AMSTERDAM—IBC has posted record attendance figures as the 49th annual event drew to a close yesterday.

Some 55,796 people attended throughout the six-day conference and exhibition in Amsterdam, arriving from over 160 different countries.

In the opening keynote session, Dominique Delport of Havas Media warned the audience that “the 50-year party is over”, but underlying IBC’s global theme of transformation, he – and every delegate and visitor – found much to be optimistic about.

“IBC really is the only forum that attracts a global audience, the most comprehensive exhibition, and the best thought-leaders to spark the debate,” said Michael Crimp, CEO of IBC.

“This year they included Sir Martin Sorrell on the global future for advertising, Erik Huggers on online broadcasting, and Mr Ang Lee on the new realism that the latest technology brings movie-makers.”

“But IBC, above all else, is about bringing people together to share knowledge and to do business. It is clear, from the buzz around the whole show, that this has been a great year.”

The exhibition featured over 1,800 exhibitors, including 249 companies at their first IBC. Across the five days, 435 speakers took part in more than 100 sessions.

One important addition to the feature areas in the exhibition was the IBC IP Interoperability Zone, an initiative to push forward open standards in new connectivity. Supported by AIMS and the IABM and working with AES, AMWA, the EBU, SMPTE and VSF, IBC created a dedicated exhibit which demonstrated verified technical progress in IP interoperability and featured the award-winning VRT-EBU LiveIP studio which was used for IBCTV’s production at this year’s show.

“The continuing success of IBC is down to the hard work of a lot of people, staging an event that is relevant and engaging across the whole of our transforming industry,” concluded Crimp.

“We continue to evolve, and I am confident that next year’s IBC – our 50th anniversary edition – will be even better. I look forward to welcoming you back to Amsterdam, 14 to 19 September 2017.”

This article originally appeared on TVT's sister publication TVB Europe.

AMSTERDAM—TVBEurope is delighted to announce its Best of Show winners for IBC2016.

The awards returned to Amsterdam to honour innovation and outstanding product development, with an independent panel of judges examining each nominated product throughout the course of the show.

Products were judged according to a wide range of criteria, including ease of use/maintenance, performance against category standard, richness/relevance of the feature set, value/ROI, versatility, anticipated reliability and originality.

The NewBay Best of Show winners in the TVBEurope category are:

Accedo - Accedo Cream

ADB Global - graphyne2

AppearTV - ABR Server

Aspera - FASPstream software

Axon - Synview 4K and IP multiviewer

Cobalt Digital - SCTE 104 Insertion and Processing Options

Elemental Technologies - HDR Video Processing

Ericsson - Virtualised Live Playout

EVS - XT4K

GatesAir - Maxiva UAXTE UHF transmitter

Grass Valley - GV Korona K-Frame S-series production switcher

Grass Valley - iTX On-Demand

Guntermann & Drunck - DP-Vision-IP

Harmonic - VOS 360

Litepanels - Astra Soft Bi-Color 1×1

Lynx Technik - GreenMachine

Make.tv - Streaming Media Technologies

Paywizard - Paywizard Agile

Rotolight - Anova Pro

SAM - Live Touch 4K

SoftAtHome - Livebox for Orange

Sony Media - Backbone Hive

Stream Circle - Stream Circle cloud-based playout

Telestream - Telestream Cloud

Telestream - Wirecast Gear

Timecode Systems - SyncBac Pro

V-Nova - Perseus

Verimatrix - Verspective

Vinten - Vantage Compact Robotic Head

All entrants will also be featured in a Best of Show Digital Edition sent out after the show.

This article originally appeared on TVT's sister publication TVB Europe.

AMSTERDAM—Here’s another batch of news and announcements from the IBC Show that’s underway in Amsterdam.

• Canadian operator Eastlink has tapped the Cisco Systems cloud-based Infinite Video Platform to underpin an Eastlink Stream app that supports live streaming and VOD across a range of devices. Cisco’s platform also uses VideoGuard Everywhere technology to protect content on smartphones, tablets and PCs.
• Philippines-based operator PLDT has licensed the Roku platform to support the launch of a new streaming service and player. PLDT is the fifth operator to sign on for the Roku Powered program, and is the first one in Asia to take that step, Roku said. PLDT’s streaming service and streaming player are expected to launch during Q2 2017 and combine local Philippines content from Cignal and iflix with content from global providers
• Wurl, a company that specializes in streaming services for pay TV operators, said it is showing its Wurl TV Network broadband channels on platforms from several new partners, including Cisco Systems’ Snowflake guide for MVPDs, Espial’sG4 platform and its Moxi guide (acquired from Arris); Nagra/OpenTV’s IntuiTV guide, andActiveVideo’s cloud-based platform (ActiveVideo is co-owned by Arris and Charter Communications).
• Altice-owned Portugal Telecom has selected the ArrisVIP5662EW Ultra HD set-top for its new MEO 4K service. The wireless device supports the HEVC codec, which is about 50% more bandwidth efficient than MPEG-4/H.264.
• IneoQuestand Conviva have forged a technical partnership focused on enabling high-quality OTT video experiences by combining Conviva’s consumer-side Quality of Experience (QoE) measurement products with IneoQuest’s content preparation and delivery performance quality measurement systems. The combo, they said, will provide an “end-to-end view of Internet video delivery, pinpointing the exact location and root cause of streaming issues.”
  
  Separately, Conviva said Level 3 Communications has signed on as a content delivery network (CDN) collaborator for its QoE Ecosystem Analytics initiative. That gives Level 3 key experience statistics by region and platform type, as well as metrics such as video start time and latency, Conviva said.

• Nokiahas launched a multiscreen advertising solution platform that supports targeted ad placements for linear TV, time-shifted TV and video on demand. Nokia said the offering, called the Velocix Multiscreen Advertising Solution, is in trials with several operators in the United States, and supports a variety of ad decision servers including Cadent Technology's (formerly BlackArrow) Central and Campaign systems.
• Video download specialist Penthera said it has released a new version of its Cache&Carry platform featuring Fastplay, a “buffer-free” video launcher, and support for Apple FairPlay and Google Widevine Digital Rights Management during streaming, downloading and offline playback.
• Japan Digital Service Corp. is using Ericsson’scloud-powered MediaFirst suit to underpin an OTT platform for cable operators across Japan. The solution suite includes the Ericsson MediaFirst TV Platform, MediaFirst Video Processing, MediaFirst Video Delivery and Video and Storage Processing Platform (VSPP). Additionally, Ericsson will provide JDS with system integration services and ongoing support and consultation. JDS today offers traditional multi-channel broadcast programs (about 200 channels in UHD, HD and SD) to more than 200 individual cable operators with a combined 6 million subscribers.
• ContentWisesaid it will integrate its video personalization system with the AlticastAltiPlex SDP (Service Delivery Platform) and AltiPlatform middleware to provide pay-TV and OTT operators.
• BT TVhas selected the Accenture Video Solution (AVS) platform to support its current and future BT TV offerings, including BT Sport. Accenture said its platform support both live streaming and video-on-demand on multiple devices including smartphones, tablets and computers.
• Reality Check Systems (RCS)has taken an equity stake in Singular, a company that creates real-time graphics for OTT productions. Financial terms were not released, but tied to the investment, RCS will collaborate with Singular on the development of Singular Live, a cloud-based platform for creating and delivering personalized, interactive graphics across a range of connected devices. Singular Live is slated for commercial launch in Q1 2017. 

This story first appeared on TVT's sister publication Multichannel News.

AMSTERDAM–Broadcast Pix has acquired the web-based video management tool maker, ioGates. Prior to the announcement–made at IBC 2016 in Amsterdam–the pair announced the availability of a new media workflow and storage system, the BPNet.

“IP has been a part of the Broadcast Pix strategy for almost a decade, and our acquisition of ioGates underscores our commitment to cloud-based video production workflows over IP networks,” said Kevin Prince, Broadcast Pix CEO. “With the architects of BPNet now part of the Broadcast Pix team, we will continue to provide cloud-based solutions for our customers and lead the innovation in this emerging market.”

BPNet is accessed through a web-browser, giving users the ability to share from anywhere over a system that gives senders the ability to choose what the recipients can see. Files can be shared to social media and broadcast platforms, video can be converted to any format and content can be directed to any production switcher within the workflow. Broadcast Pix production switchers with the new V.6 software have BPNet integrated into it. A free service of BPNet includes 25 GBs of cloud storage, transcoding to BP format and automated show backup.

ioGates’ suite of web-based video management tools has attracted customers from the education, military, sports, film and television markets. ioGates will continue to sell and support its services as part of Broadcast Pix.

AMSTERDAM—Berlin-based telecommunications research institute Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute HHI and satellite services provider SES used the IBC show to debut the transmission of virtual reality content over satellite to multiple devices.

The 10K by 2K panoramic video signal is showing up at SES’ booth at the conference where it’s being relayed directly to an Ultra High Def (UHD) TV and VR head-sets for attendees. Viewers can choose to watch the content in multiple viewing angles, zoom in and out, and change the picture via remote.

The VR images were filmed using Fraunhofer HHI's OmniCam-360 camera and are being transmitted via SES’ ASTRA 19.2 degrees east orbital position satellite.

“We use a combination of technologies here exactly to showcase what is possible when using hybrid approaches," said Dr. Ralf Schäfer, Fraunhofer HHI's head of division video, in a statement. "There is no stadium in the world providing enough seats for all enthusiastic fans. So imagine a live event somewhere in the world — filmed with professional cameras like our OmniCam-360 and then delivered to a huge global audience via satellite. And every single viewer at home has the best seat in the middle of the show.”

Thomas Wrede, VP of reception systems for SES, added: "Satellites are the perfect distribution path for these new kinds of video experiences, as they can manage huge volumes of data being offloaded from terrestrial networks. Furthermore, technology standards like SAT>IP not only allow the viewers at home to pick and choose a device - the TV screen, tablet or virtual reality equipment."

This story originally appeared on TVT's sister publication, B&C. 

AMSTERDAM—IBC 2016 is bringing companies together, or at least NewTek and Wowza Media Systems, as the two have announced a collaboration on the MDS media encoding and live streaming video delivery platform. A fully integrated hardware and software system, the MDS merges NewTek’s live production technology with Wowza’s streaming software in a 1RU footprint.

Equipped for existing and emerging SDI, IP and hybrid workflows, the MDS delivers processing of up to four channels of video. Streaming sources are acquired through direct, physical input using 3G/HD/SD-SDI hardware connections, over IP via NewTek’s Network Device Interface technology and other sources, including TCP/IP, webcams and USB capture devices. With local input sources also translated to NDI within the system, streaming sources can be delivered and deployed through multiple MDX to maximize resources, performance and delivery potential.

The MDS can deliver production, presentations or live events on mobile devices, desktop or OTT devices by supporting delivery to Wowza Cloud, Wowza CDN and Wowza Player, or alternative workflows. Support for all common CDNs is provided with out-of-the-box support for Facebook, Microsoft, Azure, Wowza, YouTube, and custom RTMP.

Additional features for the MDS include the ability to connect two MDS units together through a local area network or remotely to deliver content between locations. MDS also offers customizable web pages for each of the four available streaming channels, with HTML and CSS editing support.

NewTek and Wowza will offer the MDS starting the fourth quarter of 2016 at a retail price of $11,995.

AMSTERDAM—AJA isn’t holding back anything at IBC 2016, as the company has brought a number of new and updated products to Amsterdam. Attendees are getting the chance to see the company’s latest efforts with converters, IP tech, camera support systems and more.

IPR-1G-HDMI

New among AJA’s slate of products are a pair of mini-converters that support IP-based video and audio workflows, IPR-1G-HDMI and IPR-1G-SDI. IPR-1G-HDMI decodes VSF TR-01 and other JPEG 2000 streams and formats the data for output on a full-size HDMI 1.4 interface. IPR-1G-SDI does the same but for a 3G-SDI BNC output. The fanless converters support HD and SD formats and feature embedded and RCA analog audio outputs, a full 10-bit pixel processing pipeline, LAN control and status, and a USB 2.0 Mini-B connector for network setup with AJA eMini-Setup software. Both converters will soon be available at a price of $795.

Also helping with the company’s IP technology is a free software update for KONA IP. The new v12.5 Desktop Software adds SMPTE 2022-7 and allows users to send the same uncompressed data stream from the top and bottom SFP+ cages onto two separate networks for routing of video over IP networks. Additional features include HDR 10 metadata support in AJA Control Panel; support for SMPTE 2022-2 workflows with JPEG 2000 is expected in future updates, per the AJA. The new desktop software can also be used for AJA’s T-TAP and Io family of video and audio input/output devices.

The new ROI-SDI scan converter is another new mini converter from AJA. It offers flexible image scaling, Region-of-Interest and image rotation capabilities, with 3G-SDI input and simultaneous 3G-SDI and HDMI outputs. Users can customize video signals by rotating source signals, define a portion of an image frame or reframe the source image from any 3G-SDI signal. It also comes with a USB port for device configuration via AJA Mini-Config software, two-channel analog RCA audio outputs, embedded eight-channel SDI audio, two and eight-channel embedded HDMI audio, and support for video formats including 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 625i and 525i. AJA will release the ROI-SDI scan converter at a price tag of $995.

C10DA, a mini 1x6 analog distribution amplifier with support for NTSC, PAL, Bi-Level reference, AES and LTC, is designed for distribution needs in markets engaged with SD workflows. It can also be used to distribute Tri-Level reference for HD workflows when an external reference is fed into the video input. It will be available for $175.

AJA also debuted its new KUMO 6464 compact 3G-SDI router, which features 64 3G-SDI inputs and 64 3G-SDI outputs. Offering the ability to route video with embedded audio to BNC outputs, the KUMO 6464 comes standard with quad-link, dual-link, 4K/UHD support with multiport SDI switching for two or four sources at once; 75 ohms; analog color black or composite sync looping; auto bypass of re-clocker; pass through rates of 3 Mbps – 3 Gbps; 1x RS-422, Grass Valley Native Protocol; and 10/100/1000 Ethernet, embedded web server for remote control, and REST API. AJA will offer KUMO 6464 for $7,995.

Some new camera support equipment has also been introduced, specifically the RovoRx-SDI HDBaseT receiver and an updated RovoControl v2.0 software. The RovoRx-SDI is a companion piece for the RovoCam. It has four 6G/3G-SDI outputs supporting 6G/3G/1.5G with embedded audio; DA Mode for distributing multiple 6G/3G-SDI signals from an HDBaseT source; HDMI output for UHD and HD prosumer displays; REF in/out that can be genlocked with other broadcast gear; USB port for software configuration of SDI settings; and Power over HDBaseT. The updated RovoControl software will be a free download that is compatible with Mac and Windows that allows users to control RovoCam from companion HDBaseT products, including RovoRx-SDI, RovoRx-HDMI and Corvid HB-R. The RovoRx-SDI receiver will be available as an add-on for $995.

An additional update that AJA is showcasing is one for Ki Pro Ultra firmware. Version 2.0 adds support for Avid DNxHD to the portable file-based 4K/UHD/2K/HD record and playback device. It also supports frame rates of 23.98, 24, 25, and 29.97 at 1080p; 25, 29.97, and 30 at 1080i; 23.98, 24, 25 and 29.97 at 1080PsF; and 50, 59.94 and 60 at 720p. The Ki Pro Ultra firmware v2.0 update will be available via a free download.

AJA has also announced that it has begun shipping its U-TAP HDMI and U-TAP SDI ingest devices. Both U-TAP devices offer HD/SD capture through a bus powered USB 3.0 port. U-TAP HDMI can capture from HDMI sources, while U-TAP SDI supports capture of up to 1080p 60 professional 3G-SDI signals. The products also are supported on OS X and Windows, with Linux support expected soon. Both U-TAP models are now available at a price of $345 each.

AJA is currently showcasing all of these products at its stand, 7.F11, during IBC 2016.

AMSTERDAM—Rohde & Schwarz has come to IBC2016 with its latest liquid-cooled, UHF high power transmitter in tow, the THU9evo. The transmitter is capable of delivering output powers from 1.5 kW to 96.5 kW for COFDM and 1.65 kW to 106 kW for ATSC; it offers 17.4 kW (COFDM) and 19 kW (ATSC) per rack.

The THU9evo has an intelligent algorithm that can be deployed with a press of a button that optimizes amplifier parameters for the transmitter to reach maximum energy efficiency.

It is aided by the PHU903 high-power amplifier, providing max efficiency combined with the capability to operate across the entire UHF range. This is made possible by R&S Multiband Doherty technology, which ensures network operators are prepared for 700 MHz spectrum clearance and reallocation.

The THU9evo is a new version of the THU9 platform and carries over the R&S MultiTX concept and R&S Tx9 generation’s intuitive GUI.

The THU9evo is now available. Rohde & Schwarz is located at stand 7.E25 during IBC 2016.

AMSTERDAM—IBC 2016 is underway, and Panasonic has a number of new pieces of equipment that boost its 4K camera and Media over IP technology.

AG-UX180

Panasonic had previously announced its new AG-UX180 and AG-UX90 cameras that would be on display, as well as the VariCam Pure system. But additional new technology that is being showcased includes a new firmware update for the VariCam LT that adds the ability for RAW signal output through two 3G-SDI terminals to an external RAW recorder at 4K or UHD 60p. These RAW recordings will be compatible with Convergent Design’s Odyssey 7Q and 7Q+ and Atomos Inc.’s Shogun Inferno. The recorded CinemaDNG file is compatible with DaVinci Resolve 12.5.1, Drastic Media Reactor 5.04 and expected versions of NLE and grading systems.

A prototype 4K 360-degree camera designed for virtual reality viewing is also being showcased by Panasonic. The prototype has four cameras that are synchronized to create a single 4K equi-rectangular image; the camera also features a camera head and camera base unit with connecting cables.

Additional camera information include launch details of the AK-UB300. This 4K camera will come equipped with a B4 mount and provides 4K output and HD-SDI output; tt will be available in November. A full-HD integrated outdoor camera has also been announced for release in summer 2017.

Panasonic also has the AU-XPD3 expressP2 card reader, which was a collaboration with Intel. Designed for supporting HD data transfer, the AU-XPD3 comes equipped with Thunderbolt 3 for data speeds up to 10 Gbps. Panasonic is planning a first quarter 2017 release.

The company’s Media over IP technology, using a new MoIP gateway for 4K and UHD, is also getting a spotlight. The technology can deliver HD MoIP networks in nearly real-time for seamless video switching.

Some of the other equipment that is on display includes the AVC Ultra-LongG video format, which is now integrated with Avid, and a new 1.5-inch HD viewfinder, the AJ-CVF50G, that is expected to be released this winter.

Panasonic is displaying all of this at its stand 11.C45.

STOCKHOLM—A trio of new systems are available from Net Insight at IBC2016, ranging from the virtualized to scheduling services in the cloud.

The new Nimbra VA is a virtualized version of Net Insight’s Internet Media Transport system. As a Network Function Virtualization technology, the Nimbra VA can allow for live media contribution to any cloud environment. Providers can also automate their service deployments for a more dynamic service offering from ingest to playout with the system. Select customers can acquire the Nimbra VA now; general availability is expected in 2017.

The company is also introducing its ScheduALL Mobility Portfolio with the ScheduALL Cloud, a public cloud version of the ScheduALL system. The cloud-based version allows organizations to employ scheduling capabilities that fit their needs. It offers multiple functionality and support options and a monthly user-based pricing model.

These products and more tech will be available for demonstration at Net Insight’s IBC stand, 1.B40.

AMSTERDAM–Zylight, the maker of LED lighting solutions, is demonstrating an array of LED lighting products at IBC 2016.

ZyLink

First things first, there will be a demonstration on the company’s new ZyLink Bridge, a wireless fob that links with the ZyLink App for iOS devices, which gives users the ability to remotely adjust a lights brightness and white light temperature controls by selecting one of the 10 ZyLink wireless channels.

Also on display, the Pro-Panel variable color LED soft light, a fully dimmable with a 110-degree beam angle giving users the ability to adjust from tungsten to daylight. The light is powered by an AC power cable or a three-pin XLR port.

Zylight’s Newz on-camera light will also make a presence. Built for broadcast news environments, the light is fully dimmable, has variable color temperatures from tungsten to daylight, is water resistant and rests on an adjustable frame with custom barn doors.

Zylight’s IBC 2016 booth is at 12.D46.

AMSTERDAM–TVU Networks has announced at IBC 2016 that its new TVU MLink TE4500 H.265/HEVC and 4K encoder for live streaming video is now available.

The TE4500 delivers the same video quality as TVU’s cellular IP-based live video transmitters but with better compression and less data transmission. The new encoder also operates on TVU’s Cloud-based centralized video platform.

The MLink TE4500 is a rack-mount encoder, it transmits video using HEVC video compression and incorporates VBR encoding and Inverse StatMux Plus advanced IP video technology. Users can also control the MLink TE4500’s bit-rate and latency settings.

TVU Networks’ CEO Paul Shen, says, “Introducing a new line of HEVC codec and 4K integrated IP-based video products is part of our continuing commitment to deliver innovative IP technology solutions designed to meet the needs of our customers and the broadcast community. We are looking forward to introducing this important new product line starting with the TE4500, and its addition to the TVU video content ecosystem.”

AMSTERDAM—Ross Video announced several new acquisitions and product launches at its IBC Show press conference on Thursday.

The developments demonstrate that Ross Video is serious about its commitment to IP. Nevertheless, company president David Ross noted the transition to IP is still in its infancy.

PIVOTCam

“”You would think that with all the hype in our industry, that IP was mainstream, but it’s still the very early days,” he said. It’s very hard to put down a live production, especially a live remote [via IP], but we’re very excited about where Ross is going with IP.”

Ross announced that the company has joined AIMS, the Alliance for IP Media Solutions, characterizing the company’s participation with the consortium of manufacturers as “very active.” He also announced that the company is demonstrating advanced IP technology workflows at its IBC Show booth.

Other announcements reflected the move to IP, including the acquisition of Coveloz, an Ontario-based developer of programmable embedded technologies, with a specialty in time-sensitive communications.

“Coveloz has some great core technology and an amazing vision for the IP future. As we’ve been working with their team implementing technology on our new platforms, we’ve been impressed,” said Ross. “We’re excited to have them as part of the Ross family of companies and look forward to Coveloz continuing to focus on their media IP work.”

 Coveloz currently works with Altera, now a part of Intel, to bring studio video-over-IP applications to market and will continue to do so, Ross said.

Ross also announced that the company is showing a technology demo of its Raptor IP Gateway card for openGear. Raptor provides a multiprotocol bridge between legacy broadcast live production equipment and packet-based studio infrastructure. The IPG-8970 is software-upgradable to support evolving IP standards and additional media processing.

Ross also announced the acquisition of Abekas, a long-time broadcast industry manufacturer of replay and delay server systems. The addition of Abekas will bring its core video server technology, replay and profanity delay systems into Ross’s product portfolio. Ross is launching their first product at IBC as a result the acquisition, Streamline Play, which brings MAM and MOS workflow to the Abekas Mira Production Server for news production applications.

Ross also announced a partnership with The Future Group, a Norwegian-based developer of video gaming technology and will be demonstrating “Frontier,” the company’s latest virtual studio graphics rendering platform, in its booth in a demonstration of what Ross termed “mixed reality,” a seamless blending of computer-generated environments and real people or objects integrated in real-time.

The company also launched “PIVOTcam,” a compact PTZ cam that targets assembly, education, corporate, house of worship acquisition, along with events and broadcast POV productions. Ross says the new 1080p PIVOTCam-20 incorporates high quality Olympus 20x zoom optics with fast, silent and accurate robotics to offer high performance and accuracy in a wide range of lighting conditions and also very low signal to noise at 74dB, and can resolve spectacular images in very low lighting conditions.

Ross also added a new product in its Streamline product line, Streamline Play, which works alongside the company’s existing Streamline MAM system to create a seamless process to organize and playout assets. The company also announced an addition to its Ultrix software-enabled router line with Ultraclean, what the company says is the world’s first software enabled clean/quiet switch – even in 12G. Three new versions of Overdrive to address a variety of markets were also introduced: Express, Prime and Premium.

Ross Video is in stand 11.C10 at the IBC Show. 

AMSTERDAM—Blackmagic has been busy in the first few days of IBC 2016, announcing a number of new products and a pair of recent company acquisitions.

The first such business acquisition was for blue and green screen removal systems provider Ultimatte; the company has recently worked on incorporating its green screen technology for virtualized sets. And after announcing that it was seeking a buyer in July, audio software and hardware developer Fairlight has found one in Blackmagic.

New Blackmagic products introduced during IBC include the Teranex AV, a broadcast quality standards converter for AV professionals. Modeled after the Teranex Express, the new model features both 12G-SDI outputs and simultaneous Quad SDI output connections, as well as HDMI 2.0a input with a loop HDMI output and a HDMI output for after processing. It also features XLR audio inputs and consumer Hi-Fi connections. Blackmagic plans to release the Teranex AV in September at a price of $1,695.

DeckLink Mini Monitor and Mini Recorder cards

Upgrades have also been made to the DeckLink Mini Monitor and Mini Recorder products, adding UHD and HDR support. Both models are four lane generation2 PCIe cards with 6G-SDI and HDMI 2.0a connections for working in SD, HD and UHD formats up to 2160p30. Each is also compatible with the Blackmagic Desktop Video SDK. Both models are now available for $195 each.

Updates were also made to both the Video Assist and DaVinci Resolve systems. Video Assist 2.2 will be available starting next week and offers the ability to save DNxHD 220, 145 and 45, along with DNxHR HQ, SQ and LB files; manual screen control is also now available. The 12.5.2 update for the DaVinci Resolve system adds additional metadata support into RAW files from Blackmagic Ursa Mini cameras.

Blackmagic also announced a $1,000 price deduction on its HyperDeck Studio 12G, making it available for $1,495.

Blackmagic is located at stand 7.H.20 during IBC 2016, which is currently underway and runs through Sept. 13.

AMSTERDAM—Utah Scientific will be demoing its IP Gateway Card prototype, which contains its new core IP engine, at IBC 2016 in Amsterdam. Known as the UTAH-400 IP Gateway, the prototype provides two-way conversion of SDI video signals and VSF TR-03, which complies with the AIMS roadmap for transiting to IP operations.

UHD-12G

Utah Scientific will also be showing off its newest routing switchers, the UHD-12G 4K Digital Routing Switcher and the Foundation Series Routing Switcher.

The UHD-12G 4K switcher is meant for live acquisition of UHDTV content and can distribute 4K SDI video signals, from SD data rates up to 12G, in a single-link interconnect. The new Foundation Series Routing Switcher is a hybrid digital routing system ideal for broadcast, mobile, corporate, and postproduction applications and can handle all digital signal formats.

To see the demontration of Utah Scientific’s IP Gateway Card prototype as well as the UHD-12G 4K Digital Routing Switcher and Foundation Series Routing Switcher, visit booth10.A21. The IBC Show takes place at the RAI in Amsterdam, Sept. 8-13. 

AMSTERDAM—Ikegami, the manufacturer of broadcast television equipment, will be making IBC debuts for its new UHK-430 4K-native portable broadcast camera, its HQLM-3120W 31 inch 4K Broadcast Quality Monitor, its new HDL-F3000 Multi-Format Ultra-Low-Light Camera and MCP-300 Network Master Control Panel.

UHK-430

The new UHK-430 4K-native portable broadcast camera uses three 4K-native 2/3 inch 8 megapixel CMOS sensors, giving it the ability to shoot a 3840 x 2160 UHD resolution video. The UHK has a new processor known as the AXII, which helps reduce power consumption and delivers a 16-axis color correction. The camera can support a choice of three types of Ikegami viewfinders: the 7.4-inch OLED VFE741D, the 7-inch 1920 x 1080 resolution LCD VFL701D LCD and the 2-inch portable LCD VFL201D.

Ikegami’s new HQLM-3120W 31 inch 4K Broadcast Quality Monitor is designed to be used as a 4K master reference monitor in television studios, control rooms, playout centers and postproduction suites. The monitor is LED-illuminated, has a 4096 x 2160 resolution, a 10-bit processing depth and is 31.1 inches of LCD screen. Signals can be connected via four 3G-SDI inputs, a 12G-SDI 4K input, a 3G/HD-SDI input and an HDMI input. The HQLM-3120W can also act as a waveform monitor and vectorscope.

Ikegami’s new HDL-F3000 Multi-Format Ultra-Low-Light Camera produces color video under wide range of night or daytime conditions. The camera has image adjustment capabilities like haze removal, backlight correction and digital zoom. The camera head measures 100 x 123 x 80 mm and weighs 1kg. The HDL-F3000 employs three 2/3 inch 2.6 million pixel MOS sensors in a RGB prism configuration.

The MCP-300 Network Master Control Panel can be used under Ethernet based control as well as with Ikegami’s own conventional ICCP control and Arcnet based control. The control panel allows for simultaneous master control of up to 10 cameras and up to 100 source cameras can be selected.

To see Ikegami’s new cameras, master control panel and monitor visit its booth, 12.A31. The IBC Show takes place at the RAI in Amsterdam, Sept. 8-13.

AMSTERDAM—The maker of broadcast media transport solutions, Artel Video Systems, will be showcasing its new DLC450 IP Gateway at this year’s IBC 2016 in Amsterdam. The DLC450 transports HD, SD, ASI, and GigE signals over 10G Ethernet networks.

DigiLink

The DLC450 integrates into its signature DigiLink platform with a role of utilizing SMPTE 2022-1/2/5/6 IP Encapsulation and optional Forward Error Correction (FEC) algorithms in order to minimize latency.

“The broadcast industry is quickly migrating to IP-based systems, and customers managing complex workflows need video, audio, and data transport solutions that support multiple formats and technologies,” said Mike Rizzo, President of Artel Video Systems. “To address the multi-faceted requirements of this growing market, Artel enhanced the DLC450 to provide greater flexibility and bandwidth efficiency to ensure reliable video and data transport over IP networks.”

To see Artel Video Systems’ new DLC450 IP Gateway, visit booth 10.B20. The IBC Show takes place at the RAI in Amsterdam, Sept. 8-13.

BarnOne Stage Box

AMSTERDAM–Barnfind Technologies, a manufacturer of signal transport platforms, will be launching eight new products as a result of additions and upgrade its made to its signature BarnOne and BarnMini product lines. The new products are:

·The BarnOne Stage Box Break-out panel system is a customizable front panel, giving users a selection of eight modules to serve as connection points to one or more BarnOne or BarnMini units. The modules are made out of solid aluminum and offers connectors for BNC’s, RJ45, XLR female and male, as well as LEMO for both camera and CCU.

·The new BarnMini-05 is a standalone unit that can combine RS422/485, 4 x GPI and 4 x GPO. Its controllable over an Ethernet or SFP port and is configured using Barnfind’s control software.

·BarnMini-06, is a new optical changeover switch which fits into BarnMini BTF-Mini-16 frame.

·BarnMini-07-04, is a new4-channel CWDM multiplexer developed in response to requests for a module that could transport 4K over different mediums.

·The BarnMini-11 delivers point-to-point digital extension of 12G, 10G, 4K and any other video format with a data rate lower than 12G.

·The BarnMini-12 is an updated version of the company’ BarnMini-02 transceiver.

·Barnfind’s new BTF1-10 is an 8-channel embedder and de-embedder for AES audio. It’s allows users to choose which of the SDI signals in the frame to use for embedding or de-embedding.

·The HiLo SFP system for 36-Channel CWDM, designed for meeting the need to have a higher density of signals in one single fiber.

To see all of these new products, visit Barfind’s booth, 3.B19. The IBC Show takes place at the RAI in Amsterdam, Sept. 8-13.

LONDON—IBC has upgraded its Big Screen Auditorium for IBC 2016, announcing a new installation that features HDR and HFR 4K 3D laser projection and immersive audio. Home to the IBC Big Screen experience, the new features will help share more than 300 speakers during the conference.

The auditorium will feature a pair of Dolby Vision HDR 6P laser-illuminated 4K projectors capable of 31 fL in 2D and 14 fL in 3D with a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 and the ability to support all DCI frame rates. A pair of Christie Mirage D4KLH60 HFR 6P laser-illuminated 4K projectors offering 4096x2160, 120 fps, 3D, will also make up part of the auditorium’s equipment. The 7th Sense Design Delta Media Server, which can play content at 120 fps, 4K, 3D, has been added for a special presentation of clips from Ang Lee’s new film “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk.” Harkness Screens has also been tapped to provide a 17mx16.69m Matt Plus screen with a 4K Digital Perforation pattern.

The audio setup for this year’s conference will be Dolby Atmos immersive audio, powered by QSC. The QSC stage system is in L-C-R configuration but uses a double center channel array for more headroom. The time-aligned surround channels are augmented for Dolby Atmos with overhead speaker arrays, extra ‘wide channels’ for smooth continuation from the screen o the room, and bass-management to two additional rear twin 18-inch subwoofer systems. Dolby CP750 and Dolby DMA8+ processors patched into a Cadac CDC8 digital console help provide surround sound 5.1 and 7.1 sources. The Dolby Atmos signal is controlled by the Dolby CP850 processor and routed via AES67 to the Q-SYS digital network system and DSP technology with a Core 500i central controller and DPA networked amplifiers.

In total, the Big Screen Auditorium will feature five projectors, 46 loudspeakers, and 128 mixing console channels.

AMSTERDAM—IBC2016 promises to be a fascinating milestone in the evolution of our industry. Never before have we faced so much change affecting every aspect of broadcast and media. The changes are so radical that we are not even sure what to call the business we are all engaged in! Broadcast now just defines a part of the whole, but there is an entirely new category emerging based around the internet and on-demand content. Those who say broadcast has an unique advantage because of its one-to-millions economy of scale are missing the point; fragmentation and personalization change the rules. What was once considered the ‘long-tail’ is now a key component, as niche viewing and subscription based programming become the norm. It’s not necessary to reach an entire population: just enough who are willing to pay a subscription to drive a viable business.

What will become increasingly apparent at IBC this year is the commoditization of technology, providing tools to anyone who has the skill and creativity to make high quality programming and with it, low cost ways of reaching an audience. This has got to be a good thing considering how many missed out on a wonderful career because they could not afford the gear or were not employed by a large organization that could.

And it’s not all about image quality this year. No doubt UHD and its variants will be discussed at length in the aisles, on booths and in the conference, but money is being spent in other areas. Getting more channels out to consumers, providing on-demand services and making use of analytics are the pragmatic demands of the industry right now, and potentially where money is being spent.

Large companies will still remain important; enterprise systems are by their nature expensive and complex and therefore need the leadership of large organizations to match. However, the select group of large entities is changing and growing as major IT and telco companies join the fray. Expect to see an increasingly visible presence from these organizations. As the role of video and audio grows, the total value of the industry will grow with it, attracting direct interest from these sectors.

With change there are always opportunities, but traditional companies need to adapt, and fast. We have moved on from simply an industry of unique capital-intensive, interconnected, black boxes. Hardware is increasingly generic and a commodity as the value and revenue shifts to software and services. Business models for technology suppliers have to change from ‘one-off’ capital payments to subscriptions and recurring payments. With that comes a relationship change between suppliers and customers; delivered products may never be finished but a continuous work in progress as technology and end-user needs evolve.

All this will play out at IBC, which remains a vital event in the calendar. The emphasis has changed from ‘hands-on’ displays of discrete hardware to discussions about functionality, business benefits and interoperability. Face-to-face discussions are more important than ever and no other event provides such an efficient opportunity to meet so many key people in one place. A word of caution though: don’t be surprised if your favorite company no longer has a booth. With change comes a significant increase in mergers and acquisitions. Well-known companies are reforming and new names are entering the market as the industry evolves and re-invents itself!

I look forward to seeing you there.

In advance of the 2016 IBC Show preview, we’re sharing some thought pieces from industry experts, from the August issue of TVB Europe.

AMSTERDAM—High Dynamic Range is one of the most argued-about potential features of the second phase of UHD-1, otherwise known as ‘2160p plus’. Taking sides in the debate during the upcoming IBC will need more than Dutch courage.

David Wood

For those TV sets that will have high peak screen luminance, it will mean images with more ‘sparkle’. The quality improvement will be about one ITU quality grade and be viewing-distance-independent, for images and TV sets that can make use of HDR. Including it in the features for the second generation UHD-1 makes good commercial sense.

However, agreement on the best technical system to implement HDR has been more than slow. Does the world need a system that is essentially an extended version of the current SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) curve, and that will thus work on both HDR and SDR TV sets: the HLG curve? Or would a new curve, based on a perceptually optimized curve be better: the PQ curve? There are different views on the convenience of both, and on whether the public would actually notice the differences.

The ITU-R agreed (July 2016) a draft Recommendation on HDR for program production, which includes both HLR and PQ. The DVB Project is in the thick of discussions—ending later in the year—about what to include in the broadcast format. There are five proposals on the DVB table, one for using HLG directly, and a series of proposals using PQ, some of which include measures to make it possible to broadcast an SDR set-compatible signal, and put Humpty Dumpty—the full PQ HDR signal—back together again in the HDR TV set.

Is the answer to put them all in the delivery system specifications and let the market decide the winner, or to just include one or more? There’s a lot riding on this, as we will hear at IBC—for the success of UHD-1 and for the proponent companies. See you at the show bar for at least some Dutch courage?

In advance of the 2016 IBC Show preview, we’re sharing some thought pieces from industry experts, from the August issue of TVB Europe.

AMSTERDAM—This year at IBC, the 4K 4Charity Fun Run is once again promoting wellness, networking and charitable giving in a casual, relaxed (albeit adrenaline-fuelled), environment. Registrations have doubled for each event since 2014 and total donations exceed a quarter of a million dollars to date. The sponsors for this year’s run and walk event include Aspera, an IBM Company, Verimatrix, Dolby, ChyronHego and Xstream, and media partners Rapid TV News and TVBEurope parent company NewBay.

Proceeds will be donated to Heifer International, a global charitable organization that helps bring sustainable agriculture and commerce to areas with a long history of poverty; and Jeugdsportfonds, a local Amsterdam-based charity that offers sports opportunities to children aged four to 18 whose families do not have the financial resources to pay for an athletics club membership.

Eliza Penick, community engagement coordinator at Heifer International, shared her thoughts ahead of the event, and offered a deeper insight into the charity’s aims:

“I had the honor of representing Heifer at the 4K 4Charity Fun Run at the 2015 NAB Show and can personally attest to the camaraderie, and to even more selfies. We are so thrilled and grateful to be joining you again for the 4K 4Charity Fun Run at IBC2016. Look for us in the cow hats!

The mission of Heifer Internationalis to end hunger and poverty and to care for the earth. For more than 70 years, we have helped more than 25 million struggling families find hope and opportunity by providing livestock and training in both environmentally sound agriculture and community development.

The 4K 4Charity Fun Run and Heifer International have one big thing in common: people. Both empower individuals to work together, form partnerships and leverage their numbers and voices for deep impact. As individual runners and sponsoring companies, the people that participate in 4K 4Charity are helping families and communities become self-reliant. While you build community at the Amsterdam event, you’re enabling others around the world to do the same, in lasting and transformative ways.

All Heifer programs include a unique practice known as ‘passing on the gift’. Each family that receives an animal gift passes on the offspring and training they received to another family in need. The act transforms recipients into donors, creating an expanding network of hope and opportunity. It also means that your original donation, at minimum, is doubled in its impact.

The 4K 4Charity Fun Run Series is an amazing example of what people can do together and an embodiment of what passing on the gift is about. Each of you, as you walk, run and donate, are passing on your gift and helping to end hunger and poverty.

We believe that together we can change the world. Let’s run hunger into the ground.”

The 4K 4 Charity Fun Run will take place on Saturday Sept. 10 at 7:30am in Amstelpark, Amsterdam conveniently located right next to IBC venue, the RAI. For more information, visit 4k4charity.com.

NEW BERN, N.C.—Wheatstone continues to push its IP developments and will show some of its most recent ones at the upcoming IBC 2016 show in Amsterdam. This includes IP audio networking for television sound and a new IP audio broadcast console.

Gibraltar IP Mix Engine

After showing its Gibraltar IP Mix Engine at IBC 2015, Wheatstone has announced that its IP audio interface for its audio mixing consoles is now available for Dimension Three, Series Four, Series Two, D-8EX, LXE and IP-64 digital mixing consoles. Gibraltar will provide the consoles with direct connectivity to the AES67 compatible IP network, WheatNet-IP, with the broadcast audio tools and controls integrated into a single network.

WheatNet-IP’s I/O BLADEs now come standard with 5.1 surround input and routing, with surround sound also being able to be routed and managed through WheatNet-IP’s NAVIGATOR software and controlled via scripting and the WheatNet-IP BLADE ACI. Additional benefits of the WheatNet-IP networked audio consoles are no limits with fixed connection points on the console; no soundcards needed; it’s a common platform for resource sharing; based on AoIP; direct connectivity to automation; AES67 compatible; and all sources are accessible from the console.

The new LXE IP audio console will also be shown during IBC 2016. One of the products that can be used with WheatNet-IP, LXE is a control interface with programmable switches, rotary controls and fader groupings for remote operation. The AES67-compatible network provides end-to-end audio transport, logic control and an audio toolkit at I/O points in the network. Additional new features offered with the LXE include a customizable architecture with pull-down configuration software where every switch can be programmed for function, mode and color. Up to 32 motorized faders are available with the LXE, as well as the new Graphics User Interface with screens for metering, clocks, timers, dynamics, EQ and assigns, all of which are customizable and can be used as a touchscreen.

IBC 2016 will run from Sept. 8-13 in Amsterdam. Wheatstone will be located at stand 8.A51

PORTLAND, ORE.—Elemental will arrive in Amsterdam for IBC 2016 with the goal of showcasing its on-premises and cloud-based video technology. The new technology is designed to allow for broadcast and multiscreen content delivery and will be demonstrated with Amazon Web Services.

Highlights of what Elemental will bring to this year’s show include its unified video infrastructure, which features high bitrate encoding, supporting HEVC 4:2:2 10-bit encoding at up to 80 Mbps or AVC High 4:2:2 Intra Profile 10-bit encoding; DVB/DTH linear system that enables customers to deploy 24/7 linear services; live channel playout with dynamic content control and motion graphic overlay; and statistical multiplexing to mix and match different codecs with workflows and delivery networks.

The company will also offer migration to the cloud technology. This includes Amazon S3 integration with support for live channel playout and VOD content storage; enhanced output capabilities, like the newly available HEVC 4:2:2 and AVC High 4:2:2 Intra Profile outputs; Amazon Direct Content to optimize media asset transfer to the AWS Cloud; live broadcasting from the cloud; and Amazon S3 Transfer Acceleration.

Next-generation technology examples from Elemental are also slated to be on hand. Examples include advanced video management; SDI over IP technology with support for SMPTE 2022-6 uncompressed video over IP and SMPTE 2022-5 forward error correction; HDR; virtual reality; dynamic ad insertion; and multiscreen monetization.

In addition, Elemental will take part in the show’s technical paper presentations and will host Tech Talks with Nevion and Teleste. The company has also organized the 4K4Charity Fun Run.

IBC 2016 takes place from Sept. 8-13 in Amsterdam.

AMSTERDAM—Virtual reality and achieving interoperability among the newest TV broadcast/production IP technologies will dominate sessions and the exhibition show floor at IBC 2016, Sept. 8–13 at the Amsterdam RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre.

This year’s IBC “will look at the technical and business aspects of working with VR, and harmonizing IP products and platforms so that they can work together,” said IBC CEO Mike Crimp. “In both instances, IBC 2016 will focus on the technical aspects of these areas, and also consider how their implementation will disrupt and change the broadcasters who adopt them.”

A VIRTUAL FUTURE ZONE

By far the biggest IBC VR event will be in the IBC exhibition floor’s Future Zone. There delegates can see Argon360 demonstrate how to shoot and “video-stitch” to create 360 degree VR wraparound videos in real-time within the cameras themselves; rather than having to do the work afterwards in post-production.

Meanwhile, LiveLike will demo its VR social media app that allows its users to “see an avatar of a person and talk to them as if they were next to you,” said LiveLike founder and CEO Andre Lorenceau. At last year’s IBC Future Zone, LiveLike demonstrated how using wide angle lenses to shoot sporting events in 170 degrees allows TV broadcasters to create live VR streams for viewers. LiveLike has since done VR test shoots at 2016 French Open tennis tournament to prove its approach.

In addition to allowing delegates to get up-close to VR, the Future Zone will also feature cutting-edge technology to test Motion Impossible’s 360° Evo remotely-controlled 360-degree camera motion and stabilization control system. Also on hand will be high-brightness HDR displays, a prototype technology for converting standard dynamic range video to HDR, and BBC R&D’s Cook-Along-Kitchen-Experience (CAKE) interactive cooking show that adjusts the content shown in real-time, in response to the viewer’s cook-along efforts.

IP INTEROPERABILITY ZONE

The transition to IP is one of the biggest challenges facing broadcasters and media companies today, with fears over limited interoperability between vendor IP systems and a lack of recognized standards being front-and center among their concerns. To address these issues, IBC will demonstrate practical and proven interoperability with an exciting new demonstration area launching at this year’s show. Located in Hall 8, the IP interoperability zone will feature dedicated demonstrations showcasing interoperability and will provide space for IBC 2016 delegates to discuss the pros and cons of IP workflows with a large number of exhibitors.

This zone also will focus on the work of the JT-NM (Joint Task Force on Networked Media: a combined initiative of AMWA, EBU, SMPTE and VSF) and the AES on a common roadmap for IP interoperability, presented in cooperation with the Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS) and the IABM. Central to the IBC IP zone will be a live TV production studio that will be built using technologies from the JT-NM roadmap that Belgian broadcaster VRT has been using daily on-air all this summer as part of the LiveIP Project, a collaboration between VRT, the European Broadcasting Union and LiveIP’s 12 technology partners.

“By creating a dedicated zone at this year’s IBC, we are delighted to show what has been achieved and the standards around which everyone can group,” said Crimp. “I look forward to seeing what has been achieved.”

DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS

Speakers at IBC 2016 will include a keynote address by Lord David Puttnam, film producer whose credits include “The Mission,” “The Killing Fields,” “Local Hero,” “Chariots of Fire,” “Midnight Express,” “Bugsy,” and “Memphis Belle” and which have collectively garnered 10 Oscars, 25 BAFTAs and the Palme D’Or at Cannes.

Keynotes at the 2016 IBC Show include noted filmmakers Lord David Puttnam and Ang Lee (above).

Now chair of the Irish online company Atticus Education, Lord Puttnam will provide his insights on the growth of Facebook and YouTube; how cutting-edge technology is affecting creativity, and the impact of the U.K. Brexit vote on Europe’s creative sector. “Meanwhile, we are very much looking forward to a keynote address by ‘Life of Pi’ filmmaker Ang Lee, as part of our IBC Big Screen Experience sessions,” Crimp said.

The “IBC Hackfest,” will return, with 100 developers brainstorming for 36 hours nonstop to tackle topics such as how VR will change classroom education, and what home entertainment will look like in the future. This year’s Leaders’ Summit will feature 150 media and electronic entertainment executives looking at “Transformational Leadership in the Digital Age,” and the annual IBC Awards will also be presented on Sunday, Sept. 11.

The myriad technical sessions, zones and keynotes are major highlights for the annual IBC Show, but Crimp says the personal networking opportunities make the show stand out.

“Helping business connections happen is where IBC really shines,” he said. “It is the reason people come here from around the world every year, after being exposed to the latest technology at NAB a few months earlier. Most of all, delegates will be able to meet together here to do business; whether on the convention or show floor, or afterwards at the many parties and social events that occur at IBC. After all, we are in Amsterdam, one of the world’s great cities!”

For more details on IBC 2016, visit www.ibc.org.

Featured Speaker: Tom Butts, Editor-in-Chief, TV Technology

Featured Speaker: Deborah McAdams, Executive Editor, TV Technology

LONDON—Director Ang Lee is going to need to clear some more space on his mantle, as the two-time Oscar-winning director has been announced as the recipient of IBC’s highest accolade, the IBC2016 International Honor for Excellence.

Ang Lee

“The International Honor for Excellence goes to an individual who has made a significant and valuable contribution to our industry, combining technology and creativity to achieve remarkable ends,” said Michael Crimp, CEO of IBC. “It is hugely appropriate we make this award to Ang Lee, a director who has harnessed technology in the service of great storytelling.”

The Taiwan-born director is best known as the director of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Brokeback Mountain” and “The Life of Pi;” he won his two Academy Awards for the latter two films, with “Life of Pi” being the first 3D film to win the Best Director award. Lee’s new film, “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk,” is set to come out in November.

“In the past few years, I have come strongly to believe that new technology will upgrade filmmaking in terms of storytelling,” Lee said. “In my upcoming film, ‘Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk,’ the use of high frame rate and high dynamic range will provide, I hope, a unique opportunity to feel the realities of war and peace through the protagonist’s eyes.

Lee joins previous International Honor for Excellence winners like his fellow directors James Cameron Sir Peter Jackson and Sir David Attenborough, as well as Olympic Broadcasting Services.

The IBC Awards Ceremony will take place on Sept. 11. Lee will also present a keynote address during the conference on Sept. 12.

IBC 2016 is set to take place in Amsterdam from Sept. 8-13. For more information, visit www.ibc.org.

AMSTERDAM—With the future of technology looking to include the likes of 4K, HDR, wide color gamut, video over IP and adaptive bit rate, Tektronix is preparing a range of products for IBC 2016 that will look to help incorporate these new technologies.

For live IP production, Tektronix will have its Prism software-defined platform, which is designed to assist in the transition to IP while preserving existing systems. It offers insights into hybrid SDI/IP production and can be updated as new technologies and standards emerge. Tektronix will also have its SPG8000A master sync and PTP grandmaster clock generator for PTP support for both traditional SDI-based and IP-based media infrastructure.

For HDR and WCG issues, the company will have a new set of HDR capabilities for its WFM/WVR 8000 series waveform monitors and rasterizers. Among these new features is the ability to set the correct white point and adjust levels to fully use the dynamic range of their content.

In addition, Tektronix will showcase updates to its Aurora automated QC solution and the complementary Hydra interactive player and analyzer for file-based content, which now has expanded codec and wrapper format support. The Sentry ABR platform for monitoring and quality assurance of multi-screen services is also set to be on hand.

Tektronix will be located at stand 10.D41 at IBC 2016. The IBC Show takes place at the RAI in Amsterdam, Sept. 8-13.

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS–Marquis Broadcast will introduce a 4K version of its Medway workflow automation system at IBC 2016 in Amsterdam.

With 4K using significantly more edit storage space than HD, Marquis says the Medway’s 4K capability uses an offline work approach to dealing with the high amount of data that comes with the ultra-high resolution format.

“Medway generates a HD ‘mezzanine’ format of the required content for editing, and then when the editor is ready to switch to 4K, Medway trims the 4K files to only the used frames with handles and delivers to the edit storage. This is a practical and real solution which saves space and therefore reduces the need to invest in additional edit storage,” explains Chris Steele, managing director, Marquis Broadcast.

Marquis Broadcast will be located in booth 7.G05 at IBC 2016. The IBC Show takes place at the RAI in Amsterdam, Sept. 8-13.

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS–Imagine Communications will showcase its latest products and services targeting advertising management, multiscreen delivery, live production, playout and virtual environments at the 2016 IBC Show in Amsterdam.

For playout, Imagine’s Versio UHD playout and graphic workflow solution has a new user interface and new automation features. Versio supports compressed or uncompressed IP-based playout, advanced multichannel and UHD playback and branding. The company’s advertising management solutions will be shown integrated into its Versio and xG Schedule playout products.

In live production, Imagine will demonstrate low-latency encode/decode support for Sony Network Media Interface and intoPIX TICO mezzanine compression for UHD operations. For multiscreen delivery, the company will demo its cloud DVR solution which meets various legal and copyright requirements and features a new ad insertion tool.

Imagine will also demonstrate its collaboration with Microsoft and Hewlett Packard Enterprise for software-based playout, live encoding and cloud-based services.

Imagine Communications will return to the Amtrium again this year in booth 4.A01. The IBC Show takes place at the RAI in Amsterdam, Sept. 8-13.

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS–DVEO, will premiere its PREMIO DIG/IP: TELCO, a low-latency, 4:2:2 encoder with HD-SDI input and H.264 (and optional H.265) output at the 2016 IBC Show.

“The PREMIO DIG/IP: TELCO is a premium quality 10 Bit 1080p encoder, able to encode video to mezzanine quality. It is designed for critical contribution applications and has many redundancy features,” says Laszlo Zoltan, VP of DVEO.

PREMIO DIG features 200ms encoding latency, 50Mbps encoding bit-rate and runs on Linux so operators can overlay logos, text, and closed captioning to the stream. Users can archive streams up to 400 GB and use up to four audio pairs to support different languages. Incoming streams can be upconverted from SD to HD as well as downconverted.

IBC attendees can check out the DVEO’s PREMIO DIG/IP: TELCO at booth 2.A34. The IBC Show takes place at the RAI in Amsterdam, Sept. 8-13. 

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS–Ross Video will showcase an extensive array of new production solutions at the IBC Show in Amsterdam. Ross’ systems and workflows target a variety of environments and uses including virtual sets, galleries, automated production control, graphics creation & playout, news editorial, stadium displays, studio robotics and assembly productions.

Acid Camera

Ross’s Acid Camera will make its IBC debut. The compact box camera is designed for studio robotics and touts a SMPTE 4:2:2 video signal output standard as well as a special 0:4:4 full bandwidth color signal.

New Carbonite products include the Carbonite Black Solo production switcher with nine inputs and six outputs as well as Carbonite UltrachromeHR, a standalone chroma-key system targeting Acid camera and other virtual environments. Ross’s mid-size Carbonite Production Switcher series and Acuity large-scale production switchers will also be shown.

For virtual set chroma-key environments, Ross’ line of XPression graphics systems will also be on display, including the XPression Tessera, a multi-display real-time graphics designer and controller for sport venues and studio video walls, XPression Quad for 4K production systems, and XPression Tick-it workflow server designed for informational channels.

For newsrooms, Ross will show the latest version of its Inception News system and Horizon Enterprise Connector. Inception News system is a browser-based newsroom content and editorial system that allows users to plan and develop content and deliver it to social media and to the web. For local news stations, the Horizon Enterprise Connector allows users to search and share content from other Inception systems throughout their network.

For production studios, Ross’ will show its robotic remote control dolly system now available as a pan/tilt head-only system, without the dolly. For legislative bodies, Ross will show the latest software for its Legislative Production System.

To see all of Ross Video’s systems and workflows visit booth 11.C10. The IBC Show takes place at the RAI in Amsterdam, Sept. 8-13.

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS–At this year’s IBC Show, RTW, a U.K.-based provider of audio metering and monitoring technology, will show its latest line of loudness solutions as well as some products new to the European market.

APRO-CLC01

The APRO-CLC01 for Continuous Loudness Control audio processor allows users to control program-loudness value and its loudness range.

RTW will also show its Loudness Tools and Mastering Tools software with it’s a v4.0 update, which now supports Mac OS X 10.11 “El Capitan,” a new a selectable 12th octave RTA and cinema loudness.

Also on display, RTW’s TM3-Primus and USB Connect, now with a new software version that adds support for both Mac OS X 10.11 “El Capitan” and the new standard changes in the EBU Loudness Recommendation.

To see all of RTW’s new products while at IBC visit their booth, 8.D89.The IBC Show takes place at the RAI in Amsterdam, Sept. 8-13.

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS–Dejero is showcasing the latest developments in its IP connectivity solutions for newsgathering and broadcasting at this year’s IBC Show.

Dejero’s LIVE+ Control management system, designed to simplify live broadcast tasks while on location by transporting recorded content to broadcast facilities over IP or cellular networks, has several new enhancements. v4.0 core software improves Live+’s file transport speed and updates the key algorithm for congestion control. Live+ Control now has Grass Valley’s GV STRATUS video production and content management system embedded, allowing users to move recorded clips from the Live+ server to the GV STRATUS server.

Showing for the first time in the European market is Live+ EnGo, Dejero’s compact mobile transmitter for news crews in breaking news situations. EnGo encodes IP video and bonds available networks to deliver video with low latency.

Dejero also said it will make a “major announcement at IBC2016 that will revolutionize the movement of files from the field.”

Dejero’s IBC 2016 booth is located at 12.C56. The IBC Show takes place at the RAI in Amsterdam, Sept. 8-13.

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS–Harmonic will demo its latest portfolio of products for virtual reality, UHD and OTT distribution solutions at IBC 2016.

Harmonic will showcase cloud DVR and packaging capabilities of its VOS Cloud and VOS 360. The company will also demo new virtualized playout and delivery capabilities for its Spectrum media server product line.

In the virtual reality realm, Harmonic will show a 360-degree virtual reality experience powered by the company’s signature Harmonic PURE Compression Engine. Interested visitors are also encouraged to attend a paper presentation by Harmonic’s Vice President of Video Strategy, Thierry Fautier, who will explore news ideas in virtual reality and 360 degree immersive media. The paper presentation will take place Saturday, Sept. 10, at 10:45 AM.

To see all of Harmonic’s latest product demos visit their booth at 1.B20. The IBC Show takes place at the RAI in Amsterdam, Sept. 8-13.

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS–Calrec Audio is showing its latest digital audio console and remote production unit along with four new networking interfaces at IBC 2016 in Amsterdam.

Calrec Brio

With an 892mm wide surface, Calrec’s Brio Compact Digital Audio Console is the smallest broadcast console in the company’s Bluefin2 family. It has 36 faders and a 15.6-inch HD touchscreen for in-depth control functions. The console has analog, digital I/O and GPIO built into it.

Also to be shown is the RP1 remote production unit, which Calrec is promoting as an alternative to OB trucks. With a 2U core production engine and FPGA-based DSP integrated into it, the RP1 enables another facility to control all of the mixing necessary for a live event, including IFB mixes. RP1 can connect through analog, AES, MADI, SDI, AES67, Ravenna, Dante, and SMPTE 2022.

Calrec will also show four new network interfaces that the company says provides more freedom in choosing audio transport protocols. The new network interfaces include an AES67/Ravenna interface, AVB interface, modular I/O Dante card with AES67 compatibility, and a SMPTE 2022-6 video interface.

To see all of Calrec Audio’s new products visit their booth, 8.C61. The IBC Show takes place at the RAI in Amsterdam, Sept. 8-13.

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS—At the 2016 IBC Show, Interra Systems will introduce HEVC and 4K support for its BATON Automated file-based quality controller, the company’s QC solution for file-based SD, HD, and cloud-based workflows.

Updates to BATON 7.0 include new multilanguage checks of audio tracks for expanded support for subtitles and closed-caption files. Users can also measure and correct audio program loudness and true-peak audio levels based off of the International Telecommunication Union's Recommendation’s ITU-R BS.1770-3.

Interra Systems will also provide demos of HEVC and 4K support for other products at its booth, 7.B13. The IBC Show takes place at the RAI in Amsterdam, Sept. 8-13. 

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS—At IBC 2016, ENENSYS will launch its new DTTCaster, which retransmits DTT networks at regional and local transmitter sites where IP or satellite connectivity isn’t possible. The DTTCaster is housed in an ENENSYS HDc chassis and uses an antenna to get network reception.

ENENSYS HDc

Also to be shown is ENEMSYS’s AdsEdge for splicing file-based content—like ad spots, local news and regional weather reports—at the final stage of signal distribution. In addition, ENENSYS will present its recently launched IPGuardV2, a transparent IP switch providing redundancy for all IP-based appliances and networks.

Lastly, ENENSYS will highlight its Regional Early Warning System known as, rEWS, and its OneBeam satellite DTH network distributor.

To see all of these products visit ENENSYS booth at 2.B30. The IBC Show takes place at the RAI in Amsterdam, Sept. 8-13. 

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS—At the 2016 IBC Show, Cinegy will demonstrate 8K versions of its capture, playout, production and archive management software.

Cinegy says its existing customer base has smoothly migrated from SD to HD and is now seeing some repeat the same process into 4K. The German based provider of broadcast technology says it is previewing its 8K products at IBC to allow early adopters to start trialing now.

“While 8K may be still a moonshot for many, demonstrating just how easy it can be helps underscore our future-proofing message, i.e., there is an affordable answer today that costs the same for SD, HD, 4K, and, if you wish, 8K,” said Jan Weigner, Cinegy CTO and Co-founder.

The core of Cinegy’s 8K IBC demo is the DANIEL2 GPU video codec for acquisition and production, designed for recording from camera sources, editing, post-production, and playout.

Also to be shown at IBC, “Cinegy as a Service,” touted as a hardware-free way to bring television to cloud-based services.

To see both of these solutions, visit Cinegy’s booth at 7.A30. The IBC Show takes place at the RAI in Amsterdam, Sept. 8-13. 

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS—Jünger Audio will promote its “Smart Audio” concept at IBC 2016, a model already adopted by Germany’s ARD Tagesschau television news service and London-based Input Media.

According to Jünger Audio CEO Peter Poers, the “Smart Audio” concept means “delivering high-quality sound in a very efficient way, with minimal requirement for manual control or intervention from an operator.” The Smart Audio concept uses a series of processing algorithms to allow broadcasters to choose devices that are interoperable with their environment that can integrate playout automation systems and logging and monitoring processes.

Jünger will demonstrate its Smart Audio concept in its D*AP product range at its booth. The D*AP range includes products for loudness control, audio monitoring, Dolby decoding, encoding and transcoding, and audio conditioning and metadata management.

For more information about Jünger Audio’s Smart Audio solutions visit booth 10.A49. The IBC Show takes place at the RAI in Amsterdam, Sept. 8-13.

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS—SGL will showcase new features to its FlashNet content management solution for MAM or any automation control system, at IBC 2016.

Several new features to Flashnet will be making their European debut, including a new Infinity user interface, which provides customers with a dashboard that provides archive procedures and tools, restore functionality, system health, monitoring and analysis. Also new is support for SMPTE’s Archive eXchange Format (AXF) and Sony’s Ci cloud-based service. FlashNet also now has pre-defined drives for specific archive roles.

SGL will also demonstrate Flashnet support for DPX-format assets, featuring a one-file-per-frame function for cinema-oriented media, as well as the FlashNet Amalgamation Service, which consolidates multiple small files (i.e. JPEGs and XMLs) into one set of files, which can then be simultaneously archived without additional tape positioning. SGL will also showcase plug-in support for Avid Interplay Web Services so that customers can employ Avid Interplay Archive at any time in the future without the need to re-archive any content.

To see all these new additions to the FlashNet content management solution, visit SGL’s booth 7.J15. The IBC Show takes place at the RAI in Amsterdam, Sept. 8-13.

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS—Rascular, a U.K.-based software design company that specializes in video playout control and media management systems, will introduce its Helm control technology, now integrated with Elemental Live, at IBC 2016. Elemental Live provides Helm with live streaming to new media platforms and encoding for linear pay-tv broadcasts.

Rascular will also showcase updates to its Mediant media management tool, now featuring secondary media handling for both broadcast and streaming playout through the development of Mediant-AM (Automation Module), an automation feature that syncs secondary event media on the playout device with what the automation playlist requires.

Rascular will also show expanded capabilities of its Helm Clockwork application, which allows users to create scheduled events. New features include inbuilt knowledge of an event’s duration.

To see all of these products visit Rascular’s IBC booth, 1.F33. The IBC Show takes place at the RAI in Amsterdam, Sept. 8-13.

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS—In addition to showing its range of IP video products, LiveU says it will make a “major” product announcement for the IP video market at this year’s IBC Show.

Apart from that, LiveU Solo, a plug-and-play live streaming bonded solution for the online media market, will make its European rollout at IBC. LiveU Solo allows users to livestream into any web streaming workflow by automatically connecting to OVPs and content delivery networks such as Facebook Live.

Also present will be LiveU’s new LU710 4K HEVC Encoder, a component to be used with LiveU’s Xtender transmission and enhanced server. With those three components together, SNG trucks will have a 4K output for transmitting 4K/HD video, according to the company.

Visitors to LiveU’s booth will also have a chance to check out the company’s Version 6.0 software update for all of its portable transmission and management solutions. The new version features a new interface design for LiveU Central and LiveU’s cloud-based management and video distribution system. The LiveU Matrix now has an improved workflow manager and its Multipoint video distribution service has also been enhanced.

LiveU will be in booth 3.B62. The IBC Show takes place at the RAI in Amsterdam, Sept. 8-13.

LONDON—Director Ang Lee is to deliver a Keynote address at the IBC2016 Conference in Amsterdam.

Ang Lee

Lee, who directed “Life of Pi”and “Brokeback Mountain,” will speak on 12 September as part of the IBC Big Screen Experience.

The IBC Big Screen Experience is at the heart of the IBC2016 Conference, where more than 300 speakers are expected to attend to share insights on key issues at the heart of the entertainment, media and technology sector under the headline conference theme: Transformation in the “Digital Era: Leadership, Strategy and Creativity in Media and Entertainment.”

Julian Pinn, executive producer, IBC Big Screen Experience said, “There is no finer keynote presenter for this year’s IBC Big Screen Experience than Ang Lee and we are very honored to be hosting him.

“For over two decades, Ang Lee has shown true mastery in utilizing cutting-edge science and cinematographic techniques towards his creation of some of the very finest works of cinematic story-telling art.”

Ang Lee’s Keynote will set in the context of his latest work, “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk.” The revolutionary new cinematographic technique utilized is said to ‘unlock a new level of story-telling power and emotional connection with the on-screen characters’ and offer greater control over ‘preserving artistic integrity’ over the increasing range of delivery formats both within cinema and to the wider electronic entertainment market.

The director previously spoke about the work on his new film back in April as part of the 2016 NAB Show.

This year’s conference includes a new stream, Audiences and Advertising, which will seek to explore many of the changes and trends taking place with how people access and consume content and how all that content is paid for.

Registration for the Conference is currently open, with early-bird discounted rates available until 15 July.

This story originally appeared on TV Technology's sister publication TVBEurope. 

LONDON—IBC has added another keynote speaker to its schedule for IBC 2016, announcing that BroadbandTV Founder and CEO Shahrzad Rafati will address the conference. Rafati is scheduled to speak on Sept. 10.

Shahrzad Rafati

BroadbandTV is a multi-platform network based in Vancouver, British Columbia, that offers services that include content distribution, technology, promotion, production, creative and design. The company also offers rights management services for the likes of the NBA, Viacom, Sony Pictures and FreemantleMedia.

Rafati will speak to IBC attendees about how her company is working across platforms with new types of online video offerings like Outspeak with the Huffington Post, and NBA Playmakers. She will also talk about how the YouTube generation interacts with technology and content and how that could affect traditional broadcasting.

IBC 2016 will take place in Amsterdam from Sept. 8-13.

PORTLAND, ORE.—In between booth visits and presentations, attendees will have the chance to run through Amsterdam as Elemental Technologies has announced that its 4K 4Charity Fun Run Series will return to IBC 2016. Registration is now open and sponsorship opportunities are also available.

The run will take place at Amstel Park on Sept. 10 at 7:30 a.m. Proceeds from the event registrations will go to Heifer International, a global charitable organization that helps bring sustainable agriculture and commerce to areas with history of poverty, and Jeugdsportfonds, an Amsterdam charity that offers sports opportunities to children between the ages of 4-18 whose families do not have the resources to pay for athletics club membership.

Aspera, Verimatrix, Dolby, ChyronHego and XStream make up some of the sponsors for this year’s race, along with media partners NewBay Media Europe and Rapid TV News. The deadline for sponsorship commitments is June 30. For more information, contact Laura Barber at laurab@elementaltechnologies.com

To register for the event, go to 4k4charity.com.

LONDON—Dominique Delport has been slated to deliver a keynote at this September’s IBC 2016 Conference in Amsterdam. Delport is the global managing director of Havas Media Group, as well as chairman of Vivendi Content.

Dominique Delport

In his keynote, Delport will address how the media landscape has changed and what this means for traditional media companies. He will also share his views on big digital platforms like Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon, and how Europeans should continue to develop content that speaks to their cultures.

IBC 2016 is titled “Transformation in the Digital Era: Leadership, strategy and creativity in media and entertainment.” It will take place from Sept. 8-13 at RAI Amsterdam. Delport is scheduled to give his keynote address on Sept. 8.

LONDON—IBC has announced that Erik Huggers will attend the upcoming IBC 2016 conference as its keynote speaker. The president and CEO of Vevo will deliver his address on Sept 10.

Erik Huggers

Huggers plans to share research insights into how the online generation listens to and views music, and how music has effected the growth of streaming media. Vevo is a music video and entertainment platform that plans to release apps for iOS, Apple TV, Android and the web, as well as original programming.

Huggers speech should fit in nicely with the theme of the conference, which is “Transformation in the Digital Era: Leadership, Strategy and Creativity in Media and Entertainment.”

IBC 2016 will take place from Sept. 8-13 at the RAI in Amsterdam. For more information, visit www.ibc.org.