MDA: Growth of BroadcastAsia2010 Powered By Stronger Participation Of Singapore Companies7 min read
Reading Time: 5 minutesBroadcastAsia, the region’s leading trade event for the broadcasting and media industry, will boast a larger showcase of the latest technologies and products when it returns for its 15th edition from 15 ““ 18 June 2010 at the Singapore Expo.
Boosted by the growth potential of the broadcasting and media industries in Asia, companies from 41 countries have taken up 16 per cent more space within the 16,000 square metres exhibition this year. BroadcastAsia2010 will feature 121 Singapore companies and a total of 620 exhibitors.
The number of participating Singapore companies has increased by 27 per cent compared to last year ““ this positive response underscores how more local companies are using BroadcastAsia as an ideal platform to reach new customers and partners in Asia and beyond.
“We see vast potential for growth in the broadcasting and media industries in Asia; the signs are evident in many countries that are in the midst of migrating and upgrading from analogue to digital TV,” said Mr Stephen Tan, Chief Executive of the show’s organiser, Singapore Exhibition Services (SES). “BroadcastAsia continues to bring value and opportunities to businesses that are keen to push the boundaries of traditional business models and expand their presence in the region.”
“BroadcastAsia has grown in scale and importance over the years to become one of the most significant shows of its kind worldwide. By showcasing the best and most innovative of Asia’s digital media services and applications to the world, BroadcastAsia plays a major role in reinforcing Singapore’s position as a hub for digital media innovation.” said Dr Christopher Chia, Chief Executive Officer, Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA).
Singapore companies showcasing 3D capabilities at the Singapore Pavilion
A key theme of Singapore’s participation at BroadcastAsia this year is a peek into the Future of Media with more space devoted to showcasing cutting-edge products and services especially in 3D, by Singapore companies at the MDA-led Singapore Pavilion, which has increased in size to 2,000 square metres from 1,200 square metres last year.
11 out of the total of 55 exhibiting Singapore companies will be promoting their 3D capabilities. SingTel and StarHub will be demonstrating their abilities in delivering 3D content on their respective platforms. For instance, SingTel will be showcasing their 3D playout capabilities to transmit 3D content via two different platforms, namely through satellite and IPTV on mio TV.
In addition, The Media Village, a system integrator of post production systems will be showcasing one of its customers. BlackMagic Design’s 3D solutions including the DaVinci Resolve from BlackMagic Design, a system used for colour grading feature films such as Avatar as well as Decklink HD Extreme 3D, cost dual-stream 3D Capture and playback card, with built-in up, down and cross converter.
BlackMagic Design is the Singapore company that will be co-producing Singapore’s first stereoscopic 3D action film, BAIT with Australia’s Arclight Films and Pictures In Paradise. BAIT, which has been pre-sold to over 24 territories, will be shot in July with post-production to be done in Singapore. The increased availability of 3D equipment and technology in Singapore allows local content providers to have greater access to a wider range of equipment to enable and expedite their development in 3D content.
Apart from 3D, some seven MDA-supported companies will showcase projects that provide a taste of the next-generation consumer experiences across TV, mobile and Internet platforms. An exciting development is TangoFXâ„¢ by ABOVE Technologies. It is an interactive service that provides live interactive capability for viewers to watch their favourite content across any network or device while allowing them to share, interact and socialise.
The service allows viewers to completely personalise their viewing experience to match their media and entertainment lifestyle though selected social networks. It will be featured by Microsoft as one of the first few third party applications for its Windows Phone 7 platform in Asia Pacific. Windows Phone 7 is the operating system platform for the new Microsoft handheld device targeted to be released later this year.
In the area of digital content management and distribution, visitors will also see a full suite of digitisation capabilities by Alternative Content Distribution Network (ACDN) including its various in-house technology and software to cater to digitisation and repurposing processes. Visitors to the ACDN booth can bring along their content for digitisation and experience the entire workflow until the end product is uploaded onto a dedicated web portal for viewing.
Visitors will be able to view these new technologies at the Singapore Pavilion located at 8H4-05, Singapore Expo Hall 8. A list of the participating companies can be found in the attached Annex.
National broadcaster, MediaCorp will also be displaying its High Definition (HD) Outdoor Broadcast van, a new feature to Singapore’s broadcasting infrastructure that will help to expedite Singapore’s transition into digital media. With this van, major events like Youth Olympic Games 2010 and National Day Parade can now be produced and broadcasted “˜live’ in HD.
Highlights of BroadcastAsia2010
Inline with the global attention on 3D content broadcasting and delivery, BroadcastAsia2010 will present a unique 3D demonstration. This is the first time a “˜LIVE’ 3D showcase is being put together in Southeast Asia.
Muay Thai exponents will be brought in to provide the live action content, which will be captured by Panasonic Twin-lens full-HD 3D camera and transmitted via fibre optics through distribution gears to the other partners in this showcase simultaneously. These solutions providers will be located at different spots within BroadcastAsia2010 to demonstrate the ability to manage the entire 3D production process remotely from several locations. They will employ encoders that convert the 2D content to 3D format, graphics/ CG systems and equipment used for recording and playback in this production chain. The final 3D content will be sent for screening at a 20-seater showcase area, where active 3D glasses will be given to the audience for the “˜LIVE’ viewing.
The showcase partners, which include Broadcast Professional Pte Ltd, Dayang International (S) Pte Ltd, Evertz, MultiMedia Maestro Pte Ltd / Front Pte Ltd, Panasonic Systems Asia Pacific, Ross Video Pte Ltd and Seachange International, are participating in this demonstration to help empower broadcasters in the region to take the leap into 3D and provide audiences with more compelling, ‘live’ 3D content.
Global solution providers and manufacturers launching new solutions and equipment for content creation, distribution and display at this year’s BroadcastAsia include Assimilate, Chyron, DVS Digital Systems AG, KIT Digital (formerly known as Benchmark Broadcast Systems), Monarch Innovative Technologies Pvt Ltd, Panasonic Systems, Pixel Power, Playbox Technology, Quantel, Screen Subtitling Systems, Sony Electronics and XD Productions.
The spotlight will also focus on the latest digital signage technologies, touch screens and professional display applications for Asia as the region sees an increase in utilisation particularly in retail spaces, tourist attractions, classrooms and boardrooms. The Digital Signage showcase will present the latest digital and high definition equipment and integrated workflow solutions for broadcasters and production companies. Visitors can look forward to displays from companies like Harris, Living Life Concepts, Magna, Media Architects, Panasonic, Sony and more.
Promoting Knowledge-Sharing and Thought Leadership
The BroadcastAsia2010 International Conference will return alongside the exhibition with a larger offering of premier conference tracks and a stellar line-up of veteran industry speakers from leading companies and organisations. Themed “Integrating Technology, Experiencing Content”, 3D and multi-platform content delivery will take centre stage at the BroadcastAsia2010 International Conference. Over 70 industry experts will discuss topics including the challenges and business opportunities of digital TV and 3D TV; the influence of social media on the broadcasting industry; and the technical implementation of workflow and digital asset management.
In response to strong demand for quality content for consumers, the new Creative Content Production Conference will be held and will feature engaging sessions on cost efficient ways to create and produce content across multiple distribution and delivery platforms, new technologies and opportunities for film makers in Asia.
Computer Graphics Revolutions
Inline with its theme “Revolutions,” this year’s CG Overdrive 2010 – the flagship conference for the computer graphics (CG) industry – promises a more dynamic and vibrant enhancement to its core philosophy as a knowledge-centric event for CG enthusiasts.
Held from 18 – 20 June at Suntec Singapore, CG Overdrive will feature 36 focused track sessions by international talent including Alex Woo, Story Artist, Pixar Animation Studios; Shuzo Shiota, CEO, Polygon Pictures; Melanie Beisswenger, professor/Animator, School of Art, Design and Media, Nanyang Technological University Singapore; and Boaz Livny, Principal/Author, Vision Animations Inc.
The event aims to foster the sharing of best practices, skills and know-how among specialised professionals and will also see the debut of the 20-Hours Speed Modelling Challenge and CGO Concept Design Challenge which will showcase the skills and creativity of CG professionals.
