IBC preview

WORLD: With radio, television and content delivery becoming an ever more important part of the regional industry, eyes will inevitably turn towards Amsterdam this coming weekend, as the world’s leading broadcasters travel to IBC 2010 to meet manufacturers eager to present groundbreaking new technology, and experts who are keen to discuss it. Not for nothing is each annual IBC viewed as a pivotal five days for the global broadcasting industry – the fact that this year’s keynote address is to be delivered by Manolo Romero, the managing director of Olympic Broadcasting Services and arguably the most powerful figure in sports broadcasting, is testament to that.

Nor is this year’s show likely to disappoint visitors. Inevitably, the cornerstone technology under discussion will be 3D cinema and television, but much will be awaiting audio professionals on the show floor of the RAI Centre as well.

Among them will be the Studer Vista 9 digital audio console, which is making its European debut at the exhibition. Described by the manufacturer as making ‘the most advanced user interface even better’, the console takes the Vistonics interface and adds a new widescreen TFT metering system. The resulting display boasts channel meters capable of showing mono through to 7.1 signals in the upper section of the screen, while the lower portion shows either buss assignments or an image of a surround sound composite for 7.1 applications. Also new to the Vista line is the popular Faderglow technology.

Elsewhere on the exhibition floor, German console manufacturer Lawo is sure to draw substantial numbers to its booth as it presents its new Sapphire digital on-air console for the first time anywhere in the world. Described by the manufacturer as boasting a ‘fresh design’, the launch of the desk also marks Lawo’s 40th anniversary.

Also being presented for the first time will be Version 7 of Pyramix Virtual Studio from Merging Technologies, which is being introduced as achieving ‘levels of productivity undreamt of previously’. How so? According to the developer, the software’s redesigned user interface plus a complement of new features have contributed to a ‘ground-up rebuild’ of the media management system.

Perhaps most tellingly, Christie is set to demonstrate its new 4K DLP Christie CP4230 cinema projector before it officially launches. The company is promoting its presence at the show by declaring that the display will mark the world’s first demonstration of a DLP cinema solution in 4K.

The intensity of product launches taking place this year at the RAI tied to the importance of the conference happening alongside them is a testament to the level of business opportunities now available in the global broadcast industry. As a result, IBC 2010 is arguably a more important date in the exhibition calendar than ever before. Look for full coverage in Pro Audio Middle East as the show unfolds.

www.ibc.org