IBC2008 is just days away—running Friday, Sept. 12, through Tuesday, Sept. 16. And although IBC doesn't provide estimates or actual attendance numbers until after the show, a spokeswoman said it will be the biggest IBC ever.
Among the issues that will be hot this year are the DTV transition in the United States, the rise of IPTV and telco services, 3D television and the rise of cable, broadcast and satellite television systems in emerging markets around the world.
Attendees will represent more than 130 countries, according to conference organizers. Some might be found in the International Pavilion in Hall 12E, with stands from Korea, France, China, the United Kingdom, Japan and many more.
New this year is the e-zone, sponsored by Planet Hire, in Hall 12E. It has free Wi-Fi built into a new café, and touts plenty of space and lots of seating, so attendees won't have to wait for Internet access. Plus, there's that good European coffee.
Also in Hall 12E is the New Technology Campus. It allows authors of conference papers to have an extended forum where they can demonstrate the technology on which they are speaking.
The IBC Training Zone will return, sponsored by Avid Technology, in association with Intel, HP and the English post house and multimedia service provider VET. It will also be in Hall 12E.
IBC will also bring a major technological first: a live 3D high-definition link between Amsterdam and Los Angeles, featuring an interview with Jeffrey Katzenberg. Several other events and conference sessions will address 3D technology, highlighted by a presentation of "Journey to the Center of the Earth—in 3D," Monday, Sept. 15, at 6:30 p.m.
