SMPTE, EBU, and ETC research AI’s impact on the media

The report is the result of a task force on AI standards in media, which began in 2020 and is an updated version of SMPTE’s Engineering Report released in 2023.

It begins with a technical understanding of AI and machine learning (ML), followed by the effect that these technologies will likely have on the media landscape. The report then moves on to examine AI ethics and concludes with a discussion of the role that standards can play in AI/ML’s future.

“AI in the media landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and the SMPTE AI Taskforce remains committed to keeping up with this transformation,” said Thomas Bause Mason, Standards Director at SMPTE. “The revision to the Engineering Report reflects new developments such as the Model Context Protocol (MCP), enhanced security considerations, open source in AI, and emerging frameworks like ISO/IEC 42001, among others. By incorporating these updates, we aim to provide the industry with clear guidance on AI/ML as well as interoperable AI practices for media workflows.”

"After publishing the initial version of the report, we quickly recognised that fast-breaking developments in AI necessitated updates to the content to keep it relevant,” said Fred Walls, Task Force Co-Chair and AMD Fellow at SMPTE. “I am grateful for the dedication of SMPTE's Task Force on AI and Media in curating this information and appreciate SMPTE's leadership in keeping the industry informed and advancing media-related AI standards."

SMPTE recently announced that Richard Welsh has been elected by its membership to serve as SMPTE president, serving a two-year term to 31 Dec, 2026. Discover more here.