CABSAT 2010 Broadcasting Conference

CABSAT Knowledge Exchange

Higher Value through Digital Broadcasting

As the demand for higher quality digital broadcasting services gains momentum in the MENA region, the broadcasters will have to stretch their resources to meet these demands. Technology is always on the move and significant enhancements are continually being injected in digital broadcasting services, distribution platforms and programme content creation facilities

During the economic downturn many broadcasters reported significant downturns in revenues and all of them tightened budgets and conserved resources for a better day. But, with the economic recovery in sight, it is important that broadcasters do not lag behind as we head towards the next stage of development in the industry.

In the longer term, the digital transition will produce savings for broadcasters in terms of reduced operational costs and make services more competitive by enhancing the consumer experience. Broadcasters, therefore, will need to focus on ensuring that their production and transmission infrastructures are ready for the progression towards higher definition radio and television services.

In this context, the theme of the Conference “Higher Value through Digital Broadcasting” is quite meaningful.

HDTV offerings are increasingly in demand from audiences who are ready to pay for enjoying enhanced services. This market driver can hardly be ignored. The easy access to large screen displays at relatively lower prices makes this market very attractive to all progressive broadcasters. File–based production is definitely the future. Broadcasters have to equip their production environment to be HD capable.

The CABSAT MENA 2010 Broadcasting Conference will address several issues on going for services which provide higher value in the market and meet the growing needs of the audiences, both from within the MENA and from other parts of the world. The conference will provide a platform for broadcasters and other industry players to exchange views and experiences on launching HD services.

Participation of major industry players makes this a “must attend” event for broadcasting executives.

PRELIMINARY PROGRAMME

Day 1: Wednesday, 3 March 2010

10.00 – 11.30 AMRegistration
11.30 AM -12.00 PMOpening & Keynote Address by Jamal Al Sharif,
Executive Director, Dubai Studio City:
Meeting the Demand for HD Broadcasting in the Middle East
12.00 - 1.30 PMBroadcasting Stream Session 1:
HDTV, 3D TV Technologies and Issues

This session addresses the modern technologies that are required for making delivery of HDTV services more efficient and cost effective. Digital broadcasting is driven by their strengths in providing content, services and value adds.

Topics:
  • Migrating from MPEG-2 to MPEG-4 AVC – Carl Furgusson, VP of Compression Product Management, Solution Area, Ericsson
  • 3D TV to Home – Ian Trow, Director, Broadcast Solutions, Harmonic
  • Going Live with 3D TV – Helge Stephansen, CTO, T-VIPS AS
  • Digital Stress and Industry Issues – Sharad Sadhu, Director of the ABU Technical Department, Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union
1.30 – 3.00 PMLunch Break
3.00 - 5.00 PMBroadcasting Stream Session 2:
HDTV Business – How to Go About in the Middle East
Effective business plans are an basic requirement in the HDTV equation. This session deals with the business aspects of setting up HDTV services by satellite and terrestrial broadcasting, focusing on the environment obtained in the Middle East. It explores the revenue streams, audience acceptance, technology infrastructure, HDTV production facilities, large screen display availability, the need for HDTV services, the competition in HDTV services and the market place for sustained survival of HD broadcasters in the region.

Topics:
  • Offering an HD Business Solution – Jonathan Crofts, Managing Business Consultant, Sony
  • Satellite Broadcast Contribution and Distribution. Are You Ready for IP? – Max d’Oreye, VP Professional Equipment, Newtec
  • Emerging Delivery Technologies that can Enhance your Business Model – Steve Oetegenn, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Verimatrix
  • Making the Business Case for Multi-channel HDTV – Carl Furgusson, VP of Compression Product Management, Solution Area, Ericsson
  • Status of TV & Broadcasting in MENA countries and Impact of the Global Financial Crisis – Dr Fares Lubbadeh, Owner/Director General, SpaceTech TV Engg, Amman

Day 2: Thursday, 4 March

10.00 - 11.30 AMBroadcasting Stream Session 3:
HDTV Content Production

This session addresses all important aspects of HDTV programme production technology employed in the HD studios, outdoor and in converting film-based material into HD content. It addresses technical and financial aspects of setting up HD facilities and generating multi-platform content, adding dimension of archiving, content management and content protection.

Topics:
  • Tapeless Workflow – Graham Collins, Advance Integration Manager, Omneon
  • Production and delivery strategies for multi-platform broadcasters – Noel Mathews, Vice President of Business Development, EMEA & APAC, Solution Area TV, Ericsson
  • Understanding the differences between Software and Hardware-based Content Security – Steve Oetengenn, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Verimatrix
  • File-based Workflow for Smaller Broadcasters – Ahmed Nadeem, Head of Studio Technology & Training, Technical Department, ABU
  • Making the most of Broadcast Graphics – James Gilbert, Managing Director, Pixel Power
11.30 - 12.00 PMRefreshment Break
12:00 pm – 1:00 pmPANEL DISCUSSION
Topic: Taking up HDTV – Options in Business Plans and Technologies in the Middle East
1.00 - 2.30 PMLunch Break
2.30 - 3.15 PM
3:15 - 4:00 PM 		Broadcasting Stream Session 4:
Implementing Mobile Broadcasting
This session provides updates on mobile broadcasting, providing mobile multimedia services to audiences and developing new business strategies for successful implementation. 

Topics:
  • Sponsored Workshop 1 – Multistream in Full Digital Terrestrial TV Deployment, a Case Study
  • Sponsored Workshop 2 – XBM: Transponder Back Up Manager
4.00 - 4.30 PMRefreshment Break
4.30 - 5.30 PMBroadcasting Stream Session 5:
Implementing Services

This session provides updates on implementing broadcasting and other multimedia delivery services, bringing out strategies for successful implementation.

Topics:
  • HDTV via Satellite – Justo Rodal, R+D Director, Televes
  • DAB + T-DMB: Implementation & possibilities – Roger Johansson, Factum Electronics AB – Roger Johansson, Area Sales Manager, Factum Electronics AB
  • IPTV Commercial Model – Alan Delaney, IPTV Business Development Director, Solution Area, Ericsson
  • Satellite Radio makes new inroads
  • Advances in Portable Microwave Contribution Links – Stuart Brown, Director of Systems Engineering, Vislink News and Entertainment
 Conference Concludes

  • Supported By

  • ASBU
  • ABU
  • IABM
  • Satellite MENA