km by converting optical fiber to single-mode fiber. When used with the HDC-P50A, it enables power and video transmission over a single SMPTE cable, offering greater operational flexibility.

Responding to the explosion in demand for plug-and-play studios from content creators, Sony's Simplified Live ecosystem will also feature an easy-to-use all-in-one studio, from content capture to distribution, allowing influencers and content creators to professionalize and automate their setups without compromising image quality.

Virtual production and immersive innovation

Sony's exhibition at IBC 2025 demonstrates the evolution of spatial content production, including virtual production, through a series of creative tools, such as the Venice 2 digital cinema camera, the Ocellus camera tracking system, the latest Crystal LED Capri and Verona LED displays for VP imaging, along with the latest version (Ver3.0) of the virtual production toolset.

Sony presents a tool that simplifies match-move work (which is traditionally done manually) using tracking data (camera trajectory data) recorded with the Ocellus camera tracking system, along with its Virtual Production Tool Set 3.0, scheduled for release in winter 2025 or later. All new features in V3.0 will be offered for free, including angle of view color correction, ray tracing acceleration, and new color calibrator features such as calibration for third-party cameras and the LUT creation feature that works with 2D plates.

In addition, Sony presents new software updates for its Cinema Line cameras that expand creative workflows. The FX3 and FX30 can now record in Blackmagic RAW over HDMI to Blackmagic Video Assist devices. Furthermore, a February 20262 update will enable the FR7 to support OpenTrackIO, SMPTE's open source virtual production protocol, enabling standardized, high-precision lens data output as well as smoother integration with third-party tools and CG engines, improving compatibility and scalability across the industry.

Finally, nablet, a German company specialized in multimedia processing technology, this month launched the plugin nablet X-OCN Media Extension for macOS, which allows you to use X-OCN footage recorded with Venice 2 and Burano with Apple's Final Cut Pro for Mac. Another demonstration on the booth will bring together the Venice Extension System Mini with Sony's Spatial Reality Display (ELF-SR2) in the 3D content production workflow. This setup enables real-time, glasses-free monitoring of 3D images for immediate and accurate depth checking on set, improving both visual fidelity and production efficiency.

Sustainable innovation

At IBC 2025, Sony welcomes visitors to the Elicium by presenting some of its latest environmental initiatives along with its technology demonstrations.

In line with the set of initiatives focused on Road to Zero sustainability From Sony, the stand at IBC 2025 highlights sustainable innovation with Polygood panels made from 100% recycled and recyclable plastic, including reclaimed medical equipment and reused food packaging waste. The zero waste process reintegrates leftover plastics into production, ensuring a circular approach. Made to last, these panels are fully recyclable and made from pure recycled material, with no additives or binders. The addition of these panels adds a powerful sustainability story to the Sony booth and visitor experience. The stand also features 100% recycled plastic furniture and will be reused for at least the next three years.