NAB opened its doors to the general public today, and there were plenty of announcements of new hardware and software to divert attention from the recognition that the industry is in the midst of change. Change, perhaps, is the theme of the show; Apple has moved to a new hardware platform, implementation of digital theatrical distribution is becoming a reality and IPTV turns telcos into broadcasters.

I arrived at NAB with my new Cingular Razor cell phone and was quickly informed at the NVidia booth that my phone was just so “yesterday.” NVidia is making chips for mobile devices and all three of the models they had to show put my cell to shame. It‘s clear that my even my next phone/personal media player/recorder/camera/GPS locator will have to be replaced every six months to take advantage of new services and new features.

Almost all the product news at NAB takes a back seat to the rolling revolution that IPTV represents. Across the show floor, small new booths have appeared with signs announcing IPTV and streaming. It might as well be peasants handing out guns and malatov cocktails. Since iTunes showed that there is money to be made selling television programs and movies online, every business plan in the entertainment business needs to be revised. Still, everyone one I talked to only spoke about gear. Fine.

Notes from the underground will have to wait and we can stick to announcements that keep us focused on the fact that no matter who owns the spectrum everyone will be watching something everywhere all the time. In short, the revolution online means more business and more production. This is heartening and positive news for many show attendees, but if you want to own your work or hear news from a wide range of sources, it‘s time to pay attention to the political maneuverings that take place at NAB. IPTV isn‘t just happening; the FCC and others are making big decisions on the divine right of broadcasters. (Editor’s note: For an in-depth look at this trend, check out the May issue of Digital Content Producer, coming soon.)

I‘ll get back to storage, dual-core technology and D.I. shortly—just thought I‘d nail this to the doors of the church for a change of pace.