Next Generation Audio (NGA) is no longer just a broadcast innovation; it’s quickly becoming the benchmark for how modern entertainment environments think about sound. In essence, NGA is about giving audiences better experiences and operators more control and creativity. Built on technologies such as object-based mixing and metadata frameworks like S-ADM, NGA makes it possible to deliver multiple audio experiences within a single stream, whether that’s multilingual commentary, accessible audio descriptions, or tailored soundscapes for venues. For media and ProAV professionals, the possibilities are expanding fast – and early adopters are taking the front foot.
NGA offers cutting-edge, user-centric features that redefine the listening experience. With crystal-clear dialogue, enhanced sound precision, and advanced volume customization for those with hearing impairments, NGA puts control in the hands of the audience. It’s all about choice, whether switching commentators, seamlessly changing language tracks during live sports, or fine-tuning audio like never before. NGA is more than just better sound, it offers a personalized, immersive experience that will help our industry deliver on the promise of audio that’s better than just ‘good enough’.
Regulation raises the bar
Beyond a clear interest among broadcasters and streaming platforms to offer differentiated audio experiences, there are several wider shifts at play accelerating the adoption of NGA. In California, the new SB 576 law has recently been passed, which will require streaming services to keep audio levels clear and consistent, much like existing standards for broadcast. This law, which takes effect on and after July 1, 2026, prohibits a video streaming service that serves consumers in the state from transmitting the audio of commercial advertisements louder than the video content the people are watching. It means that viewers will no longer have to put up with excessively loud commercials during ad breaks, delivering a smoother listening experience.
Poorly balanced loudness or muffled dialogue can exclude audiences just as much as bad design or poor visuals. California’s new rules are an important first step in improving the viewer experience and a reminder that audio quality matters everywhere, from streaming platforms to the live and hybrid environments managed by a wide range of AV professionals across entertainment venues. It means producers and integrators will need advanced audio processing tools capable of maintaining precise loudness control and compliance across all content.
Intercom advances for agile AV teams
The renewed focus on quality is reflected in rising demand for audio innovation beyond broadcast and radio. Venues, corporate AV teams, and live event organisers are taking more control of their productions, and with that comes a sharper focus on audio performance. Theaters are adopting IP-based intercom systems to improve backstage coordination and reduce latency. Meanwhile, sports producers are embracing remote commentary workflows to connect teams and audiences around the world.
Beyond entertainment and enterprise, we’re also seeing growing interest in sectors such as healthcare, security, and emergency operations, where effective communication can have critical real-world impact. Hospitals, control centers, and security organizations increasingly rely on advanced audio networks and intercom systems to coordinate teams with absolute clarity.
There is still a tendency to use legacy-style comms and panels, tied to a central matrix, but these are expensive and do not easily allow for spontaneous remote contribution. A growing number of virtualized solutions that do not have a central matrix and are software-based now allow for more dynamic configurations, multi-site production, and consumer-level devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops to easily bring in new team members.
Interoperability takes the spotlight
One clear standout theme at IBC2025 was interoperability – and the simple truth that different systems should work together easily. Media Exchange Layers (MXLs) were central to this discussion, with many broadcasters and technology providers agreeing that the future of broadcast will be more modular and vendor-agnostic. This approach is key to building scalable, cloud-ready production environments. Across the show, there was a shared sense that interoperability isn’t just a technical goal anymore; it’s essential to delivering the flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness all users need
This ties in closely with advances in Audio-over-IP (AVoIP), an innovation Telos has been at the forefront of since its inception. The encouraging news is that the industry is rallying together to build AVoIP workflows so seamless that users don’t need to think about switches, protocols, or cables – making multi-vendor broadcast and AV systems much more reliable and easier to integrate.
A sound future
The professional audio landscape is entering its most exciting and inclusive era. NGA is enabling richer, more personal listening experiences. California’s legislation is reinforcing the importance of quality and intelligibility. And the convergence of broadcast and ProAV is creating a shared language of standards and performance. As live experiences become more connected and interactive, audio is what brings them together. Sound sits at the heart of almost every experience – and it’s starting to take a bigger seat at the table.
Costa Nikols
Costa Nikols is a leader with a background in sales engineering, sales team integration, project and product management as well as B2B sales in the broadcast industry. Experienced in integrating sales teams around M&A activities and aligning priorities to achieve corporate objectives. Have implemented Miller Heiman Strategic Selling and Large Account Management for a Global sales team. Have also been instrumental in adopting 80/20 account and product prioritization strategies, which help teams be more effective towards their key relationships.
