BroadcastAsia 2008 returns

With the convergence of broadcasting technology and communications, the broadcasting, multimedia and entertainment industries are set to embrace new industry trends. Nowhere is this better showcased than BroadcastAsia 2008 - the region’s premier broadcasting event – which returns to Singapore at Singapore Expo from 17 - 20 June 2008. The annual event attracted 16,370 attendees last year, half of whom were foreign visitors.

“BroadcastAsia has built a reputation as the region’s premier platform where companies and industry professionals network and build strategic partnerships,” said Calvin Koh, senior project manager of show organiser Singapore Exhibition Services (SES).

A highlight at the show this year will be Super Hi-Vision (SHV), which is featured for the first time in Asia, outside of Japan. Developed by NHK Science & Technical Research Laboratories, SHV is an 8k system which has a resolution 16 times higher than HDTV. It is the world’s first video system with 4000 scanning lines, delivering ultra-clear, realistic three-dimensional images that can only be achieved by ultrahigh-definition technology.

BroadcastAsia will once again feature the HD Xperience this year. The 2008 edition will demonstrate the use of Digital Media Asset Management (Digital MAM) technology which helps broadcasters re-design their workflows to reap the benefits of open standards based production and archiving. Designed as a tutorial, this studio will be produced in partnership with multiple international manufacturers.

Other hot technologies that will be featured at BroadcastAsia2008, include Tapeless Solutions, Broadcasting-to-Handheld, Digital Media Asset Management, Immersive Technologies, IPTV, Smart TV, Professional Audio Technology and Digital Signage.

Show Highlights Magna Systems and Engineering, leading systems integrator and supplier of technology to the broadcast and communication industries will be demonstrating Blue Order’s unique Media Archive Media Asset Management (MAM) system for the first time at Broadcast Asia 2008. Media Archive uses the latest Web 2.0 technology providing simple, cost effective integration with existing infrastructure and a perfect match with Magna’s other latest generation products including Broadcast Traffic Systems (BTS), Pebble Beach automation and Front Porch DivArchive. Strategy & Technology Ltd is a specialist company building and implementing interactive technology based on international standards. It is the leading independent company in the industry supporting the MHEG interactive TV standard and provides complete applications and systems for broadcasters and manufacturers worldwide. S&T's TSBroadcaster and TSPlayer systems are used for the creation of MHP, MHEG and OCAP interactive TV transmissions. Its RedKey MHEG engine is licensed to digital receiver and set-top box manufacturers. MediaFLO is a mobile broadcast platform for the delivery of high-quality entertainment and information, including streaming video and audio, clipcasting media, IP datacasting and interactive services. Invented for mobility, MediaFLO is designed to increase capacity and coverage, as well as reduce costs for multimedia content delivery to mobile devices. SVEC Circle-Focus VSAT Rx/Tx Antenna uses a series of new technologies such as Circle-Focus technics, Ripple Feedhorn, etc., to achieve world-advanced electric performance through its optimised design. The main reflector is made of aluminium alloy by high precision quenching and shaping, consists of four sectors. UDcast presents three generations of Mobile TV broadcast networks: DVB-H, DVB-SH and WiMAX TV. The first one has become a de-facto global standard, the second brings complementary economy of scale and flexibility. WiMAX TV, the latest solution, corresponds to the needs of future mobile broadband users. EVS XT[2] server will display newly boosted performances, making it the ideal tool for all high profile HD productions. With an internal bandwidth increased by some 50 per cent, the new Gigabit connection offers fast file transfer to post production and archive systems and better integration with NLE systems. The XT[2] server provides truly smart, efficient and outstanding technology for modern broadcasters. mc²90 high-end mixing consoles combines size, power, flexibility, dependability, an intuitive control surface and ergonomic design. The mc²90 sets new standards in all these areas. And today it already offers the technology expected tomorrow from a top class mixing console. Miranda is highlighting its highly expandable, Kaleido-X multi-image processor, which offers unmatched image quality and unprecedented signal flexibility. Other key products include the Densite Series XVP modular up/down/cross converter with AFD and background keying, and the associated audio processor for Upmixing, Dolby decoding/encoding, and AES processing. The Imagestore 750 and Vertigo XG processors for master control switching, branding and promotional graphics will also be shown.