Digital Broadcast - October 2012

An ITP Business Publication | OCTOBER 2012 | VOL. 5 ISSUE 10 THE BUSINESS OF DIGITAL CONTENT DELIVERY

SENDING A SIGNAL

TESTCARDWe speak with the latest entrant to the UAE’s broadcast industry - Broadcast Solutions

TVTIMEWhat it means to have OSN release the region’s fi rst Internet-enabled box

Du’s Samacom, is getting ready for some big technology changes in the Middle East as HD becomes mainstream

www.digitalproductionme.com 01OCTOBER 2012

CONTENTS

04UpdateZee launches new channel; Yahlive boosts HD content; KIT digital restructures; MTV India launches; Astrium integrates subsidiaries.

16AnalysisAn in-depth look at the new ultra HDTV technology.

40What’s new?A look at the latest products released in the last month.

46DataSome hard figures about the triple play figures from around the world.

48Test cardIn conversation with Broadcast Solutions’ Peter Jakobsson.

20COVER STORYTO LEAD OR TO FOLLOW?An in-depth look at the business of teleport operators through du’s Samacom facility.

26OSN PLUS ATOP YOUR TVOSN’s new set-top box reveals the wide variety of technologies being used in the field.

34IBC 2012 REVIEWTHE BOTTOM LINEA look at some of the highlights from the world’s biggest broadcasting exhibition.

People in the industry invest in the

technologies and are the first to launch many new concepts.

AHMED AL MUHAIDEBSamacom.

20

OCTOBER 2012VOLUME 5 / ISSUE 10

04

48

26

40

Registered at Dubai Media CityPO Box 500024, Dubai, UAETel: +971 4 444 3000, Fax: +971 4 444 3030 Web: www.itp.comOffices in Dubai & London ITP BUSINESS PUBLISHING

CEO Walid Akawi Managing Director Neil DaviesManaging Director, ITP Business Karam AwadDeputy Managing DirectorMatthew SouthwellEditorial Director David Ingham EDITORIAL

Editor Ruchi ShroffTel: +971 4 444 3635 email: [email protected] ADVERTISING

Sales Director George HojeigeTel: +971 4 444 3203 email: [email protected] Manager Wissam KhodurTel: +971 4 444 3272 email: [email protected] Advertising RepresentativeMikio Tsuchiya Tel: + 81 354 568230 email: [email protected] STUDIO

Head of Design Daniel Prescott Principal Creative Simon Cobon PHOTOGRAPHY

Chief Photographer Jovana ObradovicSenior Photographers Isidora Bojovic, Efraim EvidorStaff Photographers Lester Ali, George Dipin, Juliet Dunne, Murrindie Frew, Lyubov Galushko, Verko Ignjatovic, Shruti Jagdesh, Stanislav Kuzmin, Mosh Lafuente, Ruel Pableo, Rajesh Raghav PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION

Group Production & Distribution Director Kyle SmithDeputy Production Manager Matthew Grant Production Coordinator Nelly PereiraManaging Picture Editor Patrick LittlejohnImage Editor Emmalyn RoblesDistribution Manager Karima Ashwell Distribution Executive Nada Al Alami CIRCULATION

Head of Circulation & Database Gaurav Gulati MARKETING

Head of Marketing Daniel Fewtrell Marketing Manager Michelle Meyrick ITP DIGITAL

Director Peter Conmy ITP GROUP

Chairman Andrew NeilManaging Director Robert SerafinFinance Director Toby JayBoard of Directors K.M. Jamieson, Mike Bayman, Walid Akawi, Neil Davies, Rob Corder, Mary Serafin Circulation Customer Service Tel: +971 4 444 3000 Certain images in this issue are available for purchase. Please contact [email protected] for further details or visit www.itpimages.com.

Printed by Atlas Printing Press L.L.C

Subscribe online at www.itp.com/subscriptions

The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader’s particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review.

Published by and Copyright © 2012 ITP Business Publishing, a division of ITP Business Publishing Group Ltd. Registered in the B.V.I. under Company Registration number 1402846.

02 www.digitalproductionme.comOCTOBER 2012

COMMENT

Phew! What a month it has been. It seems like IBC really tired the whole broadcasting world out, but we are just starting! As the weather turns pleasant in Dubai, the city will get busier with exhibitions and conferences popping up every weekend. And for those heading east or west, there are other options as well.

IBC really was a mammoth

event. And it felt like everyone

was there - broadcasters, film-

makers, technicians, product

vendors, and experts. It would

be an understatement to say

that a lot of new products and

topics were introduced this

year. There were discussions

about everything from 3D and

its possibilities, to more abstract

topics like innovation, which

keynote speaker will.i.am said

was absolutely essential for the

broadcasting industry. Of course, we had to high-

light some of our favorites from the show.

But as we say good-bye to Amsterdam, Dubai

is already hosting GITEX. Touted as one of the

biggest electronics shows, GITEX attracts a wide

variety of people from the technology sector.

Although not directly related to the broadcast

industry, many of our readers are sure to attend

the event that takes place in October.

Despite the busy month and keeping up with

IBC, we managed to get some very interesting

interviews this month. I like to think of this issue

as the ‘technology-behind-broadcasting’ edi-

tion. We had the opportunity to visit Samacom’s

teleport site in Jebel Ali and if nothing else, it was

a truly eye-opening experience. In what seems

like a remote location in the middle of the desert

outside Dubai, Samacom is uplinking most of

what we are watching on TV here in Dubai (if you

subscribe to du, that is). Considering I recognised

most of the channels on its roster, it was almost

On the tech side

VISIT US ONLINEFor the latest news, analysis and reviews from the Middle East content delivery, media management and new media distribution business head to digitalproductionme.com

like being in my own living room. The conversa-

tion with Ahmed Al Muhaideb further delves into

the matter of operating a teleport and what really

lies at the heart of the business - the vision to be

able to see the future of technology.

Another hot topic in the Middle East TV in-

dustry that we seem to grapple with constantly is

the matter of set-top boxes. While there are many

options, the technology still lags behind that in

the US and even in India. Maybe that’s why we see

so many Indian satellite dishes

in the UAE.

OSN launched its new set-

top box service and we got to

sit down and chat with Mark

Billinge about the new box and

what OSN hopes to achieve

from the new service. The box is

one of the first Internet-enabled

boxes in the region, and offers

more content than ever before.

But while it may not seem like

there is much new to offer in

the box, it does pave the way

for a future of Internet-enabled

boxes. The box could be a sign

of the design and abilities set to arrive in the set-

top box market.

As always I would love to hear your com-

ments and suggestions about the current issue.

Please do send them my way.

RUCHI [email protected]

Find out how. Visit www.avid.com/news

Imagine working with a set of news solutions that let you create a complete news package on your laptop, break a story from a mobile device, or put a rundown together from the field. Our next-generation integrated news packages help you achieve better content, faster workflows, and ways for everyone in your organization to work more effectively together.

© 2012 Avid Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Product features, specifications, system requirements, and availability are subject to change without notice. Avid, and the Avid logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

with Avid integrated news Imagine Achieve


THE BRIEFING

Zee Entertainment offi cially launched its new Arabic-language

channel, Zee Alwan, on September 9. The Indian company has

invested $100 million in the new channel and plans to launch fi ve

new free-to-air channels in the Middle East by 2017. The network

features dubbed versions of Indian shows, as well as Arabic series

such as Hindistani, Banaat Al Jameaa and Banat Al Alilah. It is also

considering investing in its own Arabic shows.

Most of the $100 million launch budget for Zee Alwan was

spent on research, marketing and content, said Mukund Cairae,

Zee invests $100m in AlwanThe new network aims at a family audience with a particular focus on women.

BROADCAST

the head of Zee Network in

the Middle East, North Africa

and Pakistan. The channel,

beamed via the Nilesat and Ar-

absat satellites, is targeting to

break even in three and a half

years, Cairae said.

The low per-capita ad spend-

ing in the Arab world makes it

appealing for the TV industry,

Cairae added. “The money that

an advertiser spends to get one

eyeball is one of the lowest in

the world,” he said. “So the po-

tential for growth – and there-

fore our investment in this

market – is huge.”

Zee is planning to launch

dedicated channels in Moroc-

co and Egypt in the next two

years, which will feature diff er-

ent shows and Arabic dialects

suited to those markets. It is

also planning a Turkish-lan-

guage channel. Cairae also said

that Zee is planning an Arabic

station in Iraq, but said this

would be the same as an exist-

ing channel.

The money that an advertiser spends to get one eyeball is one of the lowest in the world.

MUKUND CAIRAE,Zee Network.

RESEARCH

Zee Network’s Mukund Cairae.

Regional IPTV market shares in Q1 2012Western Europe remains the largest IPTV market,

with more than 34% of subscribers. However, this

share has been declining steadily over time. This

has occurred alongside accelerated growth in other

regions, such as Asia and Eastern Europe. Asia

is rapidly eating into the regional dominance that

Europe has established in IPTV. The pace of growth

in China against other markets makes that an inevi-

table picture in the coming quarters.

Source: Point Topic

2012

Western Europe

South and East Asia

Asia-Pacifi c

North America

Eastern Europe

Latin America

Middle East and Africa

AUI Control System

Backup Audio

IP Audio

NVLTSeries 3.5 – 10 kW Analog FM

Introducing the

Proven NV Series ArchitectureOutstanding EfficiencyExceptional ValueIntelligent Features

PUSHRADIO™ NautelPhoneHome

Streaming Input

Even MORERDS generatorAudio spectrum analyzerPowerful presetsSchedulerInstrumentationPlay lists

IntegratedDigital Exciter

111 0 1 0 0

Meet the new NVLT Series for analog FM broadcasting. Based on the proven NV Series architecture, they’re built tough with integrated exciter(s) and parallel power amplifiers, power modules and switching power supplies. Unmatched Nautel control helps you save time, trips and money. Add the highest efficiency in their class and the result is unprecedented value.

Videos, webinar and more at

Nautel.com/NVLTEXPECT

MORE


THE BRIEFING

OCTOBER 2012

BR

OA

DC

AS

T B

RIE

FS

YahLive to get HD services from Arqiva Arqiva will uplink HD television services to YahLive capacity.

BROADCAST

UAE-based satellite operator YahLive has entered

a partnership with UK-based communications

infrastructure and media services company, Ar-

qiva. As part of the deal, Arqiva will uplink HD

TV services to YahLive capacity from a European

hub and MENA viewers with access to YahLive at

52.5 East will be able to access the European TV

programming in HD.

“The signing of this agreement will enable

YahLive to distribute a broader range of pro-

gramming content on our satellite and is another

example of YahLive fulfi lling its ambition to be

the region’s leading satellite service provider of

HD,” said CEO Mohamed Youssif. “As a market

leader in the provision of high quality broadcast

solutions and satellite uplinking in Europe, Arqi-

va is a clear choice for YahLive as our partner for

delivery of HD signals to our satellite. The high-

est quality HD, combined with YahLive’s growing

bouquet of international TV channels, delivers

the best HD TV experience to YahLive viewers.”

Arqiva’s assets include the UK terrestrial

broadcast network together with teleports and

media hubs at key locations around the world,

plus comprehensive satellite capacity, multi-

plexes and international fi bre network. It also

provides extensive media services.

Dubai One re-launched with a new on-air and online look that went live on September 30th. The re-launch includes locally-produced favourite shows, new drama seasons and ex-clusive movies.

Sara Jarman, director of Dubai One, said that production of local programs will high-light important issues in UAE society as well as refl ect the strategy of Dubai in the English language for viewers. Ad-ditionally, the shows help

Dubai One re-launches showsdevelop local talent and the media production industry in Dubai and the UAE, in general.

Among the key local productions is reality business show ‘The Entre-

preneur’, produced in coopera-tion with ITC (DU). The new

schedule will also feature new series of popular shows like ‘Emirates News’; season three of ‘Studio One’, with Tom Urquhart and Aish-

warya Ajit; as well as sea-son six of youth magazine

‘Out & About This Week.’

MBC4 brings back ‘Stars of Science’The fourth season of the

docu-reality TV show ‘Stars of

Science’ returned to MBC4 on

September 13.

The nine-week series will

choose 16 fi nalists from Egypt,

Kuwait, UAE Qatar, Jordan,

Lebanon, Tunis and KSA. The

live fi nale will award a total of

$600,000 in prize money to one

winner and three runners-up.

MTV India launches in the Middle EastIndiaCast, TV18 and Viacom18

have launched the interna-

tional version of MTV India in

the MENA region. MTV India,

featuring Hindi-language

shows, will complement Viacom

International Media Networks’

existing MTV channel, which

services the Middle East and

North Africa region with Arabic

and international music, and

entertainment content.

MTV India is IndiaCast’s second

channel in the region after its

fl agship channel COLORS

which launched in two years

ago in September 2010.

FAST FACT

1.6mNumber of IPTV

subscribers in the MENA region by

2014. Source: TV Connect MENA.

YahLive CEO

Mohamed Youssif.

Judges

IndiaCast’s

Gaurav

Gandhi


THE BRIEFING

KIT digital set to cut 300 jobsRestructuring efforts are expected to generate $40 million of net cash savings.

BUSINESS

As part of the next phase of its restructur-

ing program announced in May 2012, KIT

digital has significantly reduced its work-

force. This phase was meant to rightsize op-

erations and streamline general corporate

functions.

Approximately 300 employees, or 22% of

the total KIT digital workforce, will be made

redundant as part of the restructuring. The

associated savings from employee-related

expenses will be approximately $40 million

on an annualised basis. This total excludes

additional savings from divestitures, which

occurred during the second quarter of 2012.

The majority of the expense reductions will

arise from non-core areas and general and

administrative redundancies.

“By accelerating the integration of the

company, we will be able to enhance our

product offerings, improve time-to-mar-

ket efficiency, and bring the business to a

place of financial strength,“ said Peter Hei-

land, KIT digital’s interim CEO. “While we

have completed some non-core divestures

and reduced the non essential support in-

frastructure, we are preserving all of the

strategic initiatives surrounding our core

competencies as we believe they will drive

significant growth.”

The layoffs will primarily take place in

the third quarter of 2012 and will be com-

pleted by the end of the year. The company

estimates that it will record a restructuring

expense of approximately $4 million.

Smart TV Alliance adds new membersQualcomm, MStar, Obigo and YuMe will join the Smart TV alliance. Founded in June by LG Electronics and TP Vision (Philips), Toshiba also joined the Alliance shortly after. Qualcomm and MStar specialise in hardware design while Obigo will provide input from a web browser and ap-plication developer’s perspective and YuMe will provide its adver-tising expertise.

Nevion and T-VIPS planning mergerFollowing a mutual due diligence, Nevion and T-VIPS intend to merge the companies. The merger is structured as a cash and shares transaction of the companies, which provide video transport for broadcasters, service providers and government entities. Nevion head, Geir Bryn-Jensen, will be CEO of the new entity and will be joined by senior managers from both companies.

SpaceX and SES to launch three satellites Space Exploration Technologies has agreed to launch three addi-tional SES satellites on its Falcon 9 or Falcon Heavy rockets. The launch agreement was under-taken with SES affiliate, SES-SL, and expands on the partnership that began in March 2011 with the agreement for SES-8 that will be launched in 2013. The first SES/SpaceX mission under the new contract is scheduled for 2015.

KIT digital interim

CEO Peter Heiland.

30+ Service Provider Speakers Debate the Future of MENA TV:

Matthew Willsher,CMO,Etisalat

David Hanson, Director of Digital, OSN

Luke Beermann,General Manager – IPTV ContentIntigral

Kasia Kieli,EVP & MD,Discovery Networks CEEMEA

Samer Geissah,Vice President - NetworkDevelopment - Core and VAS, du

Bernhard HafenscherHead of Business Development,Red Bull Media House

“ Taahir Hoorzook,Head of New Platform Development,Al Jazeera

Rudolf Kogler,Head of IPTV Engineering,Multichoice

Ahmed Ossama,Managing Director, TE Data, & VPTelephony & Home, Telecom Egypt

Saad Dhafer Al Qahtani,CEO, Group Strategic Operations,STC, Saudi Arabia

Ahmad Zahida,Former OSN & MBC digital mediaspecialist and Co-Founder of Shashat

Ari Kesisoglu, Managing Director Middle East North Africa, Google

www.tvconnectevent.com/mena

Diamond Sponsor Delegate Bag Sponsor

30th - 31st Oct 2012 : Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa, Dubai

TV Everywhere. TV Here.

The event is an ideal forum to keep up to date withconnected TV developments in the Middle East region.

General Manager Product Development & Strategy, Batelco Strategic OperatorPartner

Previously known as

“ “

The only major event in the regionfor the full TV delivery ecosystem

HALF�PRICE for

Gulf Service Providers

FREE for African & South East

Asian Service Providers

Register Nowand receive a 10%Discountby quoting DTVE


THE BRIEFING

OCTOBER 2012

BR

OA

DC

AS

T B

RIE

FS

Astrium integrates Vizada and ParadigmThe subsidiaries will be marketed under the Astrium brand name.

BUSINESS

Astrium has announced that the satellite tele-

communications services off ered by Vizada,

Vizada Networks and Paradigm will be marketed

under the Astrium brand name from October

2012. The products and services of the compa-

ny’s London Satellite Exchange (LSE) and TD-

Com subsidiaries will also be renamed Astrium.

This rebranding gives Astrium Services a new,

unifi ed organisational structure and marks the

fi nal phase in the full integration of the Vizada

group, which was acquired in December 2011.

Now comprising four business lines (business

communications, government commu-

nications, satcom systems and solu-

tions, and geo-information Ser-

vices), the company reportedly

provides both telecommunica-

tions services and Earth obser-

vation satellite services.

“By bringing Vizada fully into

the fold, we have opened up a new busi-

ness line in commercial satellite

communications (business com-

munications) and enhanced our

range of solutions and global

presence in the government

domain,” said Astrium Services

CEO Eric Beranger.

Arabian Radio Net-work to launch new stationArabian Radio Network will

launch a new radio station in

the last quarter of 2012. “Any

radio station needs this kind of

research, and we won’t push

the button on a new station

until we’ve done our research

now,” said Steve Smith, COO

of ARN. “We can use social

media to make programming

decisions, to move forward.”

Iraq to launch fi rst satellite before end of 2013 The Iraqi Ministry of Science

and Technology in collaboration

with Italy’s La Svanza univer-

sity aims to launch the fi rst Iraqi

experimental satellite, Al-Shorfa

reported. Sameer al-Attar,

senior undersecretary at the

Ministry, reportedly said that the

new satellite ‘Dijlah’ will be used

for educational and research

purposes.

Amer Abdul Ahad, General

Director of the Ministry’s Depart-

ment of Space Technology and

Telecommunications, told the

publication that “the satellite

will fl y at a low space orbit at an

altitude ranging between 600 to

800 kilometres, while its lifespan

will last about two years.”

It will make linear TV even stronger and more compelling

and ensure satel-lite will remain

the most powerful TV infrastruc-ture in the

future.BRIAN SULLIVAN,

CEO of Sky-D, on Ultra-HDTV.

QUOTES OF THE MONTH

We would work with the [UAE] Government and admin-istration to put some kind of legisla- tion by which they could be

stopped.SUBHASH

CHANDRA, chairman of Dish TV

parent Essel Group,on illegal

satellite dishes in the UAE

FAST FACT

858.1mNumber of global

pay TV subscribers at the end of 2012

Source: ABI Research.

Astrium CEO Eric Beranger.

ARN COO

Steve Smith

The Online Home for Digital Content Production in the Middle EastThe Online Home for Digital Content Production in the Middle East

For advertising enquiries, please contact: Wissam Khodur, Sales Manager, Digital Broadcast,Tel: +971 4 444 3272, E-mail: [email protected]


THE BRIEFING

OCTOBER 2012

UP

CO

MIN

G E

VE

NT

S

OCTOBER 2-3Telecoms World Middle EastOver 600 attendees will

discuss the pressing issues

facing the telco market in

the Middle East and around

the world. The event will

have morning and afternoon

keynote plenary sessions

that will encompass some

of the biggest names of the

industry.

http://www.terrapinn.

com/2012/telecoms-

world-middle-east/index.

stm

OCTOBER 2-3Apps World Europe 2012This year’s Apps World

series ends with an event in

London, bringing together

international brands, op-

erators, platform providers,

marketers and developers

for two days of industry

exhibition, insight, developer

workshops, thought provok-

ing discussion and analysis

of the rapidly expanding

apps industry.

http://www.apps-world.

net/europe/index.php

OCTOBER 8-11Mipcom 2012The world’s entertain-

ment content market is the

only place where you can

network, do business, dis-

cover new trends and cement

partnerships face-to-face

on a global level. The event

includes the International

Interactive TV Awards by

AFDESI on October 9.

http://www.mipworld.com/

mipcom/

Karama to be ADFF competition directorEmirati director Saleh Karama takes over from Ali Al Jabri.

COMMUNITY

Saleh Karama, one of the founders of Abu Dhabi

Theatre and well-known Emirati director, has

been appointed as the new Director of the Emir-

ates Film Competition at the Abu Dhabi Film Fes-

tival. Saleh succeeds Ali Al Jabri who was promot-

ed to Director of ADFF earlier this year.

“He is one of the leading Emirati fi gures of the

fi lm industry, having made great contributions

to cinema and participating in international Fes-

tivals including the Al Watba Cultural Festival in

Morocco and many outstanding creative screen-

writing workshops,” Al Jabri said about Karama.

The Festival runs from October 11-20 under the

management of twofour54. Nicolas Jarecki’s “Arbi-

trage,” starring Richard Gere and Nate Parker will

open the festival. Saudi producer Mohammed Al

Turki is behind the project about hedge funds.

TECOM Investments’ Media Clus-ter held a discussion on ‘Advertis-ing Trends in the Arab Region: The Present and the Future’ as part of its ‘Thought Incubator’ series. The panel featured high profi le advertising ex-perts including Facebook MENA’s Jon-athan Labin, Flip Media CEO Youssef Toqan, Motivate Publishing’s Joe Mar-ritt, Nielsen’s director of media Sarah Messer, ARN’s Steve Smith, and OMD Dubai’s Nadim Samara, General Man-ager, OMD Dubai and was moderated by Mamoon Sbeih, Managing Director, APCO Worldwide - Arab Region.

Mohammed Abdullah, Managing Di-rector of TECOM Investments Media Cluster, said, “We acknowledge the role of advertising in the development

Advertising in the Middle Eastof the media industry. However, it is also essential to recognize that pro-viding content that draws higher au-dience interest will inevitably surge advertising revenues. In order to en-hance the media sector as a whole, dialogue is essential.”

Panelists at the discussion.

ADFF Director Ali Al Jabri.


THE BRIEFING

SCENE CHANGE

BROADCAST PIXLee Griffi n joined Broadcast

Pix as Europe, Middle East, and

Africa (EMEA) regional sales

manager. He will be respon-

sible for driving company sales

and marketing eff orts in the re-

gion, as well as providing prod-

uct demonstrations and dealer

support. Griffi n has worked for

Eurotek Ireland Limited.

ASIA BROADCAST SATELLITE

Asia Broadcast Satellite ap-

pointed Samuel Wong as

Chief Financial Offi cer. Wong

had worked as CFO and EVP

at the Hong Kong Exchanges

and Clearing. Willy Chow, who

previously served as CFO, will

be elevated to the new role of

Chief Commercial Offi cer.

OSNThe pay TV network appointed

David Hanson as Director of

Digital and Frederic Copper-

Royer as Business Develop-

ment Director. Hanson was

formerly the Director of OSN’s

movies channels and On De-

mand services while Frederic

was at Nokia Corporation ME-

NA’s music division.

DATADIRECT NETWORKS

Pascal Barbolosi was appoint-

ed vice president of EMEA for

DDN. Previously he held the

global role of vice president for

Extreme Computing at Bull,

leading the High Performance

Computing business unit. He

will manage and scale the com-

pany’s operations.


DPME.COM ROUND-UP

Syrian TV o� Nilesat

AROUND THE WEB

In growing opposition to President Assad’s regime, Egyptian satellite operator Nilesat cut

transmission of Syrian state channels, as requested by the Arab League group for Syria.

Syria’s information ministry denounced the measure, saying it was “biased” and part

of a “campaign aimed at undermining Syria,” the state-run SANA news agency reported.

“Nilesat is violating the contract it has with Syria and is siding with parties hostile to our

nation whose action falls within the Zionist (Israeli) project,” SANA said.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, more than 26,000 people

have been killed in the coun-

try since the revolt broke out

in March 2011.

In related news, Al Jazeera

news network said a num-

ber of its websites had been

hacked, and pro-Syrian re-

gime slogans were posted

on the broadcaster’s pages.

The news channel blamed a

cyber-attack which “caused

readers wanting to access

Al-Jazeera websites to be

diverted to other pages not

linked to us.”

Samsung tops fl at panel TV vendorsABI Research evaluated select TV vendors on various factors including, market share, con-nected platforms, user inter-face, and ecosystems. Samsung ranked number one with LG and Sony second and third, respectively. Samsung came on top in implementation, fol-lowed by LG and Sony. LG tied Samsung for the top spot in in-novation, followed by Sony and Vizio in the category.

MOST VIEWED EDITOR’S CHOICE SPOT POLL1 Google Earth expands

Middle East imagery

2 Sony Ethio-pian growth continues

3 Digital Do-main sold to China/India team

4 OSN launches new DVR box

5 Avanti launches news gathering product

A total of 16 companies will represent Korea at the Big En-tertainment Show in Dubai.

Korea brings its A-game to dazzle Dubai at BES

Will you be watching OSN Play?

Nah – who wants to watch telly on their PC.

12%

The online home of:

Syrian TV o� Nilesat

Nilesat satellite

58%Yeah – It’s is a great idea!

Al Jazeera reports websites hacked with slogans.

The Middle East & North Africa’s ONLY monthly magazine for the broadcast and production industry

Official Publication

FOR ADVERTISING CONTACT:

Wissam KhodurTel: +971 4 444 3272Email: [email protected]

FOR EDITORIAL CONTACT:

Christopher NewbouldTel: +971 4 444 3596Email: [email protected]

TO SUBSCRIBE:

Subscription is FREE for industryprofessionals. Simply visit:www.itp.com/subscriptions today.

THE RETURN OF

HINDISTANI

Vol. 14 Issue 8 August 2012An ITP Business Publication

IN

CASE STUDYCLOCKWORK VFX’S

INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS

EXCLUSIVEINTERVIEW

TTTTTTTTTTTTHHHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEE RRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTTTTTTTUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRNNNNNNNNNNNN OOOOOOOOOOOOOFFFFFFFFFFFF

TECHNOLOGYTHE LATEST HIGH QUALITY

LOW BUDGET CAMERAS

PLUS: IBC 2012 PREVIEWED — YOUR FIVE MUST-SEE IBC MOMENTS

OSN YAHALA! PRESENTSKHULUD ABU HOMOS AND AWS AL-SHARQI

TTTTTTTTTTTTHHHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEE RRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTTTTTTTUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRNNNNNNNNNNNN OOOOOOOOOOOOOFFFFFFFFFFFFTHE RETURN OF

HINDISTANI

Vol. 14 Issue 8 August 2012An ITP Business Publication

IN

CASE STUDYCLOCKWORK VFX’S

INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS

EXCLUSIVEINTERVIEW

TECHNOLOGYTHE LATEST HIGH QUALITY

LOW BUDGET CAMERAS

PLUS: IBC 2012 PREVIEWED — YOUR FIVE MUST-SEE IBC MOMENTS

OSN YAHALA! PRESENTSKHULUD ABU HOMOS AND AWS AL-SHARQI

Vol. 14 Issue 8 August 2012

IN

EXEXCLUSISIVEINTERVIEWEW

TET CHNOLO YGYYTHE LATEST HIGH QUALITY

LOW BUDGET CAMERAS

— YOUR FIVE MUST-SEE IBC MOMENTS

OSN YAHALA! PRESENTSKHK ULUD ABU HOMOS AND AWS AL-SHARQI

FFFFFOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOONNNNNNRRRRRRRRRRRRRUUUUUUUUTTTTTTTTTTUTTTTTTTTUUUTTTEETTTEETTTTRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREE HHHHTTTTTTTTTT UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH RRRRTTTTTTTTTTTTTT TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE UUUUUUUUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURRR OOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRNNNNNNNRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

Vol. 14 Issue 9 September 2012An ITP Business Publication

PLUSNEWS

OPINIONANALYSIS

HEAD-TO-HEADREVIEWS

COMMUNITYCAREERSEVENTS

PRODUCTS“The technology

supply market is in a state of constant

and unprecedented change. Suppliers

are demonstrating surprising adaptability

in response”PETER WHITE

P27STILL

ON TOP IN 2006, AL SHARQIYA WAS FORCED TO CLOSE DOWN ITS DOMESTIC OPERATION IN BAGHDAD. IN 2012, THE

DUBAI-BASED CHANNEL IS IRAQ’S MOST WATCHED

PRODUCTIONOn the set of MBC teen

favourite 04

TECHNOLOGYVirtual Reality is getting less virtual and more, well, real...

CASE STUDYStar 2000 keeps Palestine’s industry moving

PRODUCTSOur look ahead to the hot

products at this year’s IBC

ALL

A A

L D

AH

HA

N, P

RO

GR

AM

ME

DIR

ECTO

R, A

L SH

AR

QIY

A


ANALYSIS

CRYSTAL CLEAR AND THEN SOMEThe United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union recently approved the super hi-vision 8K TV standard. Japanese broadcaster NHK showed off the technology at the Olympics amid much fanfare. But how successful will 8K become?

Ultra high-definition is a relatively new concept in the

market. While many televisions in the Middle East

are still struggling to be HD-compatible, developers

in other parts have already started thinking of and

manufacturing what could be the future. Currently

ultra HD TV includes two digital video formats – 4K and 8K – as pro-

posed by Japan’s NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories

and approved by the United Nations’ International Telecommunica-

tion Union.

WHAT IS 8K?The London Olympics were the first outing for NHK’s 8K technol-

ogy, which it has dubbed Super Hi-Vision along with a 22.2 surround

sound system. The BBC and NHK’s R&D departments collaborated

to stage an experimental run of live coverage from both the opening

ceremony and a section of the swimming events, transmitting these

to five appropriately equipped venues in the UK, Japan, and

the US. A 145-inch prototype display co-developed with

Panasonic was used to show off the footage. NHK

loaned its Super Hi-Vision cameras (of which there

are only three in existence), sound equipment, ed-

iting facilities, and relevant personnel to the BBC,

which hosted the experiment from its TV Centre

broadcasting location in London. Other partners

involved in the project were Olympic Broadcast Ser-

vices (OBS) and Janet, a publicly funded, high-capacity

broadband network serving UK research and education or-

ganizations.

The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers first re-

leased Standard 2036 for UHDTV in 2007. At the time UHDTV was

defined as having two levels called UHDTV1 (3840 × 2160 or 4K

UHDTV) and UHDTV2 (7680 ×

4320 or 8K UHDTV). In its cur-

rent 8K format, Super Hi-Vision

provides a 33.2 megapixel reso-

lution – that is 16 times greater

than the existing 1080p HDTV.

NHK’s three cameras

can capture the 8K

UHD action at

60 frames per

second, but it

is hoping to

increase that

to 120 frames

per second to

better capture fast-

moving subjects for

large displays. By contrast, a

network like the BBC currently

broadcasts HD programming at

25 frames per second.

FAST FACT

16Number of times 8K resolution is

greater than regu-lar HD.

“The experience of viewing

and listening to live sports and

entertainment coverage is dra-

matically enhanced by Super

Hi-Vision, and Ovum envisages

it representing the logical next

step in TV transmission technol-

ogy, following on from regular

HD,” said Ovum analyst Jonathan

Doran, in a report. He further

envisages ultra HD to be a more

important technology than 3D:

“In our view, it is a far more sig-

nificant development than 3D,

which offers a limited range of

use-cases.”

HOW DOES IT WORK?NHK is using two banks of 16 × 64

GB P2 cards (1 TB total), each of

which allows it to record 1 hour

One of the three super

8K cameras in the world.


ANALYSIS

TH

E T

EC

HN

OLO

GY

BE

HIN

G 8

K

of footage compressed to 100

Mbit/s. Focus is not controlled

at the camera, but rather in the

truck by the CCU operator, as

the viewfi nder has a resolution

of 1K, which makes the camera-

man unable to accurately deter-

mine focus.

NHK researchers had to

build their own UHDTV proto-

type from scratch. In the sys-

tem demonstrated in Septem-

ber 2003, it used an array of 16

HDTV recorders to capture the

30-minute-long test footage. The

system was also demonstrated

at Expo 2005 in Aichi, Japan, at

the NAB 2006 and NAB 2007

conferences in Las Vegas, at IBC

2006 and IBC 2008 in Amster-

dam, and at CES 2009.

In November 2005, NHK

demonstrated a live relay of a

UHDTV program over a distance

of 260 km by a fi bre optic net-

work. Using dense wavelength

division multiplex (DWDM), 24

Gbit/s speed was achieved with

a total of 16 diff erent wavelength

signals. During IBC 2008, NHK,

Italy’s RAI, BSkyB, Sony, Sam-

sung, Panasonic, Sharp and

Toshiba (with various partners)

demonstrated the fi rst ever pub-

lic live transmission of UHDTV,

from London to the conference

site in Amsterdam.

In May 2012, NHK showed

the world’s fi rst ultra-high defi -

nition shoulder-mount camera.

By reducing the size and weight

of the camera, the portability

had been improved, making it

more maneuverable than pre-

vious prototypes, so it can be

used in a wide variety of shoot-

ing situations. The single-chip

sensor uses a Bayer colour fi lter

array, where only one colour

component is acquired per

pixel. Researchers at NHK have

also developed a high quality

up-converter, which estimates

the other two colour compo-

nents to convert the output

into full resolution video. To

handle the sensor output of ap-

proximately 4 billion pixels per

second with a data rate as high

as 51.2 Gbit/s, a faster analogue-

to-digital converter has been

developed to process the data

from the pixels, and then a high-

speed output circuit distributes

the resulting digital signals into

96 parallel channels. This 1.5 in

(38 mm) CMOS sensor is smaller

and uses less power when com-

pared to conventional ultra-

high defi nition sensors, and it is

also the world’s fi rst to support

the full specifi cations of the ul-

tra-high defi nition standard.

For the regular customer it

How does 8K resolution work with a TV screen and get to the viewer?

Image format of Super Hi-Vision

7680 pixels

100°43

20 p

ixel

s

0.75x Picture Height

Digital Cinema

Super Hi-Vision

7,680 pixels

Source: Japan Broadcating Corp.

4,32

0 p

ixel

s

0.75 times thedisplay height

Video• Scanning specifi cation: 60 frames/• second, progressive scanning• Aspect ration: 9:16• Standard viewing distance:0.75times the display height• Horizontal viewing angle:100°

Audio• 22.2 multi-channel surround sound

To give viewers the ‘ultimate’ sensation of reality, Super Hi-Vision was designed to have a 100 degress viewing angle.

horizontally

100°

4096 pixels

2160

pix

els

55°

1.5 x Picture Height

Visual acuity=1.0=20/20

Standard viewing distance1920 pixels

1080

pix

els

30°

3.0 x Picture Height

HDTV


ANALYSIS

will be a long wait as the new

products on the market are

pretty pricey. Sony released

the world’s first consumer-

prosumer projector using the

4K UHDTV system with shutter

glasses stereoscopic 3D technol-

ogy priced at $24,999.99 on May

31. On August 22, LG announced

the world’s first 3D UHDTV us-

ing the 4K system.

ISSUES?Like any new technology, ultra

HD faces some roadblocks be-

fore it can be seen in regular

homes. Super Hi-Vision equip-

ment is currently in its 3rd gen-

eration, and in addition to being

costly (cameras costing over US

$1 million), it poses logistical

challenges, primarily because

of the vast volumes of data

involved. The three streams

used for the Olympics experi-

ment were transmitted un-

compressed via fibre from the

venue to the BBC’s broadcast

facility, at a rate of 85Gbps. They

were then coded into a single

280Mbps stream using eight

H.264 AVC encoders. The five

individual streams, converted

into IP packets and with added

sound, were sent to the public

viewing venues at 350Mbps via

a 10Gbit connection on the Janet

network. NHK is participating

in the development of the new

MPEG HVEC coding standard,

which is expected to cut

the bit rate used for

the experiment

by at least half.

The longer-

term aim

is to drive

down the

b a n d w i d t h

requirement for

delivering an indi-

vidual Super Hi-Vision stream

to around 70Mbps, enabling the

signal to fit into a single tran-

sponder for satellite delivery.

The broadcasters’ current es-

timates put the arrival of Super

Hi-Vision into consumers’ living

rooms at around 2020. Between

now and then further develop-

ments in video codecs, along

with wider expansion of high-

capacity FTTx networks carry-

ing faster broadband speeds to

consumers, will help improve

the viability of investing in Su-

per Hi-Vision distribution and

reception technologies to an ex-

tent that will bring economies of

scale. But it will be some time

before such models be-

come commercially

available. TV mak-

ers are currently

focusing efforts

on launching 4K

enabled devices

offering a quarter

of the resolution.

This is the format cur-

rently used by most digital cin-

ema cameras. Some analysts

even predict that it will be more

than a decade before the regu-

lar consumer can think of 8K.

“I suspect that we won’t see this

become available to consum-

ers below $10,000 until 2025,”

said Paul O’Donovan, principal

analyst at the tech consultancy

Gartner. “Those will be in sizes

55 inches and above.”

CONCLUSIONLike any new technology there

are those who are big fans of

8K as well as those who don’t

believe it will get off the ground.

One thing is for sure: NHK will

leave no stone unturned to get

its technology out there and

available to those who can af-

ford it. But a consumer being

able to buy an expensive tele-

vision set is not the only key to

successful technology adoption.

There are many kinks that need

to be worked out in the 8K life-

line before it truly becomes a

medium to reckon with. And

closer to home, it seems like the

Middle East’s tryst with 8K will

of course have to wait until the

television industry gets basic HD

right first.

FAST FACT

3The number of 8K ultra HD-compat-

ible cameras in the world.

The Broadcasting House Radio Theatre with

Super Hi Vision installed for the Olympics.

In our view, it is a far more significant development than 3D, which offers a limited range of use-cases.JONATHAN DORAN,Analyst at Ovum.

Providing industry news, technical insights and expert business advice,

Sound & Stage Middle East aims to provide readers with the technical and business know how they require to run more successful businesses.

Official Magazine

FOR ADVERTISING CONTACT: FOR EDITORIAL CONTACT:TO SUBSCRIBE:Subscription is FREE for industryEmail: [email protected]

Ashley LaneTel: +971 4 444 3643Email: [email protected]

Napoleon EstampadorTel: +971 4 444 3381Email: [email protected]

RAMADAN KAREEM

S&S takes a look inside Jumeirah Beach

Hotel’s two-level Iftar tent

BYBLOS

FESTIVAL

How the month-

long festival

rocked Lebanon,

on the rocks.

DUBAI SPORTS WORLD

Ray Tinston discusses Dubai Sports

World’s second year at DWTC

ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCTION

S&S visits the Olympics to discover what

equipment was used to celebrate the games

Vol: 6 Issue: 9 September 2012

An ITP Business Publication

THE GUIDEThe latest products

to hit the market ›› P52

THE BRIEFING

Philips releases second-

quarter reports.›› P4

THE HITLIST

A preview of this month’s

videos and apps ›› P56

Congress Solution

Internation’s

Alex Lolliot

10M I N U T E S W I T H . . .

BYBYYBBBBYBBYYBYYYBYBYBYBYBYYYYBBYBYYBYYYBYYBYBYBYBYYYYBYBYBYBYYBYYYYBYYBYYBYBYYYBYYYYYBYBYBYBYBYBYBYBYBYBYBYBYYBBBBBBYYBYBBYYYBBBBBYBBBBBBB BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBLOS LOSOLLOSSOSSOSSSSLOSLOS OSSLOSSSOOSOSOSLOSSLOSLOSLOOOOSOSLOSOSSSSLOOOOSOSSSOSLOOSSLOOOSSLOOOLOSOSSSSOOSOSOSOSSSOOOSOSSSSOOOOSSSOOOSOSSSOOOSSLOOOOOSSSOLOOSOSSSOOOOOLOLLOOOOOLLLLLLOLOOOLLLLLLLTI

F STTTESTITIFESTIFESTSTIFESTISTIFFESTIFESTIFESTIFESTIFESTISFESTITITIFESTIFF TIIIFESTIFESFESTITIFESTISTTITIESTFESTIE IFESTIFESTIFESTIFESTFESTIFESTIFFESTIFESTIF STE TIFESTIFESTIFESTFESTIFESTIFESTISTIIEFESTFESTITIIFESTSTIIFESTEFESFESTIIIIF STFESTIIFEFFEFEEESFF STSTFFE

LLLLLVALVALVVALVALVALVALLVAVALLALVAVALALLLLLLALAVAVALALALLLAAVALALALLLV LVAVALVALVALVAAAVALLVALVVVVAAALALALVVVVVAAALALVAVVVVALVVVVAVALVAVVVVALVVVVVVAVVVVAVAAAALVVVVVVAVVVVVAVVVVVVAAVVVV

HHooHow the How the

owowow theow the

How the How the How theHow the How the How the HHoHoHoHoow theHow theHow the HooHow the

w the ow theeoHo

eHoHoHowHoHoHoHowHoooooooHHHoHoH ww HHoHHHHoHHHH

thnth-th-nth-hmonthonth-month-month-month-nthnthnthnthonthmonthonth-month-nththtmonth-hh-mommomommomoomo -month-monomonthh---omoonmomo honononm nthoononnmoofesfesfes

long feslong ssng fesong feng fesong fes

long fesg feslong fesong fess

long feslong feslong feslong fesfeslongg fesfeslong fessesslong feslong fesesesessong fes

long fefeseeseseg feslong fong fong fessfesesseslong feseesong fees

l flongltival lvaltivaltivaltivaltivativalivaltivalaltivaltivalltivaltivalttivalivaltivalalivivtivativalltivativaltivaliv ltivatititivaltivatival ttti lvt altivaatiivvti

ked Lrocked Lrocked Locked L

rockrocked Lkekedroc

Lked Ldked Lked Lrocked LLrocked Lrocked Lrocked Lked L

cocked Lrocked Lrocked Lkckcked Lrocked Lckckcked Lr

Lkckockedk d Lrocked Lcked Lck dkedk dckckrocked Lckk drocked Lckkrockeockeockecckckkccckkerockkerrro kkrorocckkkkroccrrr crrorrrrr

ebanonbanoebanonbanonebanoebanonebaebanonebanonebanoebanonebanonebanoanoabaebanonnebanonebanonebanonebanon,ebanoebanbanonebanebanonanonebanonebanoebanon,ebanonnbanonebanoebanobanebanonebanonebanonnbanonbbaebanbano ,

ba , ebanoebaanbabaan n,,aneb noonbabanebanobbeee

the rethe rthe rthe rrrrhe rthe rthe rthe rhe rrrrthee rthe rethe rhthe rthe rhhetth rthe rthehehen then the rn the rththhhhheheeeeee rrn the n tn the thththhhheheheeeeee

ooooon tononon ttthththhhhheheeeeeoooooon tonon tthththhhtheeeooon to tththhhhoooonn tttttoockckckocksockscksocksockockkckockocksssss..ockocksockcocksocks.ococksoccoockksocksss.o ssssocockskss.ockssssoccocksockss.ockcksc ss..c socksockcccoo

oooooooo discdiscdiscdiscscscdiscdisdiscdiscscdisccdiscdisdiscdiscsss eerrerrrrroovvveveveveverrrrrrrveveveeeeeeererrrverrrover vereeeeeeererrrrrrvvver vervveveeeeererrrrrrvoverver verveveeeeeererrrrrrovovoooovvveveeererrerrrovoveooveoovvvvvveverveerrrroveoveveveveveeeererr errveveeeeeererveveeeeererveeeeeerrrrvvveeeeeeevveveeeeeeevvovvvahahahhaattttthahwhhah ttwhahh ttthahahattttatttahhhhahahaathatattttttw awhatttttwhhhhaawhatatttatwhhhhhataaaaathatattwwhhhhhaawhahaaatatwhatttwhhwhhhhhhaaaaaattttwhwhhhahhaaaaatatttt wwwwwwwwwhwhhhaawhaatwhattwwwwwwwwwwhwhhhhhahaaaaatattwwwwwwwwwwhhaaatttwwwwwwwwwwhwhhahhaaaaatatttwwwwwwwhwhwhwhhhhhahaaattttttwwwwhwwwhhahahaaawwwwwwwwhwhhhhaaawwwwwwwwwwhhhhhhhhwhwwwwwwwwwhwhhhhhhhwwwwwwwwwwhwhhhhhhwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

eleelellllelllellelelllllelell bratebratebratebrebratebratebratebratebratebratbratebratebratebrattebratbratatbratrebratbratb aatebratebb tte the te the thee thehehhhehehee thehethee e theehhehheehee te thhethetheheheee te thehehehhhhheheetheeeee thte thehhhtheheheeethee thtttttthhhhhetheeeeeee ththettthettthethhhhhheeeettttththhhheheetttttththhhhhhhheheheeettttththhhhheheeeeeeee thetttttththhhhhhhheetttththhhhhhheheeeee thee tttththhhheeee ttththeee theeee tthheeeeethe thhttththhhteeamgagammmegammememeegamemeameeeemeaggamamgamegameeeegamamgammmmmmmeeeeeeegamegameamgammmmmmemgameegameeggagamemmmmgameeegamegaaagagammmegamemeaammmmemeegamegggggggamemmmmmeeeeggggggggammmmeegggggammemeegggg mmmemeeeggggg mmeggggggg mgamggggggggammggggaammmmggggggaaggggggaagggggggggggggggggggggggg

ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

GGGGGGUIDEUIDEUIDEIDEUIDEUIDEDEUIDEUUIDEUIDUIUItttest test testtest products

oductsproductsproducts ttsductstssss

oducts products

ddduduprodup

the ththee thehe eehe he eeehheeee eheh market arket

marketmarkeketmarketarkeamaaarkearrkmarketmmarkmaarrrkrkemarkemarketetmarkaaarararkkekemarkeeaarrkkka

›››› P525P5252P52P52P5252P5

HHEHEE HHHHHTHE HEEHEH HHHHHEEHE HHHHHHHHHEHEE HTHE HHHHHHHHEHEEHEHEE HHHHHHEHEE HTHE HHHHHHHTHHEHEEEE HHHHHHTHE HTHTHHE HEHEEE HHHHHHHHHHEHEEHEE HHHTTHTHTHHEEEHETHE HHHTTHTHE HTHHHEE HTHE HTHHEE HTHE HHHEEEE HHHHHETHHHHH HHTHHHHEETHE HHHE HHTHH THTTHHETHHHTHH IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT ISISISSSSISSSSLISSILISSLISSLISLLISLIIIISISSLISLISSLLLLLILIIISISISSSLLILLLIIISISISSSISLLLLIIISISISSSSLLLILIIISLISSSLISLLLLILILIIISISSLISLISLLLILILIISISISSLLLLLILILIIISISISISLISLLLLILILIISISISSLISSLLLLILILIISISISSSSSSLLLLILIIISSSLLILILLLILLL TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

A preA p iewew ew ew A preview owew oA pprere

oeewewiew opreprprepreA

epre iewwewA preview oview wAA prevev ewiprreevvvvviAA prrpreeevevvvviAAAA reeevevvvviA previA reeevvvieeAA eeevvviAA eevevvvA eeAAA eeeAAAAA AA p

monntontmontnthis mo

f this o tontmomonttttttf this mo

this montttttttttttttnntmmothis monnttthis mmont

this momoonnf this monttm tm ntf this f this mf this mthhif thf

hhhh’h’s’sssshhhhhh’h’ssssshhhhhh’sh’ssssshhhhhh sssssshhhhhh s h s h sh sh s h s h s hhhh

vididdedededenoss and

os andnananndands and vviddedeeoseos ndvvideodedee and

dend

videos and s

vvideo andvi o ns andaan

deeos anndddideooss annnndnddd

v oosos anannnddv eoeooosos aanannn

eeeoooosos aai eoeooos

vvi eeoososvvi eeooovvivvviideevivividvv

apps appspsappspsappsappsapps appspsappapp››››››››››› P56P56P5P56PP

So

lul

CoCSo

Congress Solu

Congress SoluSn

sng e s oluolu

essgS lluluuuuu

rgrer Sos S ls Solluuuusse SoSSSSoluoool

ngress Solluluuu

ongress Soluue SSSSoSoo

ngress Soololluluus Solus Soluuoo

Songressressresssss SSSooolollu

Congress Soluuu

Ceeesssgresssss SSSSo

ongress Sooolululuuuuusssereesessssssongress SSSSooo

grgressreessssssongress SSSooongress Sooo

ggggrgrresesesssss SSSSoC nngress

nngggrgrgrgreresssssCoConngnggggrgrgregreeesesss

nCCoononnngggrreenoCCoonnngnggrgrgronnngnnngo

iononnnt nnnnntiiiiioionononnnntttititiioiooonnnnnntiottititioononnonntttitiioioonononnn titttititiioiooonntttitiioioootttititii

tiorr at n’

Innts

n tI

n’’rnn iona

nternation’’ssssnan

nnnnn’ssssrnnrnanatiiioiotiooon sonionnnn ssss

errnaattnatttiioioooonnternationnonnn ssss

rnnatttitiioioooternationonnnn ssss

nnaatattiioiooononnnnnnannnaaatattitiioo

ternatioonntite naaatatatititio

nternationtntetteteeerernrrnrnnaaatat

InternatintIIInntententeererrrnrnnn

InternannIIInntnternrnnnteIInInnteertIIInInnnteIInntntInn

x LLollioioA

olliotlex L lliolliiotttt

Aleexlelillilioiooototolliott

LoAlex LolliotAle LololLolllllioootottA

lllllioliooototttllx Lex LLLLollLoool ootottAlex Lolliotlli

exex LLLLoLooolllioAlex LolliototAlex Lolliot

lexex LLLLLLLoLooololl ooAAlexx Lx LLLLLoLoololollliAAleAlex Lexxx LLLLLooolololl

exxxx LLx LLoooAlAAAlexx LLLAAleexAAAlAlAlel

10110000010101000000101000001010010101010000000100010100001000000101011111010101010000000010101111101010101000010101110101010100001101101010100100011101010100100010101101010010011010101010101000010000011010101010100010101000000001010101010000000001010110101010001010100000010110101101010100100100000101010110101010000100000111101010100000000000101010101000100010010011110101000000000010110000000100101010000001011100100000101000000000000101010101000000000000000111010101010000000000000101010101000000001011010101010000000000001010101010000000000101011010101000000011110100001110101000001111111M TM I N U T E S WWW

I N U T E S WIM

WWWWWMM

WUMM

SM I N U T E SN U T E SS WWWW

N U T E S WWMMM I N U T E S WM N U

WEEE SM I N U T E SST E SS WWWWTTT EN U T EEE SE SSSU T E S WW

I N U T E S WUUU T E SU TM I N U TTT ET EE SU T E SSSSS WWWWW

M NNN UN UN U TT EEE SSSSS WWWWWM I N U T E S WW

NNN UN UN UUUU TTTN U T ET E SEE SE SSSSS WWWWMMM II NI NNNN UUU TTTT ET ET EE SSSS MM II NNN UN UUUN U TTI N U T ET EE SSSSMM NNN UU TUU TTTN U T ET EEEEMM I NNN UUU TTTU TMMMM II NNNN UUMMMMM III NNNNNNMM I NMMMM

I T H .. .H . . .HHHHHH . . .TTT HT HHHHHIII TI TTTT HT HHHH . .III TI TTTT HT HHI T HT H ..II TI TTTT HT HHHHH .. .. .III TI TTTT HT HHH .. . .II TI TTTT HT HHH .II TI TTTT HT HHIII TI TTT

ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCTION

Vol: 6 Issue: 10 October 2012An ITP Business Publication

THE GUIDEThe latest products to hit the market ››P41

THE BRIEFING D&B and Pioneer hit the Cavalli Club ››P4

THE HITLISTA preview of this month’s videos and apps ››P48

InHouse Production’s Nick Groves

10M I N U T E S W I T H . . .

Jeancarl Saliba chats with S&S to discuss the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ first ever performance in Beirut

COVER STORY

020 OCTOBER 2012

ith the variety of

tasks that satel-

lites perform, it

is no wonder that

teleport operators

are increasingly

important to the

technological development of an area. And look-

ing at du’s teleport facility in Dubai’s Jebel Ali, one

realises that they are preparing to be the leaders

of an industry ready for change. Du is investing in

new technology at Samcom for advances in digital

video broadcasting to give their clients the most

up-to-date technology available in the market.

Being the largest teleport operator in the Middle

East and one of the World Teleport Association’s

top 10 in the world, Samacom has to keep up with

the latest technologies and is even looking to

move to a more isolated location and expand its

satellite farm. “The Middle East broadcast industry

is very demanding,” says Ahmed Al Muhaideb,

vice president of broadcasting and IPTV services

technology at Samacom. “Our picture quality is on

par with the rest of the world and we are in very

good shape.”

THE BUSINESS OF BROADCASTTeleports are the ground-based segment of the

global satellite network. They provide Earth sta-

tions terrestrial networks with access to satellite

transponders in orbit 22,500 miles (36,200 km)

above the Equator. Accessing satellites may be

what distinguishes teleports from other com-

munications service providers, but it is only part

Teleport operators truly stand at the forefront of the broadcast industry. They have the difficult task of foreseeing what technologies will be popular in the future and thus can influence the eventual path of the TV industry. We look at du’s Samacom, one of the biggest teleport operators in the region and how it is investing in the future.

TO LEAD OR TO FOLLOW?

of their functionality. Teleports provide the in-

frastructure by which satellites can be integrated

into complex networks involving fiber, microwave,

wireless and mobile technologies in order to ex-

pand their reach beyond the edge of the network,

broadcast one-to-many, or feed bandwidth-hungry

applications.

In recent years, teleport operators have be-

come experts at bridging “incompatible” systems

and solving problems in content delivery or end-

to-end networking. They know how to simplify

the complexities of space-based networks in order

to make satellite links router ports for ease of

operation. They are among the world’s leading

experts in adapting Internet Protocol technology

for high-latency circuits, push applications and

other uses never envisioned by the developers of

IP. The expertise they have developed increasingly

enables teleport operators to win a wide variety

of business, whether it is providing hosted mobile

switching or managing video distribution on ter-

restrial networks.

The commercial teleport industry had global

revenues of $19 billion in 2010, with an average

compound annual growth rate of 7% since 2004.

That $19 billion in transmission service revenues

equaled 27% of total satellite transmission rev-

enues worldwide.

The core business of teleports has traditionally

been broadcast-quality video transmission for TV

program contribution (incoming news, events and

other “feeds” from the field) and distribution (to

network affiliates, cable headends and direct to

homes). From this base, however, teleports have

People in the industry invest in the technologies and are the first to launch many new concepts. There is no fear here in taking the first step.

AHMED ABDULLATIF KHALID AL MUHAIDEBVice president of broadcasting

and IPTV services technology at

Samacom.

www.digitalproductionme.com


COVER STORY

TO LEAD OR TO FOLLOW?


COVER STORY

networks deployed to disaster areas for voice and

Internet access.

MIDDLE EAST FOCUSRanked ninth in the world by the World Teleport

Association for 2011, Samacom uplinks over 240

TV channels from its location in Dubai and of-

fers the biggest hub for broadcasters in the

Middle East. The operator was initially

launched by Tecom under Dubai

Holding Company and in 2006

it became a part of du. It offers

satellite broadcasting services

as well as terrestrial services,

including for Dubai Media Inc.

The operator started by uplink-

ing MBC’s first two channels from

its original location in Dubai Media

City. “Our growth is linked to the growth

of Dubai Media City,” said Muhammad Koya

Methar, director of teleport operations technol-

ogy. “We uplink almost all the channels that

originate from there.”

Samacom provides a variety of services. After

acquiring transmission facilities from Dubai TV,

evolved into the providers of end-to-end solutions

to customers in media and entertainment, govern-

ment and military, retailing, resource extraction,

financial services, publishing and a wide range of

other businesses. Teleports also deliver enterprise

and government multimedia networks carrying

voice, Internet, data and video to remote offices,

ships at sea, oil wells, mines, farms and

military forces on the move. Like the

Samacom facility, teleports also

uplink ethnic and foreign televi-

sion channels to niche audiences

of immigrants scattered around

the globe. They help transmit

news stories recorded live from

the field via satellite, fiber or

broadband. Within telecommu-

nications, teleports aide in Internet

trunking and access via satellite, inter-

national backhaul of mobile and wireline voice

and data. They also play a role in the deployment

and management of mobile networks in which

satellite takes the place of terrestrial links between

base stations. And perhaps their most important

function is to help in emergency communications

Our growth is linked to the growth of Dubai

Media City. We uplink almost all the channels

that originate from there.

MUHAMMAD KOYA METHAR

Director of teleport operations

technology, Samacom.

OVER

240Number of chan-

nels uplinked from Samacom’s

facility.

Samacom’s satellite farm

www.digitalproductionme.com 023october 2012

cover story

it has been providing satellite uplink services

for Dubai TV as well as terrestrial TV and ra-

dio services. To provide one-stop solutions for

broadcasting clients, it has also introduced TV

playout services and 15 channels, including the

new Zee Alwan, are using this service. To fulfill cli-

ent demand, Samacom has upgraded many of its

component technologies. The operator is rolling

out a new playout system with improved service

availability and quality control within the system

for content. Clients have asked for faster electronic

transfers and the new systems allow for that, adds

Al Muhaideb. The new upgrade will also allow for

HD content and dynamic graphics to be played

out seamlessly. “High-definition is driven by our

clients and if a client elects to do this, we have to

be able to provide the service he requires,” Al Mu-

haideb says about the need to invest in forward-

thinking technologies.

Clients have already started recording content in

HD, says Methar. The limitation, however, is the satel-

lite bandwidth allocated to HD content in the region

and the cost associated with the said bandwidth. “In

the Middle East we adopted HD a lot slower than in

Europe or the US – we were delayed by at least three

or four years,” says Al Muhaideb. “For free-to-air

channels they have to see a response in revenue be-

http://www.intellicast-uae.com +971 4 2839906 / +971 50 4587317

PC add-on cards, USB and IP devices and software tools for professional digital TV market

DVB-S2 Modulator for PCI-e Dual Port HD-SDI Adapter with Genlock Xpect Mosaic

For Test & Measurement purposes To build broadcast infra-structure As OEM component integrated in your product

Satellite modulator with integrated L-band up converter

DVB-S and DVB-S2 modulation with support for all constellations (including 16-APSK and 32-APSK)

Multi-purpose satellite-TV RF signal generator for R&D, demos, exhibitions and repair

Dual port HD-SDI adapter for PCI Express with analogue genlock input

Each port can be independently configured as HD-SDI input or output

Supports SD (SMPTE 259M) and HD (SMPTE 292M) signals

Creates an easy-to-oversee mosaic of decoded video, subtitles, audio bars and monitoring status

Software-based solution that runs on standard PC hard-ware

Supports MPEG-2 and AVC video, SD and HD Loudness indicators compliant to EBU R 128 Picture cells with custom contents


COVER STORY

fore they can invest in HD. But now there is a definite

growth in the demand for HD content.” The YahSat

satellite service which caters solely to HD content

has provided a push for the industry. Samacom

serves two channel bouquets for MBC and Dubai TV,

and is the gateway for YahLive in the UAE.

ENHANCEMENTS IN THE OFFINGWith all the interest in future TV formats, Samacom

has actively upgraded its systems. The company

has invested in an enhanced DTH multiplexer sys-

tem. Samacom also engages in multiplexing chan-

nels from different sources, and bundling them

into one bouquet or space segments on satellites to

ensure better quality transmissions. “We work with

optimum bit rate to deliver high quality signals to

home receivers,” says Al Muhaideb. “Although our

facilities were only about five years old we have

upgraded it to keep up with client demands.” The

new system is better suited for MPEG-4 and HD

encoding which is more in demand these days.

Further, the enhanced system can manage different

picture quality for each client within the bouquet.

With more technology demands and an increasing

client base, Samacom needs more space. Its current

facility with 36 satellites is too limited and it plans

to move into a bigger space.

One of Samacom’s biggest selling points is its

connectivity with a variety of locations. It has

clients in Dubai Media City, the newly-started

twofour54 with Abu Dhabi TV as well as inter-

national players like Cartoon Network Arabia,

which manages the channel in London and sends

content via fibrelink. Samacom has also started

providing services for the recently-launched Sky

News Arabia channel.

“The terrestrial broadcasting services in the

UAE are analogue,” says Al Muhaideb. “These ana-

logue services will cease by December 2013. So we

are seeing much interest and have just confirmed

for digital terrestrial broadcasting.” According to

him, there are many advantages to the switcho-

ver, including the ease of rights negotiations due

to a more concentrated area of transmission.

Samacom will launch DVB T2 services by the first

quarter of 2013. The second-generation terrestrial

system transmits compressed digital audio, video,

and other data in “physical layer pipes” (PLPs), us-

ing OFDM modulation with concatenated channel

coding and interleaving.

Samacom is also offering second-generation

satellite broadcasting (DVB-S2) which better uti-

lises satellite bandwidth. “Almost 50% of the chan-

nels are broadcasting on DVB-S2,” said Methar.

“With the DVB-S we were delivering 38mb per

transponder and with the new system we can go

up to 54 or 55mb. So we can accommodate more

channels within the same satellite capacity or

enhance the quality of the existing channels.” All

OSN and MBC channels as well as Taj TV are now

utilizing this new medium.

NAVIGATING THE TECHNOLOGY SPACEConventional thinking suggests that the Middle

East broadcast industry is behind the times and

lagging in terms of technological development.

But Al Muhaideb vehemently refutes this notion.

“People in the industry invest in the technologies

and are the first to launch many new concepts,”

he adds. “For example, some stations tried 3D

technology in 2010, but were not very successful.

There is no fear here in taking the first step.” He

also says that the way Samacom prepares itself

for new technologies is by “picking up” on clients’

conversations and gauging their needs from that.

Although it might seem that teleport operators

have to follow the requirements of their clients, a

larger part of their business is anticipating the fu-

ture needs of the broadcast industry. With the in-

creasing demand for HD content and channels in

the region, teleport operators are slowly preparing

for what will be a true television revolution. In a

way then, they are the true leaders of the industry,

paving the way for others to develop their content

and walk in step with the current times.

MAIN FEATURES OF SAMACOM• Area of the site: 150,000 sq meters • Equipment area: 970 sq meters • Service block : 300 sq meters • Climate controlled equipment areas • 3-phase AC power with ring main protection• 1x 1 MVA, 2x500 kVA and 1x250 kVA back up generators • 400 + 240 kVA UPS comprising 5x80kVA + 3x80kVA units in 2:3 and 1:2 configuration respectively

A mobile news gathering unit

THE MOST CELEBRATED EVENT FORTHE MIDDLE EAST TELECOMS INDUSTRY

The 7th Annual CommsMEA Awards set out to celebrate and pay tribute to the telecoms industry professionals

and operators that have shown outstanding performance and results in key market segments.

Tuesday 4th December, 2012The Westin, Dubai

For advertising enquiriesplease contact:

Natasha Pendleton+971 4 444 [email protected]

For nomination enquiriesplease contact:

Roger Field +971 4 444 [email protected]

For table bookingenquiries please contact:

Michelle Meyrick+971 4 444 [email protected]

SponsorshipOpportunitiesNow Available

CATEGORY SPONSORS GOLD SPONSOR

For more information please visit: www.commsmea.com/awards


OSN


OSN

With OSN launching its new box, there is another player in the set-top box market in the Middle East. But there are so many variations in technology that can be incorporated into the device. Digital Broadcast Middle East talks to Mark Billinge, vice president of broadcast operations and technology at OSN, to see what’s new about the box.

ATOP YOUR TV


OSN

SN has launched the first

Internet-enabled set-top

box in the Middle East.

With a host of features and

a new chip-set technology,

the box could be seen as

paving the way for future

Internet streaming here. But it will have to work

hard to make its presence felt in what is quickly

becoming a cluttered market for set-top boxes.

With competition from Etisalat and du, as well as

the illegal satellite king Dish TV, OSN has its work

cut out to make its mark.

While it may seem like there is a lack of choice

with most people having to get either an Etisalat

or du subscription service,

things are slowly chang-

ing. Abu Dhabi’s twofour54

became the first region in

the UAE where both ser-

vices are offered and now of

course there is the option of

adding OSN. As set-top box

technology evolves from

being satellite-based to being

Internet-based one of the

main advantages that will

come about will be the cost-

effectiveness of the latter. This

will add options for more con-

tent on boxes as we are seeing

in some other countries. Also

IPTV boxes can compete well

with local cable companies

in countries with multiple

providers.

Besides an IPTV-enabled

box or a digital television

adapter box, users also have

the option of getting a hybrid

box. Hybrid set-top boxes,

such as those used for Smart

TV programming, enable

viewers to access multiple

TV delivery methods and

include VOD, time-shifting

TV, Internet applications,

video telephony, surveil-

lance, gaming, shopping, and

e-government. By integrating

varying delivery streams,

hybrids enable pay-TV opera-

tors more flexible application

deployment, which decreases the cost of launch-

ing new services, increases speed to market, and

limits disruption for consumers. They also allow

traditional TV broadcasts, whether from terrestrial

(DTT), satellite, or cable providers, to be brought

together with video delivered over the Internet

and personal multimedia content.

Although a wide variety of choices are avail-

able, there is still some limitation with the Middle

East market. Policies restricting content down-

loads will affect the future development of set-top

boxes here. But even then there are quite a few

options to indulge in for now.

We talk to Mark Billinge of OSN to learn more

about the new device:

The main feature that we are focusing

on at launch is the VOD library and

from the customer’s perspective this

gives them access to a lot more content

than before.

MARK BILLINGE,Vice president of broadcast

operations & technology at OSN.

The OSN Plus HD box


OSN

What is new about the box?This is the new private video recording for the OSN platform and

it has been a 10-month project to develop the new system. It has

several enhancements over and above what the previous PVR had

to off er. The key off ering of this PVR is that it is

a hybrid box meaning that for the fi rst time

it has Internet connectivity as an active

IP port on the box. This opens a whole

new roadmap for the platform. The

fi rst off ering at launch on the box is a

video on-demand library with about

1,000 hours of both SD and HD con-

tent. The box uses progressive down-

load technology to download content

on to the box using the customer’s own

029OCTOBER 2012

OSN

UN

DE

R T

HE

HO

OD

How does it work?

Jeelesh Patel, platform project & delivery manager for OSN, walks us

through the functionality of the new PVR:

There are two main libraries in the new on-demand service. ‘Catch-

Up’ is linked to a customer’s subscription and depending on the

level of subscription, most of the programs are available for viewing.

Movies and TV shows are both in the section as well as shows for

kids and Arabic content.

‘Box Office’ are all the pay-per-view events on offer for the customer.

Content in this library can be bought directly on the box without

having to make a phone call. Once you select a movie, the box asks

the customer if they want to rent and once selected it downloads a

buffer of content enough to start watching smoothly. It can download

and play at the same time. All the content is pulled from our servers

on the Internet, so none of the browsing happens on the box but on

the Internet. It is pulled as a customer requests content – we call it

‘pull VOD’.

A ‘Download Manager’ lets customers keep track of the content they

are acquiring. You can stack up to 10 downloads at a time in case you

want to watch content later. The box also gives a purchase history.

The box also supports the latest HDMI specifications which allow

content to be converted automatically into 3D. Instead of users

manually configuring their TVs to 3D settings, the box does it

automatically. This is the first 3D electronic programming guide

(EPG) in the region.

Broadcom’s 7356 chip-set

The Broadcom BCM7356 is a single-chip, multi-format HD satellite

STB solution featuring integrated Ethernet MII and PHY capabilities

for connectivity with Broadcom’s Wi-Fi and powerline solutions that

enable service providers to deploy multi-room DVR while reducing

cost and power requirements. The BCM7356 allows multiple

users to store, time shift or access content from media servers or

residential gateways for playback on STBs anywhere in the home.

FAST FACT

1,000Number of hours of content on the

OSN box at launch


OSN

own Internet connection at home. Other features

on the box include a 1 TB hard drive and a cam

slot to enable the customer to use other

smart cards they might have from

other platforms. The additional

hard drive allows up to 300

hours of HD content to be

recorded, giving the customer

the ability to choose the con-

tent they want to watch and

when they want to watch it. The

new box builds on the strategy we

have had all year with the launch of

OSN Play about giving additional value

to the customer for their subscription.

What are some of the main differences

from the Show-box, which

has been around for two years?The key

difference is

that OSN Plus

has the hybrid

capability so

it has the active

Ethernet port on it. We

also worked with our part-

ners to ensure that

security is still abso-

lute in our new ser-

vice as well. After we

closed the platform

in December 2010

we eradicated the

piracy issue. The OSN

Plus box is based on

the latest set-top box

technology which is

the next-generation

chipset from Broad-

com, and is manufac-

tured by Humax. It is

the first deployment

in the world of this

particular chip-set –

the 7356.

Where is the con-tent downloaded from?We use Level 3 as content delivery net-

work providers and they were our partner

for OSN Play as well. So the content is

sitting on the CDN and the customer

pulls the content from there onto their

set-top box. At the moment, there are no

live streaming capabilities, and content is

available on-demand only.

What are the main benefits of having an Ethernet port?Like I mentioned, the Ethernet connectiv-

ity opens up a future roadmap for us with

various possibilities. The main feature that

There are two main libraries in the new on-demand service. ‘Catch-Up’ is linked to a customer’s subscription. ‘Box Office’ are all the pay-per-view events on offer for the customer.

JEELESH PATEL, Platform project & delivery manger

at OSN.

FAST FACT

10The number of

months it took to develop the new

OSN box

Mark Billinge

A wide variety of content is available

on the new box.


OSN

we are focusing on at launch is the VOD library

and from the customer’s perspective this gives

them access to a lot more content than before.

While the current PVR has a push VOD service

where we can push up to 80 hours of content on

the customer’s hard drive, the new box has that

service and additionally the online service that

at launch has 1,000 hours of content. The library

uses progressive download and the theory behind

that is that it downloads a buffer of content onto

the hard drive before it allows you to start watch-

ing. The reason for doing that is that once you do

start watching you get a seamless experience that

is not interrupted by buffering. There are different

settings depending on what a customer wants.

Content can be

booked so that it can

be downloaded now

and watched later.

Or there is an ‘auto-

matic’ mode where

it will download a

buffer of content

until it has enough

on the hard drive to

start watching with-

out interruption.

So depending on

the home Internet

connection it can be

an almost instanta-

neous experience.

How is the con-tent licensed?All the content has

different license

agreements attached

to it. Depending on

the license period

the content is kept

on the server and

is available for

viewership. The

other new element

is ‘box office’ with

a return path. This

allows users to order

box office content

on their set-top box.

There is potential to

add new content as

well. The box also

offers packaged content from premium channels

such as Food Network, Jim Jam, Disney and the

History channel.

Are you concerned at all about the lack of Internet connectivity in the region?

Our new service is available in UAE, KSA,

Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and Bahrain and requires a

minimum internet download speed of 1MB. I think

the Internet connectivity is improving in this part

of the world with more people getting smart de-

vices, and we do not lag much far behind Europe

or the United States. This is proved by the success

of our previous PVR box, OSN Play and the launch

of our HD channel bouquets.

We use Level 3 as content delivery network providers and they were our partner for OSN Play as well. So the content is sitting on the CDN and the customer pulls the content from there onto their set-top box.

MARK BILLINGE

A wide variety of content is available

on the new box.

s technology becomes more pervasive in

our lives, selling it correctly has become

imperative. InfoComm MEA 2012 will

bring together a host of AV technologies

and systems that will be applicable in

all fields. More than 80 companies will

display the latest products and offer

expertise on a range of applications.

From October 14-18 at the Dubai World

Trade Center, the newest audio-visual and information communica-

tion equipment will be demonstrated. Free education programs will

help participants learn new ways of using AV/IT technologies, as well as

consult with specialists and experts.

The inaugural InfoComm conference in 2011 attracted 12,000 visi-

tors from across the MENA region. Of these 68% of visitors were from

INFOCOMM MEA 2012

032 OCTOBER 2012

One of the biggest technology events of the year in Dubai is the GITEX Technology Week. As part of the event, InfoComm MEA focuses on audio-visual developments in the region and brings together some of the biggest names in the industry to display their wares. We give you a preview of the event.

LIGHTING UP YOUR LIFE

the UAE, while 15% were from the rest of the GCC. Systems integrators

and distributors formed the biggest chunk of participants (26% each),

along with manufacturers (11%) and dealers (10%). Business and cor-

porate users represented the majority of institutional end users (69%)

along with the government and military (12%). Exhibitors included

Extron, Crestron, AMX, Jupiter Systems, Mitsubishi, Samsung, Sharp,

NEC, Hitachi, Wolfvision and projectiondesign.

Further the InfoComm MEA 2012 Summit, organised under the

auspices of InfoComm International, will offer market perspectives, and

technology updates to specific industry practices. The University Semi-

nar will include technical updates on industry practices and trends.

The CTS prep course is designed to assist those who wish to obtain

InfoComm’s CTS certification - the recognised credential of professional

AV personnel. The IMCCA Unified Conferencing Seminar will address

issues in conferencing, collaboration and unified communication.


* DDS 5900

* Qumi Q5 pocket projector


INFOCOMM MEA 2012

The IT industry conference on 16th October will

focus on the future of AV/IT systems integration and

where the industry expects to be by 2015. One of

the sessions will address the issues and varieties of

streaming codecs available on the market and what

each means for the user. Manufacturers will also

moderate and host presentations. Lightware Visual

Engineering will look into the digital system design

and the operation of DVI and HDMI interfaces.

Members of Extron Electronics Middle East will

look into the challenges and solutions of fibre optic

implementation.

The conference will highlight some important

solutions in a variety of fields, including enterprise,

transportation and government, retail, hospitality &

events, and education.

Within enterprise, discussion systems will be

highlighted. The DDS 5900, the new Digital Discus-

sion System from DIS has a plug and play system

allowing users to fully focus on the event. Consisting

of a central unit and single programmable multi-

user type units enabling discussion, interpretation,

grouping, VOX (voice activation) and encryption, the

system facilitates conferencing, two-language inter-

pretation and language distribution, as well as event

management such as systems set up, assignment of

seats, operation modes, etc.

The smart pocket projector is another one to

look out for. Weighing just 490 gms, Vivitek’s Qumi

Q5 pocket projector packs a punch delivering crisp

pictures and rich colors. Qumi can display Power-

Point presentations, Word, Excel or Adobe PDF files

straight from a USB flash drive – no laptop necessary.

It even has a built-in Web-Browser, making it the first

“Smart-Projector”. Its multitude of connectivity op-

tions, including HDMI, makes the Qumi Q5 the ideal

companion for tablets, laptops, and smartphones.

With an LED light source guaranteeing 30,000 hours

of operation and just three seconds to power on/off,

the Qumi Q5 is projection-ready whenever needed.

The Video Wall Visualization and Collaboration

Solution is an interesting bit of transportation and

government. The ability to visualise display wall

content and collaborate from a remote PC or mobile

device is essential and will become the new industry

standard. Jupiter Systems’ new Canvas visualization

and collaboration solution allows any source on

the traditional display wall - video, data, application

screens and more - to be shared with colleagues

anywhere on the network. Users in the control room,

or anywhere around the world are able to see, share,

annotate and collaborate on video and desktop

streams.

Another product in the section will be the Public

Address Systems Solutions. Australian Monitor

will display its DMA-1 imessage storage and play-

back device, designed to integrate seamlessly with

commercial PA systems and paging networks. This

device utilises a standard SD card for the storage

of messages, which are saved as MP3 files via your

computer. Up to 255 different messages or tracks can

be stored on the card and replayed via on-board Play,

Fast Forward, Rewind and Stop buttons, which can

also be activated from remote switches.

A host of new products will also be displayed at

the event. The Active Stereo 3D DLP Projector by

projectdesign is touted to be the world’s highest

resolution DLP projector and will be on display at

InfoComm. The exhibition along with the summit

should present some interesting solutions for the

audio-visual industry, which is so closely tied with

the rest of the IT industry. Further, the industry will

come together to discuss pressing issues.

We participated as an enterprise group and have had customers who were quite surprised because they knew Samsung as a one-product group, in particular. But they never knew Samsung offers such a wide range of solutions – like multi-functions printers, PCO/IP solutions, or digital signage.

KARAN CHOPRAHead of solutions and

visual display for Samsung

Electronics.

FAST FACT

12,000The number of visitors at the

inaugural Infocomm 2011

THE BOTTOM LINE

T

IBC HIGHLIGHTS

034 OCTOBER 2012

he IBC is truly a behemoth

of an exhibition. In 2012,

50,937 people attended the

fi ve-day event in Amster-

dam with more than 1,300

companies exhibiting their

wares. It was no easy task

then to narrow down what

we thought were some of the highlights for the

show. Here are our top picks:

CONFERENCE SPEAKER WILL.I.AMAlong with co-host Johan Jervoe of Intel Corp.,

will.i.am got the audiences excited at IBC. His key-

note address was titled ’Creativity and Technology

Forces Combine - Transcend the Barriers of Con-

vention and Rethink What Can Be Achieved’ and

he talked about the importance of connectivity in

today’s world. He said that the world needed more

innovation and companies need to invest in it. “Con-

nectivity is a fact of life,” he said. “Whether it was

early phonographs, and the radio, to gramophones,

to music players, they were all linked. Now it’s Twit-

ter and Google and Facebook – and Intel of course!

It is all about connecting with people.” The artist has

been working with Intel for almost two years on a

series of projects related to the Ultrabook comput-

ers. He also urged broadcasters to not make their

decisions solely about money because sometimes

that curbed innovation. “What if Google or Twitter

were initially only about the money? I am not sure

they might have had the same success.”

JAMES CAMERON’S 5D PRESENTATIONOne could have expected any less from the vision-

ary director of ‘Avatar’ and ‘Titanic’. The man who

went to the deepest place on the planet to research

for his forthcoming fi lm introduced a new concept

at IBC. Along with PACE Group (CPG) co-chairman

Vince Pace, Cameron revealed the technology and

the methodology that enable broadcasters like ESPN

to launch an entire 3D channel from productions

they’re already shooting. The CPG 5D production

methodology, which provides both 2D and 3D deliv-

erables from a single production, is also now being

implemented in China, targeting over 6000 hours of

programming. They unveiled their newest 5D solu-

tions for broadcasters and fi lmmakers, including

the revolutionary Handheld Shadow camera. CPG

also showed publicly for the fi rst time, 3D footage

The irony is that we are doing the hardest things in 3D - visual e� ects cinema and huge multi-camera broadcast shoots, yet nobody is exploring the easy, low-hanging fruit of two camera scripted drama .JAMES CAMERON

FAST FACT

50,937Number of attend-

ees at IBC 2012


IBC set a record with the number of participants in the conference and exhibition hitting over 50,000. Many new products were unveiled and important discussions undertaken at the event. We look at some of the main highlights of the event and what some of this means for the industry at large.

Feature sponsor

THE BOTTOM LINE


IBC HIGHLIGHTSFeature sponsor


IBC HIGHLIGHTS

from the National Geographic

documentary about Deepsea

Challenge, James Cameron’s

record-setting dive to the low-

est point on the planet.

DRIVING AROUND IN HDNewTek’s distributor for

the EMEA region, 3D Storm,

unveiled an interesting

concept at IBC. It integrated a

Mini Countryman with a fully

operational HD live produc-

tion system that could be used

for live broadcasting. The

compact system incorporated

NewTek’s TriCaster 455 and

3Play 425. The whole set-up

could be extremely useful in

delivering news from hard-to-

reach locations with compact

approaches. The car has

toured more than 10 European

countries and was integrated

by SIS Live in less than two

weeks. It features a uPod – an

automated, SNG uplink system

mounted on to the roof. There

are two JVC Pro 24-inch LCD

monitors and two cameras to

make recording and replaying

material very easy. TriCaster

Live Streaming also enables

the Mini-station to record and

output in multiple formats, in

any resolution up to HD, expands live production

broadcast possibilities on television, on big screens

or to stream live on the web.

KEEPING PRIME MINISTER IN CHECK!Vortex announced at IBC that it will supply a Debate

Timing System to the Houses of Parliament in the

UK based on its new FLX TouchScreen. Like its

name suggests, the system will keep track of the

length of speeches and arguments and will indicate

when the allotted time nears the end. There will

be an option to add more time. Vortex director Ian

Prowse said that the FLX is “a cost-effective, flexible,

networked timing system that handles almost any

time-keeping requirement from a standalone stop-

watch to a building-wide multi-display, multi-time-

zone solution.” The standard configuration provides

three separate timers configurable as count-up,

count-down or count-through with pre-set count-

down times and users can add or subtract blocks

of time on-the-fly plus show an alarm. The timing

elements – with or without time-of-day – can also

be shown on remote displays that can also include

elements such as On-Air lights and Telephone ring

and Emergency indicators. The recession is hitting

everyone – even the politicians’ speeches!

THE NEXT BIG THING IN SET-TOP BOXESYouView is an IPTV television service in the UK

which was formally launched on July 4, and

receivers went on sale from July 26. The venture

is a partnership between four broadcasters – BBC,

Channel 4, Channel 5 and ITV – and three com-

munications companies – Arqiva, BT and TalkTalk.

Humax showed the first YouView box, the DTR-

T1000, at IBC. Further the company also unveiled

Convention key-note speaker

will.i.am of the Black-Eyed Peas.

Connectivity is a fact of life. Whether it was early phonographs, and the radio, to gramophones, to music players, they were all linked. Now it’s Twitter and Google and Facebook – and Intel of course! It is all about connecting with people.

WILL.I.AMKey-note speaker

Feature sponsor


IBC HIGHLIGHTS

OCTOBER 2012

a host of other products,

including the next-generation

Freesat box for the UK market.

An Android-based, pure IPTV

box for over-the-top content

was also launched. It

remains to be seen

when these products

will make their way

to the Middle East

due to the limita-

tions of Internet-

connectivity in the

region. Another new

addition to Humax family

was a new home media server

with multi-tuners that support content sharing on

tablets, smartphones and other set-top boxes.

A UNIQUE VIEW ON SOCIAL MEDIA…In a world with that is increasingly dependent on

social media, you have to wonder how eff ective it

really is. Ratings agency GfK teamed up with Red

Bee to examine the way viewers watch television by

using the video-on-demand specialist’s TV Genius

Content Discovery platform. The agency revealed

its fi ndings at a session titled ‘Social Media Meets

TV’ and the results were surprising. “Trend spotters

are coming at this from a diff erent perspective to

the customer – it’s important to remember that not

The Mini LiveMan

FAST FACT

1,300Number of exhibi-

tors at IBC 2012

Trend spotters are coming at this from a di� erent perspective to the customer – it’s important to remember that not everyone has an iPad We must put social media in context – it has a role to play but recommendations by trusted TV critics still also feed into e� ective recommendation engines.

NICK NORTH, head of innovation,

audience measurement, GfK

everyone has an iPad,”

said Nick North, global

head of innovation for

audience measurement at

GfK. “We must put social

media in context – it has

a role to play but recom-

mendations by trusted TV

critics still also feed into

eff ective recommendation

engines.”

The research further re-

vealed that second screen

viewing is not as cohesive

as content providers

would like to believe. DB

Middle East looked at this

same issue in last month’s

IBC special.

…AND AN OPPOSING OPINIONOne of the most interest-

ing sessions of the conference was the one that

discussed the role that social media played in

the Arab Spring and how it changed the political

landscape of the Middle East. While many websites

were clamped down on, enough word got through

to carry out revolutions in many parts of the region.

Of course, social media became an important tool

due to the overwhelming number of young people

that reside in these countries – two-thirds of the

population is under 30. Nart Bouran, head of Sky

News Arabia, said that governments had responded

to the revolutions by becoming more streamlined

in their functions. But he said that a major problem

was the lack of verifi cation with content shared by

citizen journalists on social media. “The majority

of news coming out of Syria is generated via social

media,” Bouran said. “But despite the passion, can

they be trusted? We attempt to verify every event

via our own trusted sources.”

UK’s YouView box

Feature sponsor

www.arabsat.com

Our world. Now sharper than ever with the HDTV portal of the Middle East. Your world. See the difference with the region’s largest satellite operatorWith the reach, power and unmatched capacity of Arabsat’s state-of-the-art satellite fleet, the largest Arab community in the sky now brings you more power to experience the future in incredible detail. No wonder over 90% of free-to-air HD-TV channels in the MENA region are now exclusively broadcasting on Arabsat satellites. Join our premium community today!


product FocuS

040 october 2012

Back to the futureRobots have always captured the human imagination. Digital Broadcast Middle East looks at one company, Vinten Radamec, which is bringing this piece of human imagination to the real-life broadcasting market.

inten Radamec, part

of Vitec Videocom, a

Vitec Group company,

showcased its next-gen-

eration fusion robotics,

incorporating the com-

pany’s new Intelligent Control Engineering

(ICE) technology at the IBC2012 event.

The ICE technology delivers better

control and accuracy in a highly compact

form, and is incorporated into the recently

released FH-145 and FHR-145 heads, which

were showcased at the event. The two

next generation pan and tilt heads were

displayed alongside Vinten Radamec’s

first-ever product to incorporate the ICE

platform, the FHR-35. The ICE technology

platform provides a motion control system

and drive train within the heads to deliver

both the fastest and the slowest broadcast

quality movement. The ICE motion control

vsystem is also able to

drive a wide range of

full-servo broadcast

lenses. The ICE

platform harnesses

IP technology, al-

lowing control from

either the Vinten

Radamec VRC or

LCS systems over

a standard Ethernet

infrastructure.

The key to working with the robotic

heads is Vinten’s CP4 product, designed

specifically for use with small, robotic

heads. It provides the solution for a variety

of applications - from regional news stu-

dios and conference centres, to houses of

worship and legislatures.

“This entry level robotics solution is set

to play a fundamental role in those smaller

robotics applications, either in non-studio

environments or in remote studios, such

as regional news programmes,” said Karen

Walker, commercial manager for Vinten

Radamec. “It’s simple to install and straight

forward to use so it can be ready and op-

erational in minutes – we’re confident that

we’ve created the ultimate out of the box

solution. CP4 will provide operators

with the most reliable entry-

level robotics solution; it was

designed with simplicity in

mind while still providing the solid,

high quality performance that customers

would expect from a Vinten Radamec

product.”

Utilising flexible Ethernet

network architecture, the CP4 has

a Windows-based touchscreen user

interface that can be configured to

control up to four heads, and store

up to 40 pre-set shots. The desktop

solution can include a user configurable

option, with the capability of controlling

up to 8 heads and 200 pre-set shots. The

CP4 is designed to meet the needs of op-

erators regardless of their level of robotics

knowledge, and provides a solution that

is easy to use, install and maintain. It sup-

ports the Intelligent Control Engineering

(ICE) protocol that is incorporated into the

recently released series of the next genera-

tion heads.

“This year has been revolutionary for

Vinten Radamec in terms of growing our

range of next generation ICE products,”

Walker added. “Every element of the new

motion control platform demonstrates

our continued commitment to creating

innovative and advanced technology to

meet the precise requirements of today’s

broadcasters. There are several very dif-

ferent products in our new robotics range,

from pan and tilt heads, to a brand new

positioning system for pedestals, as well

as an innovative compact and portable

control solution. The new products ad-

dress the distinctive change taking place

in the robotics industry. Each individual

product is tailored towards specific sectors

of the market, yet they all deliver the same

outstanding performances and offer real

operational advantages to our customers.”

Virtual Reality upgrades for the range of

ICE heads were also on display.

the cP4 control solution

the Fusion FHr 145


PRODUCTS

OCTOBER 2012

The EDIUS Neo 3.5 is a sub-set of the latest

EDIUS Pro 6.5 NLE package. It is designed for

prosumers and amateurs. Users can also deliver

their fi nished work to the web and DVD/Blu-ray

disk. Video formats supported include: AVCHD

(2.0), MPEG-2, HDV, DV, Windows Media, and

QuickTime. The new version includes the ability

to natively work with images shot with Canon

DSLR cameras, as well as to stabilize shaky foot-

age and easily edit stereoscopic 3D content.

GRASS VALLEY / EDIUS Neo 3.5

TMD announced upgrades to the Mediafl ex Re-

purposing module of its asset management plat-

form at IBC 2012. The new capability, Mediafl ex

StreamCoder, creates multiple outputs while

reducing cost of ownership. It provides a trans-

code engine to streaming formats for the web,

IPTV, VoD and proxy browse environments,

performing multiple transcodes simultaneously

and, where required, creating live streaming. It

handles metadata shuffl ing as well.

TMD / Mediafl ex StreamCoder

The HyperXLP is a dual-channel-capable broad-

cast graphics platform in a compact 1-RU design.

It leverages the Lyric PRO graphics creation

and playback software and has an optional

second channel. The system’s graphics engine

simultaneously manipulates 3D graphics and

also allows stereoscopic 3D graphics to be built

from existing scenes without any modifi cation.

It off ers a set of update tools including ODBC

connections and Adobe XMP metadata.

CHYRON / HyperXLP

New products come on to the market at a great rate. While many shout about their innovation or competitive pricing, it can be di� cult to spot the true merit of a product without the right information. DB o� ers a few top tips that are always worth keeping in mind when purchase orders are on the way.

1. FOCUSKnow what you are looking for and exactly what you need it to do

2. RESEARCH Get suppliers to provide detailed product information based on your specifi c requirements

3. PRICE VERSUS...Is price the most important factor?

4. ...QUALITYOr will quality matter more in the long run?

5. IS IT NEEDED?Is the product something the project really needs? Could it be done without or bought at a later stage?

6. SUSTAINABILITYDoes this product need to be ‘green’?

7. STANDARDSDoes the product need to conform to any specifi c standards?

8. SHIPPINGWill the product make it to production on time, or is there an order backlog?

9. LIABILITYHow long will your company be liable for the product’s performance?

10. BOTTOM LINEWill this purchase actually do the job or will it come back tohaunt you?

New ProductsDigital Broadcast Middle East reviews the latest gadgets, essential kit and serious product innovations making an impact in the GCC broadcast market. Let us know if there is something you would like to see on these pages.

WANT TO FEATURE YOUR PRODUCT HERE? E-mail ruchi.shro� @itp.com


PRODUCTS

Across the DVM line of MPEG video monitors,

products have been enhanced to extend their

I/O fl exibility. Each monitor now provides not

only for MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 decoding via

DVB-ASI streams through BNC input, but also

accommodates IPTV sources (through Gigabit

WOHLER / DVM Line

Vizrt’s new integration allows editors to search

and select source material from Viz Media

Engine within Adobe Premiere Pro CS6. This

integration has been further enhanced to allow

Adobe Premiere Pro CS6 access to EDLs in Viz

Media Engine as well as the capability to stage

offl ine media. Newsroom editorial staff can

perform rough-cuts of video content using the

Viz PreCut and Viz EasyCut proxy editors within

their newsroom systems.

VIZRT / Viz Media Engine

The new range of IQ Modular products enable

broadcasters to extend the useful life of their

current SD or HD infrastructure. These new

modules incorporate low latency and

virtually lossless video compression in

order to allow high-bandwidth HDTV

signals to be transported effi ciently and

cost-eff ectively over existing lower-

bandwidth SDI infrastructure, without

any compromise of video quality. The

SNELL / IQ Modular

The company will launch ControlCenter-Digital,

a new KVM matrix switch at IBC 2012. The

modular system supports CAT or fi ber or both.

The switch has up to 288 ports (with 160 and 80

versions in preparation) that can be cascaded

in up to 3 levels. The dynamic ports can be used

as input or output. The switch supports diverse

signals including HD video, USB and PS/2 key-

board and mouse, audio, USB 2.0 transparent

and RS-232.

G&D / ControlCenter-Digital

OCTOBER 2012

SE

LL IT T

O M

E!

new Snell modules also enable 3Gbps signals

to be carried through existing HD-SDI video

networks.

Ethernet input) and HDMI sources, both with

audio level meters, GPI, and tally. Each monitor

is capable of displaying in-picture level meter-

ing, video waveform, and vectorscope display

with classic CRT-style image calibration.

ASIASAT 5 MCPC

PLATFORM UPGRADED

TO DVB-S2

SatLink Communications

upgraded its MCPC platform

on the AsiaSat 5 satellite to

DVB-S2. This upgrade will

allow International HD, SD &

3D channels to be distributed

more cost effectively on

the satellite that provides

access to 620 million Asian

households and hotels.

The new DVB-S2 platform,

which utilises SatLink ’s full

C-band transponder on

AsiaSat 5, will deliver higher

throughput and greater

bandwidth efficiency,

enabling distribution

solutions to and from the Asia

Pacific.

William Wade, President

and CEO of AsiaSat, said:

“The introduction of a more

efficient DVB-S2 platform

on AsiaSat 5 by our teleport

partner SatLink is an

important move to meet the

growing demand for more

cost effective end to end

transmission services from

international broadcasters

who are expanding into

the rapidly growing Asian

market. We are pleased to

work with SatLink to continue

to provide innovative and

comprehensive services to

broadcasters through this

new DVB-S2 platform.”

RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE IN ENTERPRISE COMPUTING

Monday 15th October, 2012Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai

Have your achievements acknowledged at the 8th annual ACN Arab Technology Awards 2012

For more information, please visit:www.itp.net/acnawards

SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES AVAILABLE

SILVER SPONSORGOLD SPONSORS CATEGORY SPONSOR


PRODUCTS

The DCC-7000 is a real-time, multi-

matrix color corrector ideal for live

sports and post production applica-

tions. As the live HD/SD-SDI signal

passes through the DCC-7000, this

product performs real-time adjust-

ment, enhancement, and color cor-

rection of up to 12 separate colors and

hues in the video. It also off ers 12-axis

color correction, which includes RGB,

saturation, and hue. It supports HDTV

and SDTV standards, with 10-bit, 4:2:2

digital signal processing.

FOR-A / DCC 7000

Tel. +971 4 238 1555

e-mail [email protected] www.bluetruck.ae

Fax. +971 4 238 2325

The market leader in mass door-to-door distribution and controlled bulk distribution of magazines within the UAE.

Tailor made distribution solutions to suit your requirements.

Distribution 100% controlled by Blue Truck employees (no external management or distributors).

Comprehensive in-house audit and reporting structure, we also welcome external audits from the company of your choice.

A full solutions package, including Design, Photography, Printing & Distribution.

Associatemember

Award winningcompany

The new version of the app, Prompter

V2 allows presenters not just to re-

ceive and view real-time social media

content while on the air, but to pub-

lish it as well. Prompter gives on-air

talent a way to view real-time social

media comments from their view-

ers and fans, and incorporate that

input into their programs. Incoming

comments are pushed directly into

Prompter on a presenter’s iPad.

NEVER.NO / Prompter

Updated media asset management

system, DIVAdirector V5.1, contains

new features that make it easier for

any media organization with a DIVAr-

chive system to manage its digital fi les,

especially if that organization is using

Front Porch Digital’s new LYNXsm

platform for moving, archiving, and

online video publishing to the cloud.

It also has enhanced integration with

other components, including SAMMA

for content migration and DIVApub-

lish mpx for taking media to market.

FRONT PORCH DIGITAL /DIVAdirector V5.1


DATA

$149 billionGlobal triple-play subscription revenues in 2017.

257 millionTriple-play subscribers in Asia-Pacific by 2017.

Triple play – Triple threatThe growing interest in satellite TV subscriptions will translate into increasing numbers of triple play subscribers. Digital Broadcast Middle East looks at some research that forecasts figures for 2017.

Triple-play

Double-playStandalone

200

7

200

8

200

9

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

I BC2012 FUTU R E ZON E EXH I B ITOR S

Exhibitor Project Name Stand

Mediapro Research Project FINE 8.F40

School of Engineering and Design, Brunel Unviersity

3d VIVANT 8.F49

Actual Customer Behaviour LLP Industry Neutral 1-3-9 Longitudinal Media Lab

8.G41

Computer Graphics, Technische Universitat Berlin

Throwable Panoramic Ball Camera 8.G29

NHK NHK 8.G30

Faceware Technologies, Inc. Faceware Technologies Inc 8.G48

NTT NTT 8.G44

ETRI ETRI 8.G35

NICT 8.G33

700,000

600,000

500,000

400,000

300,000

200,000

100,000

0

TOP 10 TR I PLE- PL AY COU NTR I ES BY HOUSE HOLDS (000)

2012 2017

China 38,998 China 192,667

USA 20,723 USA 45,785

France 5,729 India 17,535

South Korea 4,528 Japan 13,954

Japan 3,927 Germany 11,530

UK* 3,663 South Korea 10, 202

Canada 3, 265 Russia 10,094

Germany 3, 265 France 7,920

Netherlands 2,327 Canada 7,171

Russia 1,670 Brazil 5,393

TOP 10 COU NTR I ES BY TR I PLE- PL AY R EVE N U ES (US$ M I LLION)

2012 2017

USA 26,955 USA 59,432

Canada 4,629 Japan 13,368

Japan 3, 289 China 11,576

France 2,814 Canada 10,125

UK* 2,603 France 4,112

China 1,725 Germany 4,041

Belgium 1,529 Brazil 3,561

Netherlands 1, 265 Belgium 3,198

Spain 1, 245 South Korea 3,006

South Korea 1,149 UK* 2,905

Source: Digital TV Research Ltd

Source: Digital TV Research Ltd UK excludes Sky

Global households by bundle (000)

JAYANT D

EY

Sales M

anag

er

Tel: +

971 4 444 3246

Email: ja

yant.d

ey@itp

.com

GEORGE H

OJEIGE

Sales D

irecto

r

Tel: +

971 4 444 3203

Email: g

eorge.h

ojeige@

itp.co

m


TEST CARD

Business Development Director, Broadcast Solutions

Test Card

PETER JAKOBSSON

The Middle East broadcast industry is still booming. While there are many broadcasters in the area, many more are appearing on the scene.

PETER JAKOBSSON,Business Development Director,

Broadcast Solutions

What is Broadcast Solutions all about? Broadcast –Solutions is one of Europe’s big-

gest and most established system integrators.

Although Europe-based, we have for years been

operating on a nearly global basis especially in

connection with major events. For instance, we

supplied the main OB vehicle to Korea for the

World Athletics Games, and right now we are

in the middle of a very large contract for “ANO

Sports” in Russia in connection with the coming

winter Olympics in Sochi. This is a complex

project containing seven large SNGs, four

16-camera OB vehicles, one large mobile MCR

vehicle as well as one large support vehicle with

eight camera flight case-based production. We

are also rapidly growing our product portfolio

with SNG antennas and multi channel recording

products.

In your opinion, what is the future of 3D technology?The hype that we have seen for some time

seems to have calmed down, but we are quite

active in helping various customers with pilot

projects in several countries. I believe that once

the technical thresholds are low enough, then

3D technology will become a commodity, per-

haps not for all materials, but certainly there is

content where viewers would prefer 3D before

2D. And as long as that mentality persists, the

technology will be prevalent.

Why have you decided to invest in the Middle Eastern market?The Middle East broadcast industry is still

Digital Broadcast Middle East delves below the corporate strategy to understand what really makes the region’s broadcast leaders tick.

booming. While there are already many broad-

casters in the area, many more are appearing

on the scene. On the other hand, the change

to HD has just started, so there will be a lot of

projects in the area. Also, from a political point

of view, the Arab Spring will bring more players

to the media arena. This will increase the need

for solution providers and we intend to play an

important role in this field in the Middle East.

Where do you think the Middle East industry will head in the next five years?I believe that the industry will still be growing,

but it will be very complex with established

players as well as newcomers both on the sup-

plier and customer sides. I also think that the

broadcasters will have picked up on a lot of the

best technical solutions and workflow models

offered today, and will perhaps foremost be as-

sociated with Europe.

Digital Broadcast readers should use your services because…We are a well established traditional systems

integrator for OBs, SNGs and fixed installa-

tions. Our new “Streamline” line of OBs brings

a completely new approach to the way HD OBs

are constructed. Within the concept we have

models from 8 to 16 camera OB Vehicles. We

also have the Slomo TV product which we

represent in both Europe and the Middle East.

This complete line of multi channel recording

servers is equipped with all the features one

would expect, plus it offers compatibility with

most NLE systems, which is rather unique.

Contact us:

Tel: +971 4 446 7480 Email: [email protected]

PCCW Global Connected with your worldPCCW Global designs, builds and manages IP, Fiber, Satellite, Ethernet and Voice communications worldwide, while enabling service providers to take their business overseas and run operations worldwide.

Resilient global infrastructure and robust network covering 1,800 cities and 120 countries

More than 120 regional MPLS partners globally, with over 70 partners in the EMEA region

PCCW Global’s media solutions enable broadcasters to deliver high quality media broadcasts over an enhanced MPLS network.

Awarded the ‘Best International Wholesale Carrier’ title at the Telecoms World Awards Middle East 2011PCCW Global serves the international connectivity needs of enterprise and wholesale customers across the Middle East, and beyond.

www.pccwglobal.com

Middle EastSales: +971 4 433 825024x7 Service: +971 4 433 [email protected]

harris.com

The cost of a transmitter extends well beyond the purchase price. But with groundbreaking

innovations like PowerSmart®, Harris Maxiva™ and Platinum™ transmitters provide higher

performance that saves money, every day. Less space, power and maintenance required

— this is technology you can bank on.

IT’S LIKE A SAVINGS VAULT IN DISGUISE.

Learn more at Broadcast India 2012 - Stand A-101 or us online at broadcast.harris.com/TVTransmission.

Digital Broadcast - October 2012

Documents

Transcript of Digital Broadcast - October 2012